Wrestling: Sussex County preview capsules

High Point Wildcats

Coach: John Gardner (377-107-2, 23rd season).

2019-20 record: 15-4, 4-0 NJAC Freedom Division (first), North 1, Group 2 and Group 2 champions.

Returning starters (10): Jr. Clayton Utter (32-7, D1, R3) 113; So. Roman Citro (13-5) 120; Jr. Charles Antcliff (16-14) 120; Sr. Josh Gervey (37-9, D2, R2, S6) 138; Jr. Noah Ripley (9-21) 182; Jr. Brian Soldano (38-1, D1, R1, S1) 182; Sr. Alex Buchwald (11-4) 182; Sr. Sean Van Wingerden (16-13, D2) 195; Sr. Troy Van Orden (7-8) 220; Sr. Justin Klass (16-17, D2) 285.

High Point celebrates its G2 title in 2020.

Key losses: Devon Liebl (40-7, D2, R2) 126; Billy Talmadge (42-5, D1, R3, S5) 138-145; PJ Soldano (24-13) 182.

Key returnees: So. Ryan Mangano (1-11) 106; Jr. Andrew Brevot (4-10) 132; Sr. Nick Douma (2-1) 132; Sr. Clay Sytsema (4-9) 145; So. Shane Woolf (6-5, injured) 160; Jr. Troy Tiger (3-11) 170; Sr. Robert Juliano (4-6) 285.

Promising newcomers: Fr. Carson Citro 106; Fr. Ty Woods 120; Fr. Eli Nosal 126; Fr. Dalton Yetter 138; So. Will Gomez 145; Jr. Alfred Castellani 182; So. Arik Hums 285.

Outlook: 'Cats rebounded from a tough loss in the 2019 Group 2 final to claim the program's fourth straight sectional title and its sixth state championship. Given what's returning, there's little doubt that Gardner's crew would be the Group 2 favorite again if there were team tournaments this season. The lineup is full of talent starting with returning state champ Soldano and Gervey, who had a breakout year capped with a sixth-place state medal. Woolf, a former New Jersey Grade School League champion, is back after sustaining a season-ending knee injury early into his freshman campaign. The upper weights, which were a bit of a weakness in spots last season, will be formidable with Soldano jumping up two classes. The schedule, as always, is tough, though a dual with Southern was canceled early with the 'Cats shut down until next week due to COVID-19. As it stands, the season opener will be at Kittatinny on March 25. Independent matches against Hunterdon Central (March 27), Phillipsburg (April 10) and North Hunterdon (April 15) will go a long way in deciding the area's No. 1 team ranking.

Hopatcong Chiefs

Coach: Eric Fajerman (130-337-3, 21st season).

2019-20 record: 2-20, 1-3 NJAC Colonial Division (fourth).

Returning starters (4): Sr. Andrew Costa (20-7, D3) 145; Sr. Frank Mastroeni (12-9, D4) 152; Jr. Tommy Feinberg (8-16) 160; Jr. Mike Mastroeni (missed 2019-20 season, 24-10, D2, R6 in 2018-19) 170.

Key losses: Freddie Gonzalez (21-13) 120; Sean Cranmer (11-7, D4) 145-152; Alex Feinberg (17-12, D4) 195.

Promising newcomer: Fr. Blake Brown 120.

Outlook: Chiefs continue to be hampered by low numbers and the program has produced just 23 wins over the previous nine campaigns. There are several individuals eyeing postseason success, including Mike Mastroeni, who was a round shy of reaching states as a freshman.

Kittatinny Cougars

Coach: John Gill (595-194-5, 41st season).

2019-20 record: 14-6, 2-2 NJAC Freedom Division (T-second), North 1, Group 1 runner-up.

Returning starters (9): Jr. Shane Nelson (19-1) 120; So. Anthony Ferrari (16-15, D3) 113; So. Chris Casale (14-16, D2) 132; So. Andrew Knutelsky (9-15) 138; Sr. Patrick Franco (11-7, D2) 145; Jr. Steve Dalling (21-14, D1, R6) 152; Jr. Brycen Mafaro (30-8, D1, R2) 182-195; Sr. Jackson Crawn (35-4, D1, R2) 220-285; Jr. Ty Eldred (25-10, D3) 220-285.

Key losses: Gian Knippenberg (12-19, D4) 160; Jr. Evan Raposo (11-18, transferred to Pa.) 170; Robert Bruce (30-8, D2, R5) 195.

