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By KEVIN ECKLEBERRY

Daily New

Ladarrious Williams and Anthony Elliott came away with first-place finishes to lead the way for Callaway High’s wrestling team during Saturday’s Area 5-AA traditional tournament at Bremen.

Seven Callaway wrestlers finished fourth or higher to advance to the state sectional on Saturday.

It was the continuation of a successful season for Callaway that earlier participated in the state duals and posted a 1-2 record.

Callaway head coach Jason Boatman is proud of the way the wrestlers have handled the busy final month of the season.

“They’ve battled all year, and they’ve gotten better as the year went,” Boatman said. “I think they’ve handled the season this year better than last year as far as the grind. We’re finishing better as a team. We’re staying the course. I think mentally they might have got a little worn out last year because it was going through the dual process and everything. I think they’ve adjust well, and they’ve from last year. They’ve done awesome.”

In the area tournament, Williams took the top spot at 132 pounds, and Elliott placed first at 182 pounds.

Three Callaway wrestlers finish second, including LaQuize Gilbert (160 pounds), who lost for the first time this season.

Also placing second for Callaway were Bryson Brewer (138 pounds), Troy Helton (170 pounds) and Alan Shuman (195 pounds), and Caleb Woody (152 pounds) and Carson Woods (285 pounds) were third.

One Callaway wrestler who was unable to compete in the area tournament was Desmond Nunley, who wouldn’t compete because of an injury.

“Unfortunately he couldn’t go, but he was one that was really on the rise,” Boatman said. “He finished fourth at a really tough tournament last week. I hate it for him. He’s a young guy, and he’s going in the right direction figuring it out, and he’s gotten a lot better this year.”