Tiger wrestlers compete in all-star events

Two Fort Scott High School wrestlers competed in senior all-star invitationals earlier this week. Monday night, seniors Denzell Davis and Justin Sharp competed at the First Annual SEK vs. SEMO Wrestling Classic at Labette Community College in Parsons. Wednesday, Davis took part in the 18th Annual Metro Classic at Kansas City Kansas Community College.

At Parsons Monday, Sharp, who finished fifth in Class 4A at 125 pounds this season, defeated Eric Hughes of Bolivar, Mo., by a score of 9-6. Davis, 4A State runner-up at 119 pounds was pinned by Missouri Class 3 112-pound State champion Joe Barnes of Neosho with 28 seconds remaining in the match.

Wednesday night at Kansas City, Logan Welch of Lexington, Mo., who who was Missouri State runner-up this season with a record of 48-3, defeated Davis by a 4-2 decision. The bout was described in a blog on the Kansas City Star's Web site as one of the best ones of the night. Welch appeared to injure a shoulder in the second period but was able to finish the match,

Team Missouri won the dual 36-27 over Team Kansas. Missouri clinched the dual by winning bouts in three of the top four weight classes.

Davis hopes to compete one more time this year at the National High School Coaches Association Senior National Tournament, which will be held in Virginia Beach, Va., March 25-27. The top eight finishers in each weight class at this event will earn All-American honors.

The Kansas team plans to depart for the tournament March 24. Contributions are needed to help offset costs and made be made to FSHS Wrestling at the high school.