Wednesday, December 6, 2017

The conference season is in full swing in the ICCAC as two more conference duals take place this week.  Here's a look at both matchups:

No. 4 Iowa Lakes at No. 7 Iowa Western 

Iowa Lakes is off to a great start this season as the Lakers have already defeated conference opponents Iowa Central and NIACC. Last weekend, Iowa Lakes traveled to Storm Lake for the Buena Vista Open, where they had six wrestlers finish in the top five in their respective weight classes. Freshman Anthony Fisher took first place at the 141-pound division, while freshman Bumni Smith earned first place at the 165-pound division. 

Iowa Western, who defeated NIACC but lost to then top-ranked Ellsworth earlier this season, is also coming off a strong showing at last weekend's Buena Vista Open. Freshman Tatem Bluml took first place at the 125-pound weight class, while freshman Erik Salcido and sophomore Gage Orton finished at fifth place and seventh place in their respective divisions.

There are a few standouts to watch in this pivotal conference dual.  Iowa Western's D'Andre Brumfield is currently ranked third at the 133-pound weight class by Intermat. Iowa Lakes boasts the top ranked wrestler at the 184-pound weight class, as sophomore Isaiah Cox currently sits at the top of the list.  Expect a close matchup in the 125-pound division as the Reivers' Emmanuel Brown, ranked at No. 5, faces the Lakers' Hasan Krigger, who is ranked No. 8 in the NJCAA.

No. 10 Iowa Central at No. 12 NIACC

Iowa Central is still looking for its first conference dual win of the season as they head to Mason City on Wednesday to face NIACC.  The Tritons lost to Ellsworth and Iowa Lakes earlier this season. Last weekend, the Tritons participated in the Buena Vista Open, where three four different wrestlers took first place. Todd Small (133), Tyree Sutton (197), Yarhoski Aldiva (141), and Jordan Hill (Heavyweight) all finished at the top of their respective divisions.

NIACC is hoping to turn things around soon as they also are looking for their first conference dual win. The Trojans have already fallen to Iowa Western, Ellsworth and Iowa Lakes this season. In their latest ICCAC dual against Iowa Lakes, Noah Jackson (157), Sedrak Sheppard (197) and Jimsher Sidhu (285) each won their respective matches. 

Both teams have skilled wrestlers that are currently ranked in the top-8 in their weight classes by Intermat. Iowa Central's Todd Small is the top wrestler at the 133-pound division while the Trojans' Austin Anderly is ranked No. 1 at the 141-pound weight class.