Sectional triumphs for Libertyville's Gunther, Grant's Kantzler

If anyone wondered about Joey Gunther's state championship credentials, surely there can be little doubt now.

The Libertyville senior is on his way to a second consecutive trip to Champaign next weekend, where the Cats' top wrestler will be one of the favorites to win a title at 160 pounds on the floor of Assembly Hall.

Gunther (33-1) stated his case after a hard-fought victory over Sage Heller (43-3) of Deerfield. It's a second straight title here at the Barrington sectional for Gunther, ensuring him a top-four seed when the 12-man bracket.

"I wasn't too pleased with that 4-point move I gave up to get Heller a little closer in my match, but overall it was a very good final match for me, and one that I will now use going forward next weekend at state," said Gunther, who was sporting a bandage over a nasty cut he sustained on the bridge of his nose during his semifinal with James Corralejo (DeKalb). That bout ended by fall, sending Libertyville's returning state medalist into his final with Heller.

Heller was forced to chase the 7-1 lead Gunther had built after one period, but the Warriors junior surprised with a 4-point explosion to draw within 9-7 before Gunther extended his advantage to 10-7 with a late escape as the second period neared its end.

Starting in the down position to open the third period, Gunther easily escaped, then produced a strong effort down the stretch in an 11-7 triumph.

Libertyville's Mark Dunsing (35-7) will be on that same bus trip downstate following his third-place performance at 220 pounds, highlighted by a 5-0 victory over Christo Moran (Deerfield) in their state-qualifying bout.

"It wasn't the position I wanted to put myself in (coming back through wrestle-backs) to qualify, but right now I am thrilled to be in the state tournament next weekend," said Dunsing, who defeated 2014 state qualifier James Ford (36-4) of Prospect 4-2 to claim third-place honors.

Grant junior Christian Kantzler (29-8) shared the spotlight with Gunther following an impressive run to his 126-pound title. Kantzler will make a second straight appearance in Champaign thanks to an 8-2 victory over Robby Duh (34-8) of McHenry. Kantlzler slowly pulled away from Duh, a senior, midway through the third period to dash the hopes of a comeback.

"I was so aware of Duh's length and long arms going into my final, so I knew it was important to be smart, keep the match close, but then get a lead and not allow him to use his length at all during the match," said Kantzler, who was 0-1 last year during his first visit to Champaign. "Being downstate once already was a good experience, despite the result down there, and this year I am looking forward to using that experience to have much better results while I am there."

Kantzler will be joined by teammate Mike Kouvelis (39-9), who endured the stress and strain of coming back through wrestlebacks to secure a second straight visit downstate, this time at 152 pounds.

"My first two wins wrestleback wins were fairly easy (two pins), but before that state-qualifying match with (Tanner Anthony of Harlem), you begin to think about how this could be my last match ever if I lose, and how my career has come down to these final six minutes."

Not to worry, as Kouvelis defeated Anthony 4-0.

NSC tournament champion Stevenson will be sending two representatives downstate - senior Tyler Harrington (35-3) at 182 and Eric Carter, whose highly dramatic day on Saturday came to a wonderful ending.

Carter prevailed against Mundelein's Alec Riportella, who'd beaten him twice this season, along with Joey Stutzman of Lake Zuirch and Kenny Kerstein of Deerfield.

Stevenson coach Shane Cook watched Harrington, one of the best in the state in his class, fall to No. 4 Tyler Demoss in his final 10-3. The Pats' senior was brilliant in his semifinal bout with McHenry's Cam Pait (18-1), using a well-timed turn win 5-2 and send Pait crashing out of the front draw.

Demoss (34-0) had a little too much for Harrington as the Hononegah senior upped the tempo and pace during a 10-3 victory.

"Tyler ran into an exceptional opponent in his final, and Demoss showed why he is one of the best there is in the state with his effort," said Cook.

Libertyville sophomore Alex Mitchell (25-13) just missed out at 106 pounds, as did 2014 state qualifier Noah Drabek of Grant, who ended his career with a dazzling 43-6 record despite falling short in his bid to return downstate.

Sal Potts (Libertyville, 152), Justin Gilich (Grant, 160), Jordan McInerney (195, Libertyville) and heavyweight Jack Resnick of Grant all fell short in their state qualifying matches on Saturday.