Key returnees: Jr. Avery Yeager (2-3) 138-145; Sr. Connor Hanna (4-14) 152; Sr. Craig Molfetto (4-17) 152-170; Jr. Jack Merrill (1-9) 170; Sr. Tyler Sweatt 170-182.

Promising newcomers: Fr. Liliana Zaku-Ramos 106; Fr. Dylan Zupkay 113; Fr. Jacob Savage 126; Fr. Bryce Coesfeld 138; Fr. Tucker Lockburner 182.

Outlook: Cougars are coming off a runner-up finish in the section and are two years removed from a Group 1 finals appearance. With no team tournaments this season, the focus will be on improving during the dual season and getting a few more individuals to states. Crawn, a four-year starter, is the team's top wrestler and was a round shy of earning a state medal last season. Once again the upper weights hold the key and Gill willl have some flexibility once Eldred gets down to 220. Nelson, a Hunterdon-Warren-Sussex Tournament finalist, has been one of the area's best lower weights the previous two seasons, but injuries forced him to miss the individual postseasons. The lower weights are very inexperienced otherwise, but the middle lineup should be solid with Franco and Dalling, and the arrival of Coesfeld, a New Jersey Grade School League champion. Savage is another promising ninth-grader as he beat Ferrari in a recent wrestle-off. Gill is five wins shy of another milestone and could go for his 600th win against High Point next week provided his team gets past Belvidere, Morris Hills, Boonton and Morris Knolls as expected in its first four scheduled duals.

Lenape Valley Patriots

Coach: Anthony Grogan (first season).

2019-20 record: 8-15, 3-1 NJAC Colonial Division (second).

Returning starters (7): Jr. Tyler Gaboda (9-20) 113; Jr. Daniel Haws (32-8, D1, R4) 120-126; Sr. Andres Villanueva-Cruz (14-9) 120-126; Jr. Michael Sawaged (6-21) 120-126; Sr. Cameron Samiljan (14-16) 182-195; Sr. Justin Palumbo (24-12, D3) 182-195; Jr. Jake Cuttito (10-17) 220.

Key losses: Eric Falleni (33-4, D1) 138; Ryan Hall (31-3, D2) 285.

Key returnees: So. Marcus Bullock 106; So. John Riedener (5-10) 160; Jr. Josh Valencia (1-3) 285.

Promising newcomers: Jr. Sam Jara Diaz (2-11, transfer from Randolph) 132; Fr. Andrew Grant 138-145; Fr. Ryan Slahor 138-145; Jr. Jack Pope 160; Sr. Gabe Hernandez 170; Fr. Ryan Stricchiola 182; Fr. Danny Esposito 195; Jr. Jacob Perna 285.

Outlook: Patriots have struggled with low numbers in recent seasons, but the good news is they should have all of the weights covered this year. Grogan, a former Lenape Valley wrestler, inherits a program that hasn't had a winning season since 2015-16, and went 22-45 the previous three seasons under Gary Mikolay. Haws enters 64-18 for his career and the team's best chance for a state qualifier, though Palumbo is coming off a breakout season. The team will count on its experience up top. 

Newton Braves

Coach: Eric Bollette (250-197-1, 20th season).

2019-20 record: 12-10, 2-2 NJAC Freedom Division (T-2nd).

Returning starters (7): Sr. Nathan Fitt (35-8, D2, R2) 132; Sr. Danny Cleary (19-14, D4) 120; Sr. JoJo Lotruglio (31-8, D1, R6) 138; So. Thaylor Sibblies (21-14, D3) 145; Sr. Nick Costa (13-17, D4) 160; Sr. Ryan Pappas (7-19) 170; Jr. Melkart Abou-Jaoude (11-16) 182.

Key losses: Trevor Aughenbaugh (17-9) 170; Julian Sibblies (28-8, D3) 195.

We're going to miss the Boresch Duals this season.

Key returnees: Sr. Aden Sathuthiti (1-10) 113; So. Michael Melillo (1-1) 145; Jr. Takeo Sibblies (5-1) 152; Jr. Aidan Murtagh 170; So. Brody Guerra (6-8) 182; So. Matt May 195.

Promising newcomers: Sr. Jon Dobaczewski 106; Fr. Joey Catalano 120; Fr. Demarius Posey 120; So. Danny Barry 160; Fr. Patrick Teets 220; Fr. Billy Greenhalgh 285.

Outlook: Braves are coming off a solid season and have plenty of familiar names in the lineup. Fitt, Cleary and Lotruglio are all four-year starters. Fitt (84 career wins entering the season) finished a round shy of earning a state medal last season, while Lotruglio (77 wins) is a two-time region qualifer looking for his first trip to states. There are some questions down low and up top, but Thaylor Sibblies, who was a nice addition in the middle last year, should help anchor a solid portion of this lineup. Melillo is another to watch there. Expect this group, which contains 11 freshmen, to improve by season's end behind one of the top coaching staffs top-to-bottom in the area.

