Paloma Valley wrestlers excel in two big tournaments

Members of both the boys and girls wrestling teams at Paloma Valley High School performed well at prestigious tournaments on Saturday.

Elijah Benavidez finished in the top 12 at the Doc B Invitational at Clovis High School. In all, 10 Wildcats were invited to the Doc B, one of the toughest tournaments in the nation with a field of top wrestlers from all around the country. Benavidez beat two higher ranked state opponents to finish in the top 12.

Also invited to the Doc B Invitational were Darius Corcuera, Cristian Mier, Jose Jimenez, Aiden Platte, Javon Major, Daniel Diaz, Ben Sohrab, Simon Flores and Chris Flores.

In the 23rd annual Napa Valley Classic at Vintage High School, Makayla Correa of the girls team pinned her way into the finals in a field of top state competitors. Karissa Turnwall beat two wrestlers who placed higher than her at state before losing in the finals to the Colorado state champion. Karissa remains unbeaten against California opponents this season.