The Velva boys wrestling team won its first two dual matches to advance to the state title dual before falling to Lisbon to finish runners-up at the Class B State Duals Tournament at the Fargodome on Saturday, Feb. 21.

The Aggies routed both Pembina County North, 58-12, in their quarterfinal dual and Carrngton, 51-16, in the semifinals. They won five matches against Lisbon in the title game, but the Broncos won eight matches and came away with the title in a 36-22 decision.

Lisbon won its first state title since 2022, when it won six straight. The Aggies were seeking their first dual tournament state title since winning three consecutive from 1984-86.

Velva registered six pins against PCN and also got a 9-1 major decision from Jarrett Bilby against Henry Kemnitz. The Aggies dropped their first three matches at 107, 114 and 121 to open their dual against Carrington, but won nine of the final 10. Easton Barstad, Lucas Soli, Emmit Lagge and Cade Okeson all pinned their respective opponents in less than a minute.

Velva flipped the script against Lisbon in the title match, winning the first three matches – two via technical falls – to open an early 16-0 lead. The Broncos responded by winning eight of the final 10. The Broncos recorded four pins, three decisions, two technical falls and one major decision.

The Minot United girls wrestling team lost its opening match to Grand Forks before ending on a high note with victories over Turtle Mountain and South Border to finish fifth at the State Duals Tournament at the Fargodome on Saturday, Feb. 21.

Minot United’s title hopes ended in the quarterfinal round, falling to Grand Forks, 42-33, sending them into the consolation side of the bracket. Minot United won their first five matches to grab a 27-0 lead, but Grand Forks rallied to win the next six matches – five via pin and one forfeit – to grab a 36-27 lead putting the match out of reach with just one Minot United wrestler left. Jade’ence Fletcher pinned Josie Vacura to pull within 30-27, but Minot United didn’t have a wrestler at 250 and had to forfeit the match.

Brooklyn Ost, Ella Brown, Monica Boakye and Madisyn Racine scored pins for Minot United and Khylie Schlotz recorded a 16-10 decision over Cadee Aipperspach.

Minot United rebounded and defeated Turtle Mountain, 51-24, and South Border, 57-18, to finish fifth. Minot United won nine of the 10 matches wrestled against Turtle Mountain. Ost, Brown, Boakye, Schlotz, Racine and Fletcher all picked up their second wins of the day. Fatimazahra Elbouab, Payton Russell and Riley Hanson all notched their first win of the tournament.

The same group was dominant again against South Border. Minot United recorded seven pins in the match, six coming in the first round and three decided in less than a minute.

Bismarck High won the dual tournament, defeating Lisbon in the title dual 41-30. The Demons defeated Pembina County North and Bismarck Legacy on their way to a title. Legacy finished third, defeating Grand Forks 46-29.

Class A boys saw a first-time champion in Bismarck Legacy, which ended Bismarck High’s seven-year title run with a 44-22 victory over the Demons in the title match. The Sabers recorded four pins, two technical falls, two decisions and a major decision

The Demons led 22-20 following back-to-back pins at 145 and 152 pounds. Legacy clinched the title by winning the final five matches.

The Sabers opened the tournament with a 72-0 victory over Devils Lake and advanced to the championship match with a 43-15 victory against Williston in the semifinals. The Demons took care of West Fargo Sheyenne, 54-16, in the opening round and squeezed past Fargo Davies, 35-32, in the semifinals.

Davies defeated Williston for third place and Bismarck Century topped Grand Forks Central for fifth.