Jefferson's Moncivais posts podium performance

DES MOINES - Cedar Rapids Jefferson's Michael Moncivais was projected to finish sixth in his district tournament, but earned a top-six finish at the state tournament.The J-Hawks 132-pound junior pinned Storm Lake's Juan Figueroa in 4:29 of the Iowa High School Athletic Association Class 3A quarterfinals Friday at Wells Fargo Arena. Moncivais (33-11) opened the tournament Thursday with a pin over Iowa City West's Tristen Bowers."It couldn't happen to a nicer kid and harder worker," Jefferson co-head coach Dick Briggs said. "He's a very hard-working kid."Moncivais placed third at district the last two years and earned his first state berth this season. He moved back up to 132 after a period at 126, and has five straight pins in the postseason."Michael is very excited," Briggs said. "He's on a roll right now."I think he's starting to believe in himself and his ability."He has a tough test in the semifinals with Bettendorf's top-ranked Logan Ryan (39-5).