{"id":33796,"date":"2026-02-15T07:39:00","date_gmt":"2026-02-15T12:39:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/wzbd.com\/?p=33796"},"modified":"2026-02-16T19:56:34","modified_gmt":"2026-02-17T00:56:34","slug":"six-so-sweet-braves-have-outstanding-day-at-semi-state","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/wzbd.com\/index.php\/2026\/02\/15\/six-so-sweet-braves-have-outstanding-day-at-semi-state\/","title":{"rendered":"Six so sweet: Braves have outstanding day at semi-state"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

DANE FUELLING<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

WZBD.com<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Photos by Dane Fuelling, August Fuelling & Kristen Kaehr<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

FORT WAYNE – It was a good day to be a Brave Saturday. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Grady Baker put his wrestling career on the line Saturday at the Coliseum and extended it for one last run next week in Indianapolis. (Photo by Dane Fuelling)<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Already enjoying a record-breaking state tournament series, with a record number of regional qualifiers (14) and semi-state qualifiers (12), the Braves were able to push more wrestlers into the State Finals than any other team in the Coliseum with six. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Xavior Palacios claimed the individual title at 190 and the Braves placed third overall, losing the overall lead to Delta midway through the day. The Eagles simply could not have wrestled better on their way to the team title – they won all 20 matches – and they’ll take a 30-bout winning streak into Gainbridge Fieldhouse. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Returning to state along with Palacios was Henry Faurote, who will make his third trip in his junior season. Palacios will be joined by senior teammates Sam Wolpert and Grady Baker, while Faurote will be joined by his little (well, younger) brother, Charlie in Indy. Gabe Myers will provide the sophomore class with representation as the Braves put wrestlers from all four grades into next weekend. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Gabe Myers grabs the opening takedown in his ticket round match at 144. (Photo by Dane Fuelling)<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

While that means the Braves will graduate a great class, they’ll also next year with three returning state qualifiers and nine guys who have wrestled at semi-state already in their careers. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Xavior Palacios spoke with the broadcast crew after capturing the semi-state title Saturday. <\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

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Team Scores: Delta 142.5, North Miami 119, Bellmont 114, Garrett 99, Adams Central 68.5, East Noble 62, Homestead 52.5, Wawasee 50.5, Carroll (FW) 47.5, Leo 45, New Haven 43, Cowan 42, Maconaquah 33.5, Angola 32, Eastside 29.5, Concord 23, South Adams 22, Western 22, Yorktown 22<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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In this advanced stage of the tournament, we will summarize the Bellmont day by individuals.<\/p>\n\n\n\n