CHAPEL HILL — The Person Rockets showed that they’ve come a long way since the beginning of the season even though they lost a 37-33 decision to PAC-6 foe Chapel Hill in the opening round of the Division 4A state wrestling playoffs Tuesday at the Chapel Hill gym.

The loss ended the Rockets’ season with a 23-7 overall team record. Regional and state individual competition commences next weekend after the duals playoffs have been completed.

Six Person wrestlers scored victories on Tuesday. Blake Wheeler (140 pounds), Patrick Stewart (145), C.J. Younger (160), and Kenzie Sherow (103) won their matches by pin, while Will Hutson (130) earned a win in his bout. Gerald Pollard was victorious by forfeit in the 119-pound weight class.

“It was a good match. We definitely got their attention,” said Person head coach Mark Litchfield. “All the matches were close. It was good to see our kids get an opportunity to wrestle in the playoffs.”