Alejandro Duarte executes a single chicken wing arm bar and is getting ready to turn his opponent over during Friday action at the Class 1A Boys State Wrestling Tournament. [Photo by KHS Athletic Department]

After winning two consecutive matches in the consolation (wrestleback) bracket at the IHSA Boys State Wrestling Meet in Champaign, Kewanee wrestler Alejandro Duarte is guaranteed a fifth or sixth place medal today after he faces Nolen Yeary (39-8), a senior from Stanford Olympia. 

Duarte lost his bid for an opportunity to wrestle for a third place medal after losing to Jude Beers (43-3), a senior from Johnson City, by the slimmest of margins (a 4-2 decision) in the wrestleback semifinals. 

Duarte’s final match on Saturday at the State Farm Center will mark his sixth match of the three-day tournament. 

Alejandro Duarte (40-6), junior – 215 lbs

Alejandro won his first round match Thursday against Brandon Turner (43-8), a junior from Frankfort, by pin at 1:38 to earn a spot in the quarterfinals. 

In Thursday night’s quarterfinals action, Duarte went the distance against Chris Peura (46-4), a senior from Seneca, but lost a hard-fought 6-5 decision. 

Second Round – wrestleback bracket

Duarte won by pin over Nelson Rider (42-9), a senior from Carmi (White County) (@ 1:56)

Third Round – wrestleback bracket 

Duarte won by pin over Aiden Fisher (40-13) of Orion (@ 1:24)

Fourth Round – wrestleback (semifinals)

Jude Beers (43-3) of Johnston City won by decision over Alejandro Duarte (Dec 4-2)

Finals (fifth place) 

Alejandro Duarte (40-6) will face Nolen Yeary (39-8), a senior from Stanford (Olympia). 

Jamal Lasenby in action during first round wrestleback competition at the State Farm Center in Champaign. [Photo by KHS Athletic Department]

Jamal Lasenby, senior (18-7) – 175 lbs

Kewanee senior Jamal Lasenby’s inspiring and short-lived wrestling career came to a close on Friday after recording his second loss of the tourney. 

Lasenby’s final opponent, James Keigher (34-16), a senior from Coal City, defeated Lasenby (18-7) by a decision of 10-6.