Pope John Lions

Coach: Austin Alpaugh (11-8, second season).

2018-19 record: 11-8, 5-1 NJAC American Division (second); Non-Public North B champion, Non-Public B runner-up.

Key losses: Eddie Ventresca (39-5, D1, R1, S5) 126; Kaya Sement (37-5, D1, R1, S3) 145; Matthew Garcia (27-10, D1, R2) 152; Connor Fritsch (17-13, D1) 160; Cole Zydel (25-14, D1, R3) 220.

Outlook: No other information was made available despite several attempts.

Sparta Spartans

Coach: Frank Battaglia (128-93, 10th season).

2019-20 record: 17-10, 2-4 NJAC American Division (T-4th).

Returning starters (6): So. Jack Nauta (21-13, D3) 113; Sr. Spencer Stewart (42-3, D1, R3, S8-2019) 160; Jr. Nick Hwang (24-11, D3) 152; Sr. Troy Schmitzer (22-14, D2) 160; Sr. Dominic Gignatelli (10-20) 182; Sr. Jack Pryce (12-19) 195.

Key losses: Cooper Stewart (40-5, D1, R2, S5) 113; Garrett Stewart (42-4, D1, R3) 138.

Spencer Stewart (far right) on the podium in 2019.

Key returnees: So. Blake Brodersen (6-9) 126; Jr. Nick Yanuzzelli (0-13) 120; Jr. Chase Geer (5-2) 138; Jr. Parker Williamson (8-14) 160; Jr. Paul Gennat 182; Jr. Billy Quinn (7-4) 220; Jr. Wyatt Coombs (2-5) 285.

Promising newcomers: Fr. Peter Donnelly 106; Fr. Gene Donnelly 113; Fr. Ben Bialkin 120; Fr. Gavin Kornas 126; So. Eric Dau 132; Fr. Anthony Petrock 152; So. Attila Szlagyi 152; Jr. Tommy Reina 160; Fr. Connor White 170; So. Nick Castorina 195; So. Bradley Maines 220.

Outlook: Spartans are coming off a nice bounce-back campaign following a six-win season. Despite the loss of two Stewart brothers, there is plenty of talent returning, including Spencer Stewart, a state medal winner as a junior and a Hunterdon-Warren-Sussex Tournament champion. Nauta was a nice addition down low as a freshman, while Hwang and Schmitzer are looking to make noise in the individual postseason. There is a fair amount of unproven ability on the varsity level so approaching last season's wins total may be a lofty goal, but it's great to see numbers up considering where this program was before Battaglia and his staff took over. They'll continue to build.

Vernon/Wallkill Valley

Coach: Joe Down (first season).

2019-20 records (Vernon): 8-12, 2-2 NJAC Colonial Division (third); (Wallkill Valley): 0-16, 0-4 NJAC Colonial Division (fifth).

Returning starters (6): Sr. Sage DiGiuseppe (7-9) 138; Sr. Cooper Pleva (18-9) 145; Sr. Julian Porras Arcos (6-10) 152; So. Daniel Lovett (7-14) 170; Sr. Noah Prevliglian (10-10) 220; Jr. Shane Saulnier (8-10) 285.

Key loss: Jon Alvarez (24-6, D4) 170.

Key returnees: So. Isaac Thomas (0-6) 160; So. Jeyss Abreu (1-2) 195.

Promising newcomers: Fr. Reilly Hague 120; Fr. Matthew McGrogan 126; Sr. Bobby Baumann 182.

Outlook: First season for newly combined programs as both have battled low numbers in recent years. We also have a new coach as Down, a former Paramus wrestler, who is eager for his rookie season at the helm. He'll face a major challenge as the Wallkill program went 25-106 the previous five seasons and sent over just one wrestler. It's good to see some returning wrestlers with double-digit wins from last season, including Prevliglian, who was 0-11 as a sophomore. The upper weights should be in decent shape, and the lineup filled from 138-285. There are some forfeit issues down low, but the main goal will be to improve with each match.

Wrestling: Hunterdon-Warren preview capsules

Belvidere County Seaters

Coach: Dan McIntyre (108-83, 10th season; 294-216 overall in 29 seasons, including a stint at Pleasant Valley (Pa.).

2019-20 record: 11-12, 3-1 Skyland Conference Mountain Division (second).

