Southern’s Gregory, Richardson advance in state wrestling tourney

Southern Vance seniors Xavier Gregory and Moses Richardson each advanced Thursday night to the second round of the NCHSAA 3-A state wrestling championships.

Gregory (40-2), the second-ranked 195-pounder in the state, won against Gastonia Ashbrook’s Alex Mendez by a 5-3 decision. He advances to face Rocky Mount junior Keyaad Cooley Friday. Cooley (29-6) is ranked tenth in the state.

Richardson (31-3) eliminated Jonah Swinson of Concord Robinson by a 7-4 decision and meets the top-ranked wrestler at 126 pounds in the state, senior Tyler Ross (45-3) of Jacksonville, Friday.

Northern Vance’s Travis Heath and J.F. Webb’s Omari Powell were both defeated and move on to the consolation round Friday.

Heath (24-8), a senior, lost to the top-ranked wrestler at 120 pounds, junior Troy Gregor (40-2) of Hickory Ridge.

Senior Powell (25-10) was defeated by Washington junior Devon Van Cura (38-3), ranked fourth at 160 pounds.