Eagles finish a strong third at Byers Invitational

Wrestling

     Midland had a strong performance in its own John Byers Invitational Tournament Saturday, Jan. 21 in Wyoming, taking third place out of 13 competing teams.

     The Southeast Polk JV was the tournament champion, with 226 points. Dubuque Senior was second with 148.5, and Midland was third with 146.

     The Eagles had three champions.

     Trevor Gudenkauf won the 120-pound championship, pinning Camden Baarda of the Southeast Polk JV in 5:10 in the finals. Griffen Gravel won the 126-pound title with a 6-5 decision over John Crowley of Tipton in the finals. At 220, Brett Schoenherr earned the crown with a 5-2 finals decision over Josiah Rowland of the Southeast Polk JV.

     Taking second were Kasper Heiken at 132 and Landon Hunter at 160. Ty’Rique Turman finished fourth at 285. In fifth were Brayden Gravel at 138 and William Klingenberg at 182. Jalen Huston was sixth at 170.

Girls basketball

     Midland was dealt three losses to Tri-Rivers Conference opponents in recent girls basketball action.

     The Eagles (2-3, 2-12) played host to Springville Jan. 9, and suffered a 57-26 loss. The Orioles took leads of 15-3 after one quarter and 32-10 at halftime.

     “Getting a chance to play number one in the state in your home gym is an opportunity that does not come around very often,” Becker said. “I was proud of the way the girls played. They did not get intimidated but really fought hard and played with great attitudes and outstanding effort.”

     Drew Jensen led Midland in scoring with eight points. Delanie Uppena had 10 rebounds.

     On Jan. 13, Midland traveled to Bellevue and lost 57-13 to Marquette Catholic. The Mohawks led 36-15 at halftime.

     Callie Markmann scored eight points and grabbed seven rebounds, while Eagle teammate Libertie Uppena had six points, nine rebounds and two blocks. Delanie Uppena had five steals; Emma Paulsen made three assists.

     “Marquette came out and played man-to-man defense and extended that out, and we just did not take care of the ball early on,” Becker said, noting the team committed 11 first quarter turnovers.

     Midland played a close one with Central City Jan. 14 in Wyoming, before losing 48-44. Neither team led by more than five points throughout the game.

     Jensen hit a game-tying three-point shot for the Eagles as regulation time ran out, sending the game into overtime. In the extra session, however, Central City was able to pull to a two-point lead, and made free throws down the stretch to seal the win.

     “It was a fun game to be a part of,” Becker said. “Discipline and being able to make shots and free throws are what are holding us back right now. Our defense overall is good enough to compete; we just need to fix those few lapses we have on that side, and then offensively trust each other and make a play.”

     Jensen finished with 14 points. Delanie Uppena had 10 points and 22 rebounds, including six offensive boards. Libertie Uppena and Markmann had five assists each. Markmann and Jensen had three steals apiece.