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CITY  (NewsDakota.com)–Hi-Liner wrestler Brandon Larson had a remarkable tournament at one of the top high school events in the nation.

Larson finished 3rd in the 195-pound class at the Rumble on the Red Tournament in Fargo last week, losing to the eventual champion, Minnesota’s Adam Josephson 4-2 in the semifinals.

Larson was one of five different wrestlers ranked first at their weight classes in their home states.  He defeated North Dakota’s second-ranked 195-pounder, Devils Lake’s Chris Sommer, by technical fall 20-3. 

He beat Stephen Ellis of Service High School in Anchorage, AK, by fall in the consolation semi-finals.  Ellis is a two-time defending Alaska state champion and ranked #30 in the US.  In the consolation final, he defeated Nathan Rotert of Spearfish, SD, 4-3.  Rotert is the top-ranked 195-pounder in South Dakota, and ranked fifth in the nation.

Hi-Liner Shane Undem was a round from placing, losing 6-5 to Grant Nehring of St. Cloud Appolo 1, and 6-4 in overtime to Andrew Keller of Medford.

Zach Doty and Steven Horner each brought home three wins for Valley City.  Reed Beckman also won a match for the Hi-Liners.  Valley City finished with 60.5 points, 26th overall, and fourth best from North Dakota.  West Fargo finished 3rd with 186 points, followed by Napoleon with 74.5 points, 18th overall, and Grand Forks Red River with 67.0 points, 19th.

Scott West of Minnesota finished 207 points.  Albert Lea was second 190.5  The tournament has won national awards for it’s talent calibre and organization.