Returning starters (9): Jr. Patrick Horvath (30-6, D4) 106; Sr. Hunter Lensi (32-9, D1, R2) 113; Sr. Ty Tiedemann (15-1) 120; Sr. Marquise Panetta (7-19) 126; Jr. Deven Pagach (14-16, D4) 138; Sr. Shane Exley (25-11, D4) 170; Sr. Dylan Richardson (15-19, D4), 182; So. Hunter Kain (2-16), 182; Sr. Carson Grogan (27-9, D2) 195.

Key loss: Liam Tipton (21-14, D4) 195.

Key returnees: Sr. Isaira Natal 106; So. Blake Hoffman 145; Sr. Jacob Cregar (0-4) 160; Jr. Michael Prospero (0-1) 170; Jr. Michael Gordon (0-1) 182, Jr. Brandon Berger (0-1) 195; Sr. Alexander Marques (2-7) 220; So. Jacob Hachtman 220; Jr. Russell Pantuso (6-5) 285.

Promising newcomer: Fr. Cale Exley 160.

Outlook: County Seaters, who have finished at or near the top of their division in recent seasons, are primed for another run at the Mountain championship after adding three wins to their dual meet total from two seasons ago. The lower weights are the strength with Lensi, who enters with 75 career wins and reached the second round of consolations in Atlantic City, one of the area's top wrestlers down low. The middle weights are a question due to some inexperience, but the upper weights are solid with Shane Exley, a district champion two seasons ago, anchoring that group along with Grogan, who was a round shy of making states as a sophomore. The schedule is usually challenging, and with a fine coaching staff, expect this group to improve as we go.

Delaware Valley Terriers
                                                                                                          
Coach: Andy Fitz (222-84, 14th season).

2019-20 record: 19-8, 3-1 Skyland Conference Valley Division (second), North 2, Group 1 champion.

Returning starters (3): Sr. Cooper Gill (23-15, D3) 132; Sr. Corey Crater (21-18, D2) 138; Sr. Tyler Lagun (14-15, D1) 170.

Key losses: Derek Schepens (22-14) 106; Jr. Robert Groogan (21-16, D3, personal reasons) 113; Gage Crater (32-8, D1) 126; Chase Christie (18-18, D4) 132; Shane Reynolds (18-15) 145; So. Garrett Tettemer (21-9, transferred to Notre Dame-Green Pond (Pa.) 152; Zach Zukowski (24-12, D2) 195; Nick Moose (24-15, D3) 220; Ryan Sutter (18-7, D1) 285.

Key returnees: So. Owen Kucharski (2-1) 106; Jr. Sam Kirkpatrick (1-4) 132-138; So. Chris Colasurdo (9-9) 145; Jr. Noah Sheeley (0-1) 152-160; So. Brayden Schneider (2-7) 152; Sr. Ben Brown (3-9) 160; Jr. Trevor Bowen (1-4) 182;  Jr. Matt Schneider (10-8) 195-220.

Promising newcomers: Fr. Jacob Taylor 113; Fr. Jared Leeds 120; Fr. Matt Roche 126; Fr. Russell Prouty 132; Fr. Stoy Fohring 160; Fr. Anderson Olcott 182; Jr. Tim Torrey 195; Jr. Chris Roche 220; Fr. Austin Aycock 285.

Outlook: Youthful is the optimal word to describe this year's group of Terriers, who return only three starters from last season but feature a strong group of incoming freshman that has Fitz excited about the program's future. As for the present, this team is expected to struggle in dual meets, though it had a real good shot at reaching a sectional final and possibly winning the school's sixth title in seven seasons -- third straight in North 2, Group 1 -- but team championships were canceled this season in the COVID-19 era. There will be plenty of new faces in the starting lineup who look to gain valuable experience with the program sitting on 794 wins. One freshman to keep an eye on is Fohring, a New Jersey Grade School League Tournament third-place finisher last season. One bummer out of the gate is loss of Gill, who sustained a potential season-ending ankle injury. Crater is the program's best chance of getting a state qualifier after not having a wrestler in AC in 2020. Fitz and his staff will get the most out of this group as they prep for bigger things down the road.

Hackettstown Tigers

Coach: Frank Rodgers (257-260-4, 18th season of second stint, 24th as head coach and 30th overall).

2019-20 record: 15-7, 0-4 NJAC Freedom Division (fifth).

Returning starters (6): Jr. Austin Zellars (24-10, D1, R6) 113; Jr. Matthew Finer (10-18) 132; So. Joe Bencivengo (18-9) 138; Sr. Tyler Yanoff (15-11, D4) 182; Jr. Jack Gordon (19-15, D4) 220; Sr. Matthew Bremner (24-8, D3) 285.

