Dexter Wrestlers Gain Split on First Day of State Finals

Dexter freshman Steven Bleise (49-5) advanced to the quarterfinals at the MHSAA individual wrestling finals at The Palace of Auburn Hills on Thursday.

Bleise defeated Greenville’s Mike Schmidt (43-14), 8-5, in the opening round of the Division 2 112-pound division.

Dexter’s other state qualifier, Drew Barnes, wrestling at 152 pounds, lost a 13-11 slugfest to Lansing Waverly’s Thomas Houston.

Schmidt scored three points toward the end of the match, but Bleise was in full control for most of it. Still, the freshman, who won the Division 2 regional title two weeks ago, said he needs to be better.

“I was a little slow in the first period and could have done a little better. I’ve got to get focused on getting to my attacks a little more often,” Bleise said. “That was all right, but it’s going to take a lot more to become a state champion.”

Bleise faces Allegan’s Austin Kelley (44-11) in his quarterfinal match Friday. Kelly won his opening-round match, 8-6, over Allen Park’s Jake Polenciewicz.

Barnes (48-8) gave up the first takedown in his match but battled back to tie the match twice in the first period. But Houston took control in the second period, gaining a 10-4 advantage.  Early in the third, Barnes was down 12-6 when he started his comeback. He escaped for a point and then scored two more with a takedown, to make it 12-9. With time a factor, Barnes released Houston and then gained two more points with a takedown. Barnes was working frantically for more points when time expired.

Barnes needs two wins tomorrow to reach the podium. He begins the day with a match against Shakeim Higgins (45-5).