Dexter's Ethan Stevens wins opener at state wrestling tournament

COLUMBIA, Mo. - Dexter junior Ethan Stevens remains in contention for a state championship following Day 1 action at the double-elimination state wrestling tournament at Mizzou Arena in Columbia, Mo.

Stevens improved to 32-0 Thursday when he won his Round of 16 match of the 170-pound weight class by decision (8-3) against Savannah sophomore Jermiah Glise (35-13).

Stevens is slated to wrestle Reed Springs junior Broden Lemaster in a quarterfinal Friday. Semifinal matches are slated for Friday night with championship matches for all weight classes Saturday.

10 other Dexter wrestlers suffered Round of 16 losses Thursday.

Dexter freshman Seth Harris (31-12) lost by fall (0:54) against Marshall freshman Dalton Landreth (39-3) in his Round of 16 match of the 106-pound weight class. Harris rebounded with a win by fall (2:59) against University City sophomore Elagbe Dorvio in his first wrestleback match. Harris' second wrestleback match is Friday against the loser of a quarterfinal between Sullivan senior Jacob Dixon (47-6) and Savannah sophomore Jake Huffman (42-9).

Dexter junior Gaven White lost by fall (2:19) against Oak Grove sophomore Shawn Kavadas in his Round of 16 match of the 126-pound weight class. White also lost by fall (3:00) against Buffalo sophomore Trenton Houston (38-11) in his first wrestleback match. White finishes his season with a record of 24-14.

Dexter junior Brandon Twomey lost by fall (0:51) against McCluer South-Berkeley junior Lawrence Woods (29-8) in his Round of 16 match of the 132-pound weight class. Twomey also lost by fall (1:35) against Oak Grove junior Brock Mercer (35-15) in his first wrestleback match. Twomey finishes his season with a record of 26-21.

Dexter junior James Mullins lost by fall (0:48) against Oak Grove senior Skyler Jackson (27-8) is his Round of 16 match of the 138-pound weight class. Mullins also lost his first wrestleback match by major decision (12-4) to Clinton junior Sam Bayless (37-10). Mullins finishes his season with a record of 15-12.

Dexter freshman Seth Rush (24-15) lost by fall (3:25) against Monett senior Jaron Beeson (39-16) in his Round of 16 match of the 145-pound weight class. Rush also lost his first wrestleback match by decision (5-3) against Kirksville senior Branden Beeler (31-19). Rush finishes his season with a record of 24-15.

Dexter junior Storm Massey (37-9) lost by fall (1:47) against Moberly senior Dominick Guthrie (41-4) in his Round of 16 match of the 152-pound weight class. Massey rebounded with a win by decision (8-1) against St. James senior Seth Thompson (35-22) in his first wrestleback match. Massey's second wrestleback match is Friday against the loser of a quarterfinal between Ste. Genevieve junior Austin Brewer (37-6) and Cameron sophomore Caleb Shanks (32-6).

Dexter senior Dylan Bazarian (30-6) lost by fall (2:46) against Richmond junior Tommy Wedgworth (36-10) in his Round of 16 match of the 160-pound weight class. Bazarian rebounded with a win by decision (7-6) against Osage junior Michael Henley (24-6) in his first wrestleback match. Bazarian's second wrestleback match is Friday against the loser of a quarterfinal between Fulton junior Andy Baysinger (25-6) and O'Hara senior Maverick Griffin (45-3).

Dexter junior Michael Hurst lost by fall (1:08) against McCluer South-Berkeley senior Jamal White (32-8) in his Round of 16 match of the 182-pound weight class. Hurst also lost his first wrestleback match by major decision (15-5) against Pleasant Hill sophomore Lane Jellison (35-18). Hurst finishes his season with a record of 28-11.

Dexter junior Jared Deal lost by fall (2:59) against Bolivar senior Isaac Long (23-15) in his Round of 16 match of the 220-pound weight class. Deal also lost his first wrestleback match by fall (3:16) to Smithville junior Trysten Snarr. Deal finishes his season with a record of 33-12.

Dexter senior Brandon Wick lost by fall (1:06) against Mexico freshman Terrese Aaron (34-15) in his Round of 16 match of the 285-pound weight class. Wick also lost his first wrestleback match by fall (1:34) to Osage senior Alex Weatherspoon (23-10). Wick finishes his season with a record of 22-24.

If Massey, Bazarian or Harris win their second wrestleback match Friday they will compete in their third wrestleback match Friday night.

Friday's results were not available for Saturday's print edition due to a 1 p.m. print deadline Friday because of inclement weather.