Scouting the Merrillville Wrestling Semistate

When: 9 a.m. Saturday; finals, 4:30 p.m. (approximate).

Advancement: The top four wrestlers in each weight class advance to the state finals Feb. 17-18 at Bankers Life Fieldhouse, Indianapolis.

Local wrestlers to watch: Chesterton — Chris Katsafaros (152, 30-4); Crown Point — Darden Schurg (113, 34-1), Jason Tsirtsis (145, 34-0), Dusty Schurg (160, 31-3), Morgan Kral (182, 33-6), Matt Langbehn (195, 26-5), Tyler Kral (220, 34-1), Josh Swope (285, 30-7); Hanover Central — Stevan Micic (106, 39-0), Paul Petrov (120, 39-0), Charlie Mavros (145, 32-2); Hobart — Aaron Ayala (126, 27-6), Patrick Manning (132, 25-8), Tony Vasquez (138, 29-4), Scottie Sopko (160, 29-3); Lake Central — Kyle Ayersman (126, 44-0), Gelen Robinson (220, 41-3); Lowell — Alex Mavros (132, 25-9), Mitch Roadruck (138, 31-5), Jeremy Crocker (170, 35-2); Merrillville — Mike Garza (106, 32-6), Adam Brodie (113, 30-11), Adam Garcia (120, 29-2), Al Padilla (132, 34-7), Matthew Hollins (145, 17-10), Zach Sandefur (152, 34-10), Bobby Steveson (160, 32-1), Darryl Peppers (170, 34-6), Kourtney Berry (195, 25-0), Michael Nickson (220, 32-6); Morton — Fabian Durant (285, 26-1); Munster — Dominic Fimbianti (182, 35-1); Portage — Julian Torres (126, 30-5); River Forest — Isaac Rentas (138, 37-4).

Fast facts: Josh Fuqua (C.P.), Ayersman, Tsirtsis and Berry are returning local champions. Tsirtsis is vying for his fourth semistate title. Merrillville had nine regional champions; Crown Point seven.