Hanover Central turned in a strong showing at the IHSAA Boys Semi-State with multiple podium finishes at East Chicago Central.
The semi-state was held Feb. 14 at East Chicago Central High School, where Hanover Central competed against top wrestlers from across the region in the Class A bracket.
Julian DeLuna placed third at 106 pounds, finishing 3-1 on the day. The junior opened with falls in the championship round of 16 and quarterfinals before dropping a semifinal bout. He responded with a 17-1 technical fall in the third-place match to secure the podium finish. At 132 pounds, Isaiah Buikema placed second, going 3-1. Buikema recorded a fall, a sudden victory decision and a 9-2 semifinal win before finishing runner-up in the championship match.
Joseph Paun also earned a second-place finish at 150 pounds. The freshman advanced with a fall, a major decision and a semifinal fall before placing second in the title bout. Israel Sinnott added a runner-up finish at 175 pounds, while Carter Hall placed fourth at 144 pounds. Carter Gary and Jack Dietz also competed for the Wildcats.
Hanover Central’s performance at semi-state positions several wrestlers for the next stage of postseason competition as the tournament advances.