Key losses: Michael Sullivan (10-19, D4) 132; Christian Bremner (20-13, D4) 138; Garrett Meyer (13-14) 145; Zebulon Burke (27-6, D1) 152; Alejandro Castro (27-9, D3) 160; Cody Motto (11-12, D3, R6) 285.

Key returnees: So. Matt Francis (3-12) 120; So. Jesse DeFazio (2-2) 126; Sr. Philip Faust (0-3) 132; So. Shawn Pawlowski (0-6) 145; Sr. Anthony Funes (3-7) 152; So. Evan Yanoff (0-2) 170; Sr. Will Hobakan (1-2) 182; Sr. Bruno Dougherty (4-4) 195.

Promising newcomers: Fr. Aiden Scheeringa 106; So. Chris Dwyer 113; Fr. Nicolas Balella 126; Fr. Joseph Freeman 138; Fr. Levi Castner 145; Fr. Samson Burke 152; Sr. Ange Gabriel Lessida 160; So. Liam Burke 170.

Outlook: Tigers are coming off a bounce-back campaign, reaching the North 2, Group 2 section final. Rodgers, who is excited about a talented freshman class, is hoping that experience will help a fairly young and inexperienced lineup this season, which does return six starters and a solid group of upper weights, once again the team's strength. Bremner is likely the best chance to reach the state tournament in the individual postseason as the Tigers had no qualifiers in 2020. The lower weights will need to improve in order for this team to approach last season's win total but those upper weights should give this squad a fighting chance most matches.

Hunterdon Central Red Devils

Coach: Jon Cantagallo-Rohm (120-29, seventh season).

2019-20 record: 15-11, 3-1 Skyland Conference Delaware Division (second), Central Jersey, Group 5 runner-up.

Returning starters (10): So. Peter Plesh (1-11) 106; So. Henry Wilkinson (21-19, D1) 126; So. Aidan Portnoy (17-12, D3) 138; Jr. Nick Canonica (26-15, D2, R4) 145; Jr. Tanner Peake (37-10, D1, R3) 152; Sr. Curtis Wheatley (17-20, D4) 152; Sr. Colton Washleski (42-7, D2, R1, S6) 160; Sr. Norman Cella (42-7, D1, R2, S8) 170-182; Jr. Vincent Brito (9-9, D4) 170-182; So. Jacob Tulli (5-14) 285.

Key losses: Anthony Romaniello (39-6, D1, R3) 152; Brandon Donoghue (23-17, D2) 220.

Key returnees: Jr. Alistair McManus (0-11) 126; So. Damian Scouloukas (6-11) 132; Sr. Marquise Thurman (4-5) 170; Sr. Max Rosse (1-2) 170; Sr. Ricky Lozak 182-195; Sr. Jake Salazar 195; So. Bennett Cayero (5-13) 220; Sr. Tim Suk (0-6) 285.

Promising newcomers: Fr. Anthony Rossi 106; Fr. Will Cella 113; Fr. Evan Thompson 120-126; Fr. Tommy Brunetti 126-132; Fr. Jake Saus 132-138.

Outlook: Red Devils are another group that had its sights on avenging last season's sectional final loss to Manalapan and battling for a Group 5 title. With 10 starters back, including a pair of state placewinners in Washleski and Norman Cella, this is an experienced lineup with several promising freshmen. Central, which became just the third New Jersey program to reach 1,000 wins last season, will be handful from 106-170, with the upper weights again a question mark. Keep an eye on Rossi at 106, and Thompson, a NJGSWL champion and whose father, Matt, was a 100-match winner and two-time state placewinner, finishing fourth in 1992, for the Red Devils. Washleski (104 wins) and Peake (two-time state qualifier) anchor the middle, while Cella is 15 wins shy of 100. 

North Hunterdon Lions

Coach: Chris Hrunka (59-8, fourth season).

2019-20 record: 23-0, 4-0 Skyland Conference Raritan Division (first), North 2, Group 4 champion, Group 4 champion.

Returning starters (9): So. Logan Wadle (30-6, D1) 106; Jr. Nick DeLorenzo (20-16, D2) 120-126; Sr. Frank DiEsso (32-8, D2, R3) 120-126; Sr. Connor Quinn (30-9, D1, R3) 132-138; So. Daniel Delusant (17-17, D1) 138-145; Sr. Billy Cole (19-13, D3) 152-160; Sr. James Holder (30-12, D1, R2) 170; So.. Alex Uryniak (29-7, D3, R6) 182-195; Jr. Liam Akers (38-6, D2, R3, S7) 285.

