CHAPEL HILL - Cary ruled the Tiger Holiday Wrestling Classic for the second consecutive year, winning three individual championships en route to the team title in the two-day event that concluded Friday.

The Imps totaled 206 points in the high-profile event at Chapel Hill High, easily outdistancing runner-up Cinnaminson, N.J. (184.5).

"This is good for us," said Cary coach Jerry Winterton, now in his 27th season at Cary. "This is tougher than a state tournament because there's so many different states represented here. There are teams here from various classifications, and private schools. It gives us a chance to wrestle different styles."

Thirty-five teams from six states wrestled in the event.

Virginia Beach (Va.) Cox and New Orleans Jesuit were tied for third with 126.5 points. Green Hope, powered by Miles Shaw's championship at 160 pounds, finished fifth with 125.5 points.

Defending heavyweight state champion Eloheim Palma of Cary improved to 32-0 with a 10-6 decision over Cinnaminson's Justin Embler in the championship match.

Cary's Justin Koren won the 140-pound championship with a major decision against Josh Bressler of Princeton Claremont Academy in Accokeek, Md.

The Imps' Brendon Parker-Risk claimed the 145 title by pinning 2006 state runner-up Savva Kostis of Boone Watauga.

Cary's Gabe Brotzman was runner-up at 152, losing 3-1 to Grayson Hutson of Irmo, S.C. It was Brotzman's first loss this season.

Green Hope's Shaw earned the 160-pound championship, improving to 34-1 on the season.

In other results, Northern Durham's Kyle Burke claimed the 215-pound championship with an 8-5 decision over Green Hope's Preston Mitchum.

At 130 pounds, Jacob Creed of Jamestown Ragsdale and Chapel Hill's Corey Mock continued their annual rivalry.

The pair had two prior meetings in different weight classes in 2005 and 2006, with Creed winning both times. On Friday, Creed held off Mock 4-1. Both Mock, the son of UNC wrestling coach C.D. Mock, and Creed are looking to become North Carolina's first four-time state champions.

Chapel Hill's Devon Evans finished fifth at heavyweight, helping the Tigers to a seventh-place finish, their best showing ever.