SARATOGA SPRINGS — The Ballston Spa varsity wrestling team continues to roll, with the Scotties capturing first place in the Saratoga Invitational on Jan. 7.
Ballston Spa’s team score of 182.5 points put them on top, finishing ahead of second-place Shenendehowa (168.5 points). Saratoga, the host school, placed third with 138.5 points.
Scottie seniors Darrien Insogna and Connor Gregory each won the finals in their respective weight classes. At 215 pounds, Insogna pinned Garrett Bidwell of Windsor High School at 3:53. Gregory, wrestling at 160 pounds, earned a forfeit victory over Windsor’s Mason McCombs in the finals.
Ballston Spa’s Ralph Keeney also advanced to the finals at 110 pounds, losing an 11-1 major decision to Luke Satriano of Valley Central. Tristan Hinchcliff and Cameron Hinchcliff, wrestling at 118 and 126 pounds, respectively, each won the consolation finals in their weight classes.
Eighth-grader James Capasso also advanced to the consolation finals at 145 pounds, falling via pin to Shen’s Davin Leavey at 4:20. Brennan Livingston, at 189 pounds, lost to Glens Falls’ Nathan Phipps in the consolation finals.
Saratoga sophomore Taylor Beaury, at 126 pounds, won the finals by earning a 6-0 decision over Averill Park’s Jacob Hanlon. Senior Lorenzo Paleschi, wrestling at 189 pounds, advanced to the finals before falling via pin to Whitehall’s Troy Austin at 2:19.
At 152 pounds, Saratoga senior Gordon Murray won the consolation finals with a 7-4 decision over Ryan McManman of General Brown High School. Danny Dacey fell in the consolation finals at 132 pounds to Averill Park’s Jamie Bartlett via pin at 4:57, while Patrick McKinley lost to Lansingburgh’s Jayden Morales by a 3-2 decision at 215 pounds.
Ballston Spa (5-0 Suburban Council) resumed league play on Wednesday, hosting Averill Park (4-1 SC). Saratoga, also 4-1 in the Suburban Council, hosted Shaker (2-3 SC) on Wednesday. Both matches concluded after press time.
