As we ring in the new and say goodbye to the old, here are five changes I'd like to see New Jersey adopt for the 2013-14 wrestling season. Happy New Year to all!
1. Wrestling in New Jersey needs a lot of "setup" changes. Starting with how matches are calculated. Count competitions instead of every bout individually. For example, a kid wrestles seven times at a tourney and each bout counts toward his total of 30 before sectionals. Let a tournament count as ONE competition.
2. If the NJSIAA is so concerned about making money, then it should institute a tourney of champions following Groups and run it during the week we lost on the schedule some years ago for an unknown reason. This year we got it back because of Lady Gaga. The state would make a boatload of money with a TOC. It's a no-brainer.
3. We don't need 32 district tournaments. It's too many and too watered down. One need only to look at last year's District 14 brackets to see the ridiculousness of it. From 182-285, a total of 17 wrestlers were entered in those four weight classes. How about 195 where there were three and all advanced to Region 4 without a victory.
The NJSIAA claims it lost money on them and is now turning them over to the schools to run. I say 16 is plenty and would make winning one even more of an accomplishment. I mean, a wrestler can win one match and advance to regions. No wonder District 11 in Pennsylvania laughs at this. That district houses 20 teams alone in Class AAA.
4. A return to 13 weight classes so tie dual matches are not broken by silly criteria. Imagine if a team ever lost on a coin flip -- especially in sectionals or Groups?
5. It won't happen for next season or even a few after, but how about we all take up a collection to assist Rutgers in building a new facility big enough to hold the state tournament. Central to all and a much better arena for kids to attend. Teens on the boardwalk in AC is a sad sight. Hey, one can dream, right?
Monday, December 31, 2012
Saturday, December 29, 2012
Wrestling: 'Cats roll in Mustang, but lose Derin
High Point's wrestling team enjoyed a fine day at the always rugged Mustang Classic at Brick Memorial on Friday.
The Wildcats crowned three champions: Dom Gallo (106), Jared Kobis (120) and Jason Gaccione (145). Junior Kyle Stoll finished second at 195, while Gunny Wasong placed third at 285.
Noticeably absent from the tournament was District 3 champion Mike Derin, who did not travel with the team. High Point coach John Gardner confirmed on Saturday that the sophomore 132-pounder, who was third in Region 1 last season at 120, has left the team for undisclosed reasons.
"It is what is," Gardner said. "He decided that's what he's going to do."
The loss of Derin is a big blow, particularly with a big match against archrival Kittatinny looming on Friday, Jan. 4, but the 'Cats do have some depth in that range. Junior Chris Auer, who had been sharing time, will assume a full-time role at 132. Freshman Garrett Fenlon also is in the mix if needed at 132.
"We have two decent kids there," Gardner said.
As for the Mustang Classic, Gardner was pleased with his team's efforts.
"Even some kids that didn't place had decent days," Gardner said.
Gallo (11-0) is asserting himself as one of the top 106-pounders in the state. The sophomore, who won 16 matches last season before being bumped out of the postseason lineup, defeated Howell's Jimmy Slendorn, 4-1, in the semifinals.
Last weekend, Slendorn competed at 113 and beat Warren Hills state qualifier Max Nauta, 4-2. Nauta was second in Region 1 at 106 last season.
"Gallo was good," Gardner said.
Kobis (10-0), a freshman, really opened some eyes -- beating a pair of state qualifiers en route to the 120-pound championship. Kobis knocked off Brick Memorial state placewinner Joe Ghione, 8-6, in the semis before a 1-0 win over Paulsboro's John Gentile.
"He's wrestled some pretty good kids," Gardner said. "He has a pretty good mat sense. He doesn't give away points. He's been good."
Gaccione (11-0), Gardner's nephew, also remained unbeaten with an impressive tournament. The sophomore defeated Howell's Ashanti Maurice, 4-2 in overtime, before a 4-3 win over West Essex state qualifier Mike Marotti in the finals.