 

North celebrates the school's fifth state title.

Key losses: Drew Doscher (20-14, D2, R6) 138; Evan Klimas (29-7, D1, R5) 145; Kyle Anderson (21-12, D2) 152; Nate Fossett (33-5, D1, R2) 182; Ian Gaburo (25-1, D1) 220.

Key returnees: Jr. Ben Makaritis (4-3) 113; Sr. Connor McGeary (6-5) 132-138; Sr. Josh Parson (1-1) 138-145; Sr. Ethan Akers (3-0) 160-170; Jr. Tucker Lewis 160-170; So. Brendan Raley (3-1) 182-195; Sr. Andrew Franklin (8-4) 220; So. Hunter Vos (1-0) 220.

Promising newcomer: Fr. Brian Wilson 138.

Outlook: Lions are enjoying one of the program's finest runs and are coming off the school's first unbeaten season. With nine starters back, this once again could be the team to beat in the Hunterdon-Warren-Sussex area. North was the most balanced public school team in the state last season with no glaring holes. If some of the returnees, who saw significant action a year ago, can slide in, North has that potential again. DiEsso, a three-time state qualifier, is one to watch down low, while Quinn helps anchor the middle weights. Up top is where the strength remains with two state qualifiers in Holder and Liam Akers, a state medal winner. Wadle and Uryniak will look to improve on fine freshman seasons. Repeating as division champs will be a goal and ousting P'burg for a third straight meeting when the teams meet in the Lions Den on March 23.

 
North Warren Patriots

Coach: Kellen Bradley (30-20, third season).

2019-20 record: 18-9, 4-0 NJAC Colonial Division (first).

Returning starters (9): Sr. Tanner Thatcher (33-10, D3, R6) 113; So. Thomas Dugan (23-13) 120; Sr. Alex Davila (14-12) 126; Jr. Michael Castles (17-19) 138; Jr. Sean Bodine (14-13) 145; Sr. Luke Scarmack (18-18) 152; Sr. Austin Collett (13-8, D3) 170; Sr. Connor Dolinsky (15-20) 182; Sr. Dylan Lobycz (24-15, D4) 220.

Key losses: Justin Gerkhardt (15-5, D2) 126; Ben Lilly (30-9, D3) 145; Brandon Casey (34-10, D3, R6) 152; Rob Fletcher (30-6, D3) 160. 

Key returnees: Jr. Nik Pagano (3-5) 152; So. Jack Moritz (3-15) 285.

Promising newcomers: Fr. Zach Haase 106; Sr. Anthony Valeo 126.

Outlook: Patriots, who will open the season next week due to COVID-19, have turned the corner in a short period of time -- coming off three straight winning seasons after the program went 34-44 the previous five campaigns -- and reached the section semifinals in North 1, Group 1 the previous two seasons. As was the case last season, there isn't a lot of star power, but there are nine wrestlers who posted double-digit wins. North, despite the loss of four solid starters to graduation, has a few questions up top, but there is enough balance to do well in dual meets. Expect this group to approach last year's wins total and improve by season's end. The goal will be to get a few more wrestlers deep into the individual postseason.

Phillipsburg Stateliners

Coach: Dave Post (162-26, 11th season).

2019-20 record: 15-3, 3-1 Skyland Conference Raritan Division (second), North 2, Group 4 runner-up.

Returning starters (11): Jr. James Day (32-10, D1, R3) 120; Jr. Joey Innamorato (29-8, D1, R5) 126; Jr. Sean Stasiulaitis (13-18, D2) 132; Sr. Logan Maczko (24-10, D2, R5) 138-145; Sr. Jason Tino (25-15, D1, R5) 138-145; So. Hunter Cleaver (8-10, D3) 152-160; Jr. Matt D'Onofrio (24-15, D3, R5) 152-160; Jr. Nate Zastowny (35-9, D1, R3) 170; Jr. James Palitto (9-6, D3) 170; Sr. Gage Horvath (27-14, D1, R2) 195; Jr. David Pierson (25-14, D1, R6) 220.

P'burg is 10 wins shy of 1,000 as a program.

Key losses: Jared Kukor (21-13, D1) 145; Jacob Wicks (30-12, D1, R3) 195; Cody Cruts (28-12, D1, R2) 285.

Key returnees: Jr. Hakeem Ransdell (5-12) 132; Jr. Dylan Emery (1-1) 145; Jr. Shahiem Ransdell (0-1) 152; Sr. Jordan Kiley (1-1) 220.

