Sports briefs

Boardman’s John Dillon placed at the Division I state tournament for the third straight year, taking sixth last weekend in Columbus.

In 2009, Dillon finished third at 103 pounds and took fourth in 2010 in the 125-pound weight class. On Saturday, the junior finished sixth at 119 pounds

After winning his opening round match on Thursday 15-0 via technical fall, Diillon advanced the semifinals y with a 7-5 victory in the quarters Friday morning.

About seven hours later in the semis, Dillon sprained his LCL during his match against Cincinnati LaSalle’s Max Byrd and went on to lose the match 3-2 to drop into the consolation bracket.

On Saturday, he lost 6-3 to Twinsburg’s Del Vinas. A win in that match would have given Dillon an opportunity to wrestle for third place. Instead, he was eligible to battle for fifth place against Hilliard Davidson’s Angelo DiSabato.

But Dillon’s injury was severe enough that he elected not to compete in that match, taking a medical default loss and finishing sixth in the state.

The three-time state placer finished the season 39-4.

Boardman’s other state qualifiers, sophomore Nick Mancini (103) and junior Nico Graziani (152), did not place.

“We started strong, but Saturday was probably our most difficult day at state since 2005,” said coach Dom Mancini. “Still, that’s why they call it state, you’re competing against the best in Ohio so nothing is ever easy. There’s always mixed emotions when you leave Columbus, but the good news is all three get at least one more chance at it. Hopefully, we’ll get it done right next year.”