Tournament Finals Base

Saturday Semifinals # 1

#4 Taylor Gambill (Brother Martin) over #1 Cody Hill (Live Oak) 7-6

Brother Martin's Taylor Gambill had 32 wins before the Ken Cole. His only loss was to Rummel's Tyler Mire in the waning moments of the Trey Culotta finals. But as a freshman last season he started out on a 27-0 tear until faltering in the Louisiana Classic. Would the same thing hold true against the two-time defending Division II state champion and current Louisiana Classic champion Cody Hill of Live Oak?

A little controversy was had after a minute had passed in the first round. Hill was penalized a point for poking Gambill in the eye. In the remaining minute neither wrestler could gain an advantage and the round ended with Gambill ahead 1-0. On bottom to start the second period Gambill scored a quick escape to double his lead. In another 20 seconds Hill evened the match with a takedown but Gambill was able to escape immediately and regain a one point margin 3-2. Thwarting a Gambill double-leg shot, Hill spun around him for a takedown and a 4-3 lead as the period ended. In the third period it was Hill who escaped in the first three seconds to build his lead to 5-3. Theoretically, Hill could afford to be taken down and then score another quick escape for a one point win. The first part of that scenario came true when Gambill collapsed Hill's head and knee, bringing the Eagle wrestler to the mat for the tying points. What neither wrestler expected, but what Gambill took full advantage of, was the opportunity to put a nearside cradle on Hill to score two additional nearfall points. Gambill's lead was now 7-5. Hill escaped after getting out of Gambill's hold, but a mere 12 seconds remained and it was not enough time for even Hill to score a takedown against the fairly well-season Crusader. Gambill advanced to the finals with a 7-6 win.

Several people thought the penalty point awarded to Gambill in the first period was unwarranted and blamed that call for Hill's losing the match. But that is a vain argument. Hill had a two point lead and was on his feet in the third period. Many would consider that an insurmountable lead for one as skilled on his feet as Hill. He simply made a mistake and Gambill pounced on it. Despite his initial disappointment and possibly a wish that the match would have gone into overtime rounds, one can bet Mr. Hill knows full well the situation could have been avoided, and that he harbors no ill feelings about the match that he cannot blame on himself.

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