When Mykal Deherrera arrived at Delta High School as a freshman, he considered himself a basketball player.

After playing on the hardwood his freshman season, he decided to give wrestling a try.

Heading to the mat wasn't too unfamiliar though.

"I had wrestled when I was little, but didn't plan on doing it as I got older," says Deherrera.

Deherrera has reintegrated himself into wrestling rather well though.

With a record of 34-1 this season, the senior finds himself ranked as the #1 wrestler in the state in 103 lbs.

As a result, Deherrera is considered the favorite to win the state championship this weekend in Denver.

"I don't pay too much attention to that because rankings don't mean much, but I've been working hard," he says.

Delta coach, Clayton Curtis believes in Mykal's ability.

"He's got a great shot I think, and it's good to see him develop into what he's become," says Curtis.

If Deherrera wins the state title, it will be the first time in eight seasons a Panther has been crowned state champion.

Deherrera and the rest of the Panthers will be in action Friday and Saturday at the State Wrestling Tournament at the Pepsi Center in Denver.