Three Christian County wrestlers won their matches Saturday at the Fifth Annual All-Star Wrestling Duals Classic at Scott High School in Taylor Mill. The event was an invitation only competition and featured some of the state’s top wrestlers who weren’t busy with other sports.
Defending state champion Jakerion Merritt won his match in the 145-pound class over Paducah Tilghman’s David Conner 17-4. Merritt won the 132-pound class last year and is the preseason No. 1 in the 145-pound class this year. Conner, who wrestled at McCracken County last year, is the preseason No. 3.
Neal Aldridge took down Campbell County’s Ron Shackleford 5-1. Aldridge is the preseason No. 5 in the 160-pound class. Shackleford is the preseason No. 3 and finished sixth in the state in the weight class last year.
In the 220-pound class, Niko Bussell had little trouble with Paducah Tilghman’s Logan Deasel, claiming a 12-0 win. Bussell was the runner-up in the 220-pound division last year and enters as the preseason No. 1 this season. Deasel, who wrestled at McCracken County last year, is the preseason No. 4 in the 220-pound class.
Christian County is ranked No. 3 as a team in the preseason and opens their 2019-20 campaign December 7 at the King of the Bluegrass in Louisville.
(PHOTOS BY ROB RAYMOND)