Promising newcomers: Jr. Miguel Lopez 106; Fr. Dawson McWilliams 106-113; Fr. Patrick Day 132; Fr. Caleb Rivera 182; Fr. John Wargo 220-285.

Outlook: Stateliners came up short in their bid for a sectional title -- something that's only happened four times in program history -- and in the division race with losses to North Hunterdon. That dual scheduled for March 23 at North should be a highlight of this shortened season. 'Liners have a wealth of returning talent, including state qualifiers James Day, Zastowny and Horvath. Maczko, who battled injuries last season, was a qualifier in 2019. Top to bottom, the lineup is solid, with some inexperience down low. Blue-chip freshmen Rivera and Wargo -- both NJGSWL champions -- will make an immediate impact and bolster a fine group of upper weights, as good as any around. We know from previous experience that this group will be better by season's end, it's just a shame there's no team tournaments. But there will be plenty of representation in the region and state events, with the latter being contested in the 'Liners' palatial gym.

Voorhees Vikings

Coach: Ricky Kurtz (3-6, second season). 

2019-20 record: 4-17, 0-4 Skyland Conference Valley Division (fifth).

Returning starters (6): Jr. Josh Evers (7-17) 113; Jr. Hunter Cryan (18-13, D4) 120; Sr. Myles Murphy (2-19) 126; Jr. Luke Bush (4-9) 126; Jr. Mike Mosier (21-13, D2) 145; So. Jack Mosier (16-17, D3) 220.

Key losses: Seven Rich (20-12, D2, R6) 113; Garrett Loescher (24-11, D2) 160; Zach Tong (26-9, D3, R6) 195.

Key returnees: So. Matthew Levy (3-0) 106; Sr. Dominick Venito (1-7) 138; Jr. David Goodman (0-2) 138; Sr. Jack Jeskulski 152; Jr. Darin Ladin (1-4) 160; Jr. Brody Shaner (0-1) 285.

Promising newcomers: Fr. Logan Wiecoreck 132; Fr. Tyler Kinney 152; Fr. Isaac Levitan 160; Jr. Daylen Joyce 195.

Outlook: Vikings are coming off their first losing season since 2008-09, and they have a new full-time head coach in Kurtz, a former state placewinner at Delaware Valley and the Vikes' head football coach. He inherits a program that went 186-79 over the last 10 seasons and filled in late last season when Eric Hall was suspended and ultimately not rehired for this season. There's no sugarcoating it, the program has a numbers problem and inexperience throughout the lineup, though Cryan and the Mosier brothers took steps forward a year ago. The biggest thing was filling a lineup, which the Vikes should be able to after issuing multiple forfeits in 2019-20. It will be small steps, but this group looks to improve on last season's wins total.

Warren Hills Blue Streaks

Coach: Dave Sbriscia (36-11, third season).

2019-20 record: 20-7, 4-0 Skyland Conference Valley Division (first).

Returning starters (9): Jr. Kevin Riedinger (11-20) 113; So. Shawn Redfield (24-17, D3, R5) 120; Jr. Jared Lee (27-12, D1, R5) 132; Sr. Reese Manfredi (8-16, D3) 145; Jr. Stephen Malia (33-9, D1, R3) 160; Jr. Owen Frizzell (31-9, D1, R5) 170; So. Jarett Pantuso (9-3, D2) 182; Jr. Michael Galka (12-16) 195; Jr. Tyler McCatharn (37-6, D1, R1) 285.

Key losses: Greg Slivka (30-11, D2, R5) 113; Logan Nauta (30-10, D2, R5) 132; Geir Nemeth (25-13, D1) 138; Nick Hildebrant (24-11, D2, R5) 170.

Key returnees: So. Ryan Lundy (2-5) 113; Jr. Max Pagano (5-10) 126; So. Michael Drazek (4-3) 132; So. Cody Miller (2-1, injured in 2019-20) 145; Jr. Ryan Galka (2-0) 152-160; Sr. Brandon Riggs (4-14) 182.

Promising newcomer: Fr. Josh Lee 106.

Outlook: Blue Streaks, who set a program record for wins last season and will open the schedule next week due to COVID-19, were expected to challenge for their first sectional title since 2007 and a Group 3 championship (only their third and first since 1997) this season, but with no team championships due to the shortened season, they will focus on winning another division crown after earning the program's first conference title since that No. 1 team of 1989-90. Despite the loss of four quality starters, there is talent up-and-down the lineup. Josh Lee -- a third-place finisher in the NJGSWL Tournament -- will make an impact down low, while Malia, Frizzell (the team's most improved wrestler a year ago) and McCatharn are legitimate contenders for state medals. It will be interesting to see what Miller, a promising freshman last year, can do after sustaining a season-ending knee injury early in his rookie campaign. Look out for this group now and next season.