"He had a pretty good day," Gardner said.
High Point (3-1) will now prepare for a brutal week of matches -- starting with Nutley at home on Wednesday. The 'Cats then travel to Kittatinny on Friday before hitting the road again on Saturday for a quad meet against state powers Jackson Memorial, Don Bosco Prep and Long Branch.
"It was a good day [at Brick Memorial]. But we have a pretty tough week coming up," Gardner said.
The Wildcats crowned three champions: Dom Gallo (106), Jared Kobis (120) and Jason Gaccione (145). Junior Kyle Stoll finished second at 195, while Gunny Wasong placed third at 285.
Noticeably absent from the tournament was District 3 champion Mike Derin, who did not travel with the team. High Point coach John Gardner confirmed on Saturday that the sophomore 132-pounder, who was third in Region 1 last season at 120, has left the team for undisclosed reasons.
"It is what is," Gardner said. "He decided that's what he's going to do."
The loss of Derin is a big blow, particularly with a big match against archrival Kittatinny looming on Friday, Jan. 4, but the 'Cats do have some depth in that range. Junior Chris Auer, who had been sharing time, will assume a full-time role at 132. Freshman Garrett Fenlon also is in the mix if needed at 132.
"We have two decent kids there," Gardner said.
As for the Mustang Classic, Gardner was pleased with his team's efforts.
"Even some kids that didn't place had decent days," Gardner said.
Gallo (11-0) is asserting himself as one of the top 106-pounders in the state. The sophomore, who won 16 matches last season before being bumped out of the postseason lineup, defeated Howell's Jimmy Slendorn, 4-1, in the semifinals.
Last weekend, Slendorn competed at 113 and beat Warren Hills state qualifier Max Nauta, 4-2. Nauta was second in Region 1 at 106 last season.
"Gallo was good," Gardner said.
Kobis (10-0), a freshman, really opened some eyes -- beating a pair of state qualifiers en route to the 120-pound championship. Kobis knocked off Brick Memorial state placewinner Joe Ghione, 8-6, in the semis before a 1-0 win over Paulsboro's John Gentile.
"He's wrestled some pretty good kids," Gardner said. "He has a pretty good mat sense. He doesn't give away points. He's been good."
Gaccione (11-0), Gardner's nephew, also remained unbeaten with an impressive tournament. The sophomore defeated Howell's Ashanti Maurice, 4-2 in overtime, before a 4-3 win over West Essex state qualifier Mike Marotti in the finals.
"He had a pretty good day," Gardner said.
High Point (3-1) will now prepare for a brutal week of matches -- starting with Nutley at home on Wednesday. The 'Cats then travel to Kittatinny on Friday before hitting the road again on Saturday for a quad meet against state powers Jackson Memorial, Don Bosco Prep and Long Branch.
"It was a good day [at Brick Memorial]. But we have a pretty tough week coming up," Gardner said.
Vikings take down West Morris
Voorhees improved to 5-2 in dual meets with Saturday's 37-22 victory over a gritty West Morris squad in one of the few area events still on Saturday.
Tyler Yarnell (132) and Jadaen Bernstein (170) had pins for the Vikings, while Jordan Juliano scored a huge upset-win at 160 -- 4-2 in overtime against Region 1 qualifier John Sickles. That gave Voorhees an insurmountable 31-22 lead with one bout left.
Bernstein, who recently recorded his 100th career win, pinned Aldo Cammalleri to close out the match. The senior and two-time state medal winner is now 10-0 this season and 103-18 overall.
Here is the complete boxscore:
VOORHEES 37, WEST MORRIS 22
182 -- Nick Ruggiero, V, d. Adam Kratch, 12-6.
195 -- Kyle Levy, V, forfeit.
220 -- Jesse Windt, WM, md. Emilio Guevara, 10-0.
285 -- Alex Fischetti, V, d. Zach McGuire, 6-3.
