3 Class 1A stars from Thursday’s Iowa boys’ state wrestling quarterfinals

DES MOINES — Here are three Gazette area Class 1A wrestlers who made waves in the quarterfinals of the Iowa high school boys’ state wrestling tournament Thursday at Wells Fargo Arena.

1. Brody Neighbor, Alburnett

The sixth-seeded Neighbor defeated North Linn’s No. 3 Cael Bridgewater, 9-3, in the Class 1A 138 quarterfinals. Neighbor avenged two previous losses, including a 9-5 decision at district.

⧉ Related article: Brody Neighbor highlights Alburnett’s strong state wrestling quarterfinal round

2. Cody Fox, East Buchanan

Fox wasted little time, pinning Wilton’s Alexander Kaufmann in just 42 seconds to reach the Class 1A semifinals at heavyweight. The No. 2 seed is 2-0 with two first-period pins.

3. Carlos Valenzuela, Highland

Valenzuela earned his first medal in two state appearances, pinning Dylan Stein of Lenox in 4:34 of the 132 quarterfinals. Valenzuela improved to 49-1 this year.

Comments: kj.pilcher@thegazette.com