Matt Vines

STONEWALL – Five North DeSoto girls powerlifters earned the right to participate at the state championships based on their performance at the regional meet.

The Lady Griffins were most successful in the lower weight classes with four lifters at 132 pounds or lighter.

Senior Briley Pendleton (105-pound weight class) totaled 605 pounds in her three lifts (245 squat, 95 bench press, 265 dead lift).

Junior Abby McInnis (114 weight) lifted a combined 570 (225-100-245).

Junioe Anna Giddens (123 weight) hoisted a combined 630 pounds (230-115-285).

Junior Kinsey Reynolds (132 weight) totaled 635 pounds (260-110-265).

Freshman Jaliyah Brown represented the Griffins in the 165-pound class, lifting a combined 725 pounds (280-135-310).

Lifters had to finish in the top 10 in the state in their respective weight classes. All of North DeSoto’s qualifying lifters finished in the top six, meaning they are seeded to score points at the state meet if they replicate their regional efforts.

The Division II powerlifting state meet is March 22 at the Cajundome in Lafayette.

Three other North DeSoto lifters came close to qualifying for state.

Senior Kennedi Berthelot (148 weight class) placed 12th as her 620 total finished 35 pounds off the mark.

Junior Jhori George (super heavy weight) finished 13th as her 665-pound effort was 20 pounds out of contention.

Junior Yazmin Ferguson (165 pounds) placed 14th and just 15 pounds out of state qualifying with her 575 pounds.