Girls wrestle at sectional meet

Connor makes statement for Lady Mavericks

February 21, 2024 by Ken Lay

Anderson County High School’s girls wrestling team concluded its 2023-24 season last week at the sectional championships in Johnson City Friday night.

The Lady Mavericks had four grapplers, including three seniors, in contention for berths in the 2023-24 state championships, which will be contested this weekend at the Williamson County Expo Center in Franklin.

ACHS senior Kennley Reid, who competes in the 138-pound weight class, came up just short of making a trip to the Midstate this weekend. Reid has been wrestling for six years, first taking up the sport in middle school.

“Kennley was one win away from making it to the state,” Anderson County coach Matt Slone said. “She did well.”

Reid was one of three seniors that ended their high school careers in North East Tennessee on Friday. Brianna Merryfield (145 pounds) and Emily Fairbank (114), concluded their high school careers at the sectionals.

Freshman and first-year wrestler Danielle Connor made a big impression at her first-ever sectional championships appearance. Connor, who competes in the 120-pound weight class, took the eventual sectional champion to overtime.

“I was really impressed with her,” Slone said of Connor. “She really impressed me because she took the girl who ended up winning the tournament to overtime.”