106 -- Kyle DiNapoli, V, md. Ben Piraneo, 13-4.
113 -- Cody Ihling, V, d. John Schade, 5-4.
120 -- Dylan Luciano, WM, p. Jon Blunk, 1:22.
126 -- Cory Fleming, WM, p. Garret Birchenough, 1:21.
132 -- Tyler Yarnell, V, p. David Migliaccio, 1:31.
138 -- Nick Matthews, WM, d. Christian Okulicz, 6-5 TB.
145 -- Brandon Carcuffe, WM, d. Mike Muscatello, 6-3.
152 -- William Gonsiewski, V, d. Kevin Sears, 7-3.
160 -- Jordan Juliano, V, d. John Sickles, 4-2 TB.
170 -- Jadaen Bernstein, V, p. Aldo Cammalleri, 1:39.
Records -- Voorhees 5-2; West Morris 2-2.
Friday, December 28, 2012
Wrestling: John Goles wrapup, observations
The holiday tournament season is in full swing and the 55th annual John Goles Invitational on Thursday -- the granddaddy of tourneys in the Open Mike locale -- provided plenty of excitement and storylines.
Warren Hills wrapped up its first team championship since 1997 -- the Blue Streaks' 21st overall since the event's inception 1958 -- as senior 220-pounder Tyler Bridygham brought the crowd to their feet with a pin of Delaware Valley's Brian Baehr in the finals. Baehr could have delivered an 11th title in 15 years to the Terriers with a pin of his own. The team race was that tight down the stretch.
Here are some other notables from an action-packed Thursday:
1. Bridygham stunned the field by winning his title as the No. 8 seed at 220 -- pinning the No. 1 seed (returning Goles placewinner Andrew Lumsden of Bangor) and Baehr, the No. 2. The Blue Streak also decked No. 4 seed Carlos Botero of Edison. Bridygham rightfully earned outstanding wrestler honors -- nipping Delaware Valley's Mike Pongracz -- a three-time Goles champ -- for the honor. He's the first at the Washington school to be named OW since Dave Richmond in 2005.
Not a bad day for Bridygham, who only began in the sport four years ago. It came after a tough weekend in the Warren Hills quad, which involved High Point, Howell and Timber Creek.
"It felt great [to win the Goles title]," said Bridygham, who entered the day with a 1-5 record. "I just tried to do my best. I started wrestling as a freshman. I've gotten a lot of help from my teammates and coaches. They've all helped me equally. I was upset [after losing three times last Saturday] and I didn't want to lose anymore, so I worked harder."
Bridygham offered the quote of the day when asked how he viewed the other top seeds in his draw as a decided underdog: "We're all humans. We're all equal."
Warren Hills coach Jarrett Hosbach didn't seem surprised to see Bridygham win a title.
"We know he has ability," the coach said. "It's taken awhile for him to find his way after playing football. He could have benefited from the expanded practice time. He's a kid who's working hard to make things happen and he did that today. We're proud of him. Hopefully he didn't peak today."
2. Warren Hills finally broke the long drought between team titles in its own event as the Blue Streaks crowned two champions in Bridygham and sophomore 113-pounder Max Nauta. Four others finished second -- Austin Pidoto (106), Joe Kratochvil (132), Ryan Ostir (170) and Andrew Pacheco (285). Warren Hills, formerly Washington High, has won or shared 21 team titles. The last one in 1997 was the sixth in a 10-year span from 1988-97.
"We talked about it and set it as a goal," Hosbach said. "We had a lot of kids make sacrifices, moving around in weight classes, so we could put out a team of 14 strong. I was impressed with the guys who lost early and came back to take thirds. These team tournaments are won in the wrestleback rounds. It's easy in a tournament this early in the season to put your head down after a loss. They bounced back and showed a lot of intestinal fortitude."
Tai Adetula (126), Kevin Bundschuh (138) and Evan Butka (160) were third-place winners for the Streaks.
