Wildcats beat Ashbrook in first-place wrestling battle

GASTONIA — The North Gaston wrestling team handed Ashbrook its first conference loss, 46-29, on Tuesday to gain the inside track to the Big South 3A Conference championship.

North Gaston (20-7, 4-0 Big South) got wins from Ian Machamer (113 pounds), Jamie Barstrom (126), Eli Moody (132), Jordan Galyan (145), Brandon Anderson (152), Leonel Martell (160), Aaron Brooks (170), Collin Johnson (182) and James Freeman (195) to take sole possession of first place in the league with two matches remaining.

“Tonight was all about beating Ashbrook, and our kids were ready to do what they had to do,” North Gaston coach Beau Norwood said. “They wrestled extremely well and I’m proud of them.”

Norwood said the key moment was Anderson’s match at 152 with North Gaston leading 18-17. Anderson was facing Assael Mendoza, an opponent that had already defeated him previously this season, but Anderson got a pin to send the Wildcats on their way.

“We went on to pin the next three weight classes after that and that kind of took the wind out of their sails,” Norwood said.

North Gaston is now in position to win its first conference title since the 2007-08 season. The Wildcats can clinch a share of the championship Thursday at home against Forestview. North Gaston then wraps up the regular season Feb. 1 at Crest.

Ashbrook (3-1 Big South) visits South Point on Thursday, and then plays host to Kings Mountain on Feb. 1. The conference tournament is scheduled for Feb. 4 at Kings Mountain.