Southern Tier Sports Report
VIRGINIA BEACH — Elmira senior Donavan Smith finished off his All-American run on a high note in the medal round to finish fifth here Sunday morning at the National High School Coaches Association High School Nationals.

Smith clinched All-American status Saturday, and put the finishing touches on his weekend with a 5-3 decision over Giovanni Alejandro of New Jersey in the fifth-place match in the Senior Division 145-pound bracket.

After a scoreless first period, Smith picked up a point on a “locked-hands” violation against Alejandro, and another on an escape in a matter of moments late in the second period to take a 2-0 lead.

Alejandro registered an escape early in the third period, and scored a takedown midway through the period to take a 3-2 lead, but Smith escaped moments later to tie the match at 3-3.

The two grapplers remained on their feet for the final 62 seconds, and the bout went to overtime.

Smith took a quick shot off the opening whistle of the sudden-victory period, and worked to improve his position, eventually scoring the takedown with 12 seconds remaining for the win.