Gloucester High School freshman wrestler Ethan Baker will head into the VHSL Class 5 State Tournament gunning for the title of state champion in the 132-pound weight class. Last week’s Region A competition, held at Kellam High School in Virginia Beach, saw the standout underclassman go undefeated and punch his ticket to states.

Baker, who entered the competition with a record of 32-6, was seeded high enough to receive a bye until the quarterfinals. Once in competition, he soundly defeated Blaine Sullins of Kempsville in a 12-3 major decision.

Moving on to the semifinals, Keshon Roundtree of Kecoughtan would give Baker his toughest match, a draining five-and-a-half-minute bout that finally saw Baker win by fall. He then learned he would face Jacob Michener of Bethel in the match for the 132-pound regional championship.

Baker would dispatch his opponent by fall in just over three minutes, locking up a first-place regional finish, 27 points for his team, and a state tournament be...