3. Nauta was among five of six wrestlers to repeat as Goles champions -- joining North Hunterdon's Ryan Pomrinca (120), Delaware Valley's Pongracz (126) and Matt Gilmore (132) and South Brunswick's Ali Yaldiz (182). Nauta is the first Blue Streak to win titles in his first two seasons since four-time winner Ryan Kanewski (1993-96). Yaldiz beat 2011 winner, Liam Korbul of North Hunterdon, 5-4, in the only matchup between former winners. Yaldiz was impressive and earned serious OW consideration for his efforts at a very tough 182-pound class that included Newton's Josh Sibblies and Delaware Valley's Luke Zehnbauer. Sibblies, who has missed most of the last two seasons with knee injuries, gave Korbul all he could handle in a 5-1 semifinals loss. The bout was 1-1 late, when Korbul, a returning state medalist, hit a four-point move for the winning margin.
4. Newton had two wrestlers earn third-place finishes -- Sibblies at 182 pounds and up-and-coming sophomore Gus Protogeropoulos (195). The Braves had a tough day overall, finishing ninth in the 10-team field. It was the first Goles -- a span of 12 years -- under coach Eric Bollette that the Sussex County school failed to produce a finalist. I was impressed with several wrestlers and the team seems to be coming along under a great staff that includes former Goles winners Ted Sibblies and Andy Iliff.
Newton is second in Goles history with 83 winners and holds the record for most team points with 254 in 2008.
5. Delaware Valley and North Hunterdon ran neck-and-neck all tournament in the standings. The Terriers earned second by a narrow margin -- 176 to 171 1/2. Two-time Goles champ Gilmore helped Del Val's cause with his stunning pin of Kratochvil in their 132-pound final. Pongracz became just the 32nd wrestler to win three or more titles with an impressive technical fall win over District 17 champ Matt Moncourtois.
Gilmore -- three pins in 8:36 -- was the recipient of the Ryan M. Storm Memorial Award, presented to the champion who records the most pins in the least total time. He's the fifth Del Val wrestler to earn the honor -- joining Bob Brunner (1997), Dan Hutchins ('98, 2001), Dan Kelly (2003, '04) and P.J. Steinbeiser ('07). Gilmore's 25-second pin in the quarters was the second-quickest fall behind Scotch Plains sophomore Tommy Cunningham's 22-second pin in the wrestlebacks.
Warren Hills wrapped up its first team championship since 1997 -- the Blue Streaks' 21st overall since the event's inception 1958 -- as senior 220-pounder Tyler Bridygham brought the crowd to their feet with a pin of Delaware Valley's Brian Baehr in the finals. Baehr could have delivered an 11th title in 15 years to the Terriers with a pin of his own. The team race was that tight down the stretch.
Here are some other notables from an action-packed Thursday:
1. Bridygham stunned the field by winning his title as the No. 8 seed at 220 -- pinning the No. 1 seed (returning Goles placewinner Andrew Lumsden of Bangor) and Baehr, the No. 2. The Blue Streak also decked No. 4 seed Carlos Botero of Edison. Bridygham rightfully earned outstanding wrestler honors -- nipping Delaware Valley's Mike Pongracz -- a three-time Goles champ -- for the honor. He's the first at the Washington school to be named OW since Dave Richmond in 2005.
Not a bad day for Bridygham, who only began in the sport four years ago. It came after a tough weekend in the Warren Hills quad, which involved High Point, Howell and Timber Creek.
"It felt great [to win the Goles title]," said Bridygham, who entered the day with a 1-5 record. "I just tried to do my best. I started wrestling as a freshman. I've gotten a lot of help from my teammates and coaches. They've all helped me equally. I was upset [after losing three times last Saturday] and I didn't want to lose anymore, so I worked harder."
Bridygham offered the quote of the day when asked how he viewed the other top seeds in his draw as a decided underdog: "We're all humans. We're all equal."
