Hampshire Regional wrestling team triumphs over Gateway

HUNTINGTON — The Hampshire Regional wrestling team defeated Gateway in dominant fashion on Wednesday night, winning 54-0.

With just three active wrestlers on Wednesday, the Gators struggled to keep up with the firepower from the Raiders. The group lost each bout on the night, but is looking forward to the future.

“As of right now, in-season matches are practice; what counts right now is Western Mass sectionals,” Gateway head coach Brandon Daniels said. “So all we have to do is prepare for sectionals and be ready to give it all we have.”

Ezekiel Jimenez took home the win at 113 pounds for Hampshire, with Mathew Daniels being pinned at the 0:27 mark of the second period.

Alex Florek defeated Calvin Cravier at 132 pounds for the Raiders, earning a pin at 0:41 in the first period.

Tristan Somes was the last wrestler to not win by forfeit on Wednesday, pinning Parker McLaughlin at 1:06 in the first period.

“I’m pretty happy the way the team’s been working,” Hampshire head coach Don Willard said. “… I have a couple of kids that were in my J.V. lineup, that we’re bringing into varsity spots right now. So it’s getting pretty cool trying to fill up everything.”

Six other wrestlers won by forfeit for the Raiders on Wednesday, leading to the lopsided final score.

With the win, Hampshire looks to continue the positive momentum into its next meet against Southwick at home on Wednesday, Jan. 21, at 6:15 p.m.

Gateway will be back at home on Wednesday, Jan. 21, looking to bounce back against John J. Duggan at 5 p.m.

“The varsity lineup has been placing at most of the tournaments that we go to,” Willard said. “We’ve been top five for most of them. It gives me confidence knowing that they’re all working together to know where we’re going for our individual tournaments, and for our duals, our win count is higher wins than not.”

“It makes me hopeful for Western Mass. to see what we’ve got going,” Willard continued. “Whether the kids are in eighth grade or 12th grade, they’re all having really good success on the mat.”

Frontier 54, PVCICS 24 — The Redhawks picked up five pins and four wins by forfeit on Wednesday.

Michi Como (113), Jocelyn Antes (120), Konnor James (157), Jacoby Merrill (165) and Max Hunter (285) each won their bouts by pin.

Boys basketball

Agawam 68, Amherst 66 — The Hurricanes came up just short in their comeback effort on Wednesday.

Gael Buford finished with a team-high 24 points in the loss, making nine shots from the field.

Mitchell Carey tallied 20 points of his own, while Samuel Woodruff rounded out the scoring with 16 points on the night.

Girls basketball

Belchertown 51, Chicopee 39 — The Orioles’ offensive explosion in the fourth quarter for 25 points led to an impressive comeback victory on Wednesday night.

Aubrey Klingensmith all scorers with a game-high 19 points for Belchertown, hitting a trio of 3-pointers.

Kina Roy also knocked down three 3-pointers, finishing in double figures with 12 points for the Orioles.

Granby 61, Smith Academy 29 — The Rams got out to a big second-quarter lead on Wednesday, maintaining it throughout the rest of the game.

Kalli White led all scorers with 21 points for Granby, with Brenna Moreno tallying 16 of her own.

Sophia Jagodzinski scored a team-high 10 points for Smith Academy in the loss.

Swimming

Northampton 105, Ludlow 25 (girls) – The Blue Devils dominated the water on Wednesday night in a convincing victory.

Clara Bloomenthal came in first place in the 200 freestyle (2:17.17) and the 100 backstroke (1:12.74), while Safia Abdul-Knerr took the top spot in the 100 fly (1:13.09) and the 500 freestyle (5:43.78).

Sonam Tsomo nabbed first in the 200 individual medley (2:54.75), and Zadie Dole won the 100 breaststroke (1:26.84) while Northampton combined to win all three relays uncontested.

Ludlow 81, Northampton 61 (boys) – The Blue Devils had less success on the boys side, losing a tight contest.

Taj and Mazen Abdul-Knerr led the way, with Taj winning the 50 freestyle (26.12) and the 500 freestyle (5:19.05). Mazen came in first place in the 100 backstroke (58.75) and the 100 breaststroke (1:12.68).

Cole Mattison-Gulotta grabbed the top spot in the 200 freestyle (2:11.06).