Jimmy Lafakis/MDN Bishop Ryan senior Corbin Okeson gestures to the crowd after winning a 182-pound individual semifinal in Fargo on Friday. Okeson defeated Hillsboro/Central Valley's Gavin Wright by a 10-8 decision.

FARGO — After yet another thrilling day of individual wrestling action, the Class A and B tournament fields were halved.

A talented crop of local wrestlers made the cut. Here’s a look at who will compete in the individual finals this evening.

Class A

Trevon McClanahan, Minot High (138)

Wrestling as the No. 3 seed, McClanahan asserted his dominance all tournament with a pin victory and two major decision wins. The senior did not relent for one moment in his match against No. 7 seed Tim Kadrmas of Legacy on Friday.

Although Kadrmas was an unfamiliar opponent, McClanahan used his ground game to his advantage and earned an 11-2 major decision win.

“Even though it’s my last season, it’s been great,” McClanahan said. “It’s been one of the best seasons. I can never forget it. I’m staying focused, finishing my shots and keeping a good lead.”

McClanahan will meet No. 1 seed Clay Radenz of Bismarck Century.

Chase Burke,

Minot High (160)

Burke captured a WDA title last weekend and kept the positive momentum rolling in Fargo. All three of his wins have come via decision.

On Friday, the junior edged out No. 3 seed Brandt Kringlie of Bismarck High. Burke kept his composure throughout a grueling match and walked away with the 3-2 win.

His level-headed attitude has served him well on the biggest stage.

“I’ve got to give it my all,” Burke said. “Hopefully, I can get the better of (the match). I’ll make sure I wrestle my hardest.”

Burke will face a tough test in No. 1 seed Parker Larson of Valley City.

Jacob Carmichael,

Minot High (195)

Minot’s senior bounced up and down in delight after capturing his semifinal victory. For the No. 2 seed, this afternoon’s opportunity marks a shot at redemption.

Carmichael finished in second place as a junior in the 182-pound weight class last year. After defeating No. 3 seed Jonah Schuldheisz of Valley City via a 13-4 major decision in today’s semifinal, Carmichael has something to prove.

The senior also feeds off the energy from his teammates.

“It’s amazing,” Carmichael said. “Now, it’s different because I face a kid who I’ve only wrestled once from the East. I love my team, and I love hyping them up. It would be a boring team if you weren’t family. My team is like family to me.”

In the championship, Carmichael will tangle with No. 4 seed Shane Kennedy of West Fargo Sheyenne.

Class B

Colin Dean,

Velva (106)

Dean’s sophomore year has certainly become a memorable one. After not wrestling in last year’s state tournament, the Aggie will get his first shot at a title this afternoon.

The No. 2 seed captured an 11-4 decision victory over No. 3 seed Carter Wallner of Lisbon on Friday evening. He pinned his first two opponents in 1:19 or less.

“It’s unreal,” Dean said. “I don’t even know what to say. Preparation is probably the biggest thing that helped me in my match. Getting ready, getting focused, knowing that I had to go out and beat this kid. That was the biggest thing, just working hard and practicing.”

No. 1 seed Cole Gerhardt of New Salem/Almont awaits Dean in the championship. The Aggies captured a 44-30 victory over the Holsteins in the Class B Dual Tournament’s third-place match.

Corbin Okeson,

Bishop Ryan (182)

The intensity of Okeson’s semifinal match was something to behold. The No. 1 seed dealt with a potent nosebleed and wrestled with three cotton balls in his nostrils.

Unfazed, the Ryan senior eventually earned two key points late and captured a 10-8 decision victory over No. 4 seed Gavin Wright of Hillsboro/Central Valley.

After the match concluded, an exasperated Okeson couldn’t wipe the smile off of his face.

“I was kind of scared, honestly,” Okeson said. “He was really good defensively. Shout-out to his coaches, because they did something right… I’ve worked so hard the last three years. I’ve worked as hard as I could every day, and I wasn’t about to let it all go down.”

Okeson and No. 2 seed Logan Sell of Oakes will square off in the championship. Last year, Okeson finished in second place at 182.

Coy Spooner,

Des Lacs-Burlington (195)

The No. 1 seed proved why he is a force to be reckoned with. After pinning his first two opponents, Spooner earned a 7-0 decision win over No. 5 seed Mitch Stuber of Bowman County on Friday evening.

A reigning champion, Spooner has defended his crown with fervor. He improved his flawless record to 43-0.

This afternoon, the DLB senior will face one final test — No. 2 seed Nathan Schauer of South Border.

Individual

Team Scores

Individually, Bismarck High has proved to be the cream of the Class A crop. The Demons lead the Class A Individual Team Tournament group with a whopping 200 points.

Minot has posted 108 points and has slotted themselves into second place.

Century is in hot pursuit in third place, as the Patriots have amassed 100.5 points.

South Border has affirmed themselves over the tournament’s first two days. The Mustangs have posted 168 points throughout the action and currently lead the Class B field.

Velva is in fifth place with 85 points, while Ryan is tied for tenth place with Ellendale/Edgeley/Kulm (49 points).

Jimmy Lafakis covers Minot High School sports and Class B high school sports. Follow him on Twitter @JJLII30.