Wrestling: HWS schedule for March 16-20

(Note: Dates and times subject to change, check back for updates)

Tuesday, March 16

(All matches 6 p.m., unless noted)

Northwest Jersey Athletic Conference

Jefferson at Newton, 4:30 p.m.
Vernon/Wallkill Valley at Hackettstown, 4:30 p.m.

Skyland Conference

Hillsborough at North Hunterdon
Hunterdon Central at Bound Brook
Manville at Delaware Valley
Pingry at Belvidere, 7 p.m.

Independent

Livingston at Phillipsburg, 7 p.m.

Wednesday, March 17

(All matches 6 p.m., unless noted)

Northwest Jersey Athletic Conference

Parsippany at Hopatcong, 5:30 p.m.

Skyland Conference

Somerville at Delaware Valley

Independent

Kittatinny at Belvidere

Thursday, March 18

(All matches 7 p.m., unless noted)

Northwest Jersey Athletic Conference

Hopatcong at Vernon/Wallkill Valley, 6 p.m.
Lenape Valley at Montville, 4 p.m.

Skyland Conference

Phillipsburg at Ridge
North Hunterdon at Montgomery, 6:30 p.m.

Friday, March 19

(All matches 6 p.m., unless noted)

Northwest Jersey Athletic Conference

Hackettstown at Newton
Morris Hills at Kittatinny
Lenape Valley at Roxbury, 5:30 p.m.

Skyland Conference

Hillsborough at Hunterdon Central, 5:30 p.m.

Saturday, March 20

(All matches 11 a.m., unless noted)

Northwest Jersey Athletic Conference

Kittatinny at Morris Knolls, 12:30 p.m.
West Morris at Newton

Skyland Conference

Bound Brook at Phillipsburg, 2 p.m.
Christian Brothers Academy at North Hunterdon, 10:30 a.m.
Belvidere at Voorhees, 10 a.m.
Bridgewater-Raritan at Delaware Valley, 11:30 a.m.

Independent

Hunterdon Central at St. Joseph-Metuchen
Verona at Hackettstown, 9 a.m.

Wrestling: Preseason power points rankings

The top 60 public school teams and Non-Public programs in New Jersey based on preseason power points rankings by section.

All teams begin with a preseason ranking of 23.00.

It was officially announced on Monday that there will be no team championships this season due to the COVID-19 driven schedule and abbreviated season that will get underway with dual meets on Tuesday, March 16.

Note: Hunterdon-Warren-Sussex schools in bold:

North 1
School	Rank
Montville	31
Kittatinny	29.5
High Point	28.5
Mount Olive	28
Clifton	27.5
Jefferson	27
Pascack Valley	26.5
Emerson-Park Ridge	26
Northern Highlands	25.5
Roxbury	25
East Orange	23
Eastside	23
Bergenfield	23
Saddle Brook	23
Fair Lawn	23
North 2
School	Rank
Phillipsburg	32
North Hunterdon	31.5
Watchung Hills	31
Warren Hills	29.5
Mendham	29
Hanover Park	28.5
Middletown North	28
Verona	27.5
Middletown South	27
West Morris	26.5
Cranford	26
Roselle Park	25.5
West Essex	25
Newark Collegiate	23
Dover	23
Central
School	Rank
South Plainfield	32
Ocean Township	31.5
Hunterdon Central	31
Brick Memorial	30
Jackson Memorial	29.5
Colts Neck	29
Manalapan	28
Wall	27.5
Hopewell Valley	27
Monroe Township	26.5
Raritan	26
Long Branch	25.5
Cinnaminson	25
Steinert	23
Nottingham	23
South
School	Rank
Kingsway	32
Southern	31
Williamstown	30.5
Howell	30
Paulsboro	29
Delsea	28.5
Woodstown	28
Toms River North	27.5
Lower Cape May	27
Highland	26.5
Seneca	26
Absegami	25.5
Lacey Township	25
Audubon	23
Deptford	23
Non-Public North
School	Rank
Delbarton	32
Bergen Catholic	31.5
Paramus Catholic	30.5
St. Peter's Prep	30.5
St. Joseph-Montvale	30
Seton Hall Prep	30
Pope John	29
Non-Public South
School	Rank
St. Augustine	31.5
Christian Brothers	30.5
Camden Catholic	29.5
St. John Vianney	28.5