Warren Hills coach Jarrett Hosbach didn't seem surprised to see Bridygham win a title.
"We know he has ability," the coach said. "It's taken awhile for him to find his way after playing football. He could have benefited from the expanded practice time. He's a kid who's working hard to make things happen and he did that today. We're proud of him. Hopefully he didn't peak today."
2. Warren Hills finally broke the long drought between team titles in its own event as the Blue Streaks crowned two champions in Bridygham and sophomore 113-pounder Max Nauta. Four others finished second -- Austin Pidoto (106), Joe Kratochvil (132), Ryan Ostir (170) and Andrew Pacheco (285). Warren Hills, formerly Washington High, has won or shared 21 team titles. The last one in 1997 was the sixth in a 10-year span from 1988-97.
"We talked about it and set it as a goal," Hosbach said. "We had a lot of kids make sacrifices, moving around in weight classes, so we could put out a team of 14 strong. I was impressed with the guys who lost early and came back to take thirds. These team tournaments are won in the wrestleback rounds. It's easy in a tournament this early in the season to put your head down after a loss. They bounced back and showed a lot of intestinal fortitude."
Tai Adetula (126), Kevin Bundschuh (138) and Evan Butka (160) were third-place winners for the Streaks.
3. Nauta was among five of six wrestlers to repeat as Goles champions -- joining North Hunterdon's Ryan Pomrinca (120), Delaware Valley's Pongracz (126) and Matt Gilmore (132) and South Brunswick's Ali Yaldiz (182). Nauta is the first Blue Streak to win titles in his first two seasons since four-time winner Ryan Kanewski (1993-96). Yaldiz beat 2011 winner, Liam Korbul of North Hunterdon, 5-4, in the only matchup between former winners. Yaldiz was impressive and earned serious OW consideration for his efforts at a very tough 182-pound class that included Newton's Josh Sibblies and Delaware Valley's Luke Zehnbauer. Sibblies, who has missed most of the last two seasons with knee injuries, gave Korbul all he could handle in a 5-1 semifinals loss. The bout was 1-1 late, when Korbul, a returning state medalist, hit a four-point move for the winning margin.
4. Newton had two wrestlers earn third-place finishes -- Sibblies at 182 pounds and up-and-coming sophomore Gus Protogeropoulos (195). The Braves had a tough day overall, finishing ninth in the 10-team field. It was the first Goles -- a span of 12 years -- under coach Eric Bollette that the Sussex County school failed to produce a finalist. I was impressed with several wrestlers and the team seems to be coming along under a great staff that includes former Goles winners Ted Sibblies and Andy Iliff.
Newton is second in Goles history with 83 winners and holds the record for most team points with 254 in 2008.
5. Delaware Valley and North Hunterdon ran neck-and-neck all tournament in the standings. The Terriers earned second by a narrow margin -- 176 to 171 1/2. Two-time Goles champ Gilmore helped Del Val's cause with his stunning pin of Kratochvil in their 132-pound final. Pongracz became just the 32nd wrestler to win three or more titles with an impressive technical fall win over District 17 champ Matt Moncourtois.
Gilmore -- three pins in 8:36 -- was the recipient of the Ryan M. Storm Memorial Award, presented to the champion who records the most pins in the least total time. He's the fifth Del Val wrestler to earn the honor -- joining Bob Brunner (1997), Dan Hutchins ('98, 2001), Dan Kelly (2003, '04) and P.J. Steinbeiser ('07). Gilmore's 25-second pin in the quarters was the second-quickest fall behind Scotch Plains sophomore Tommy Cunningham's 22-second pin in the wrestlebacks.
Thursday, December 27, 2012
Wrestling: LIVE: John Goles championships
Hello, everyone. Welcome to the 55th John Goles Invitational at Warren Hills Regional High School.
Tight team race at the top, as Warren Hills goes for its first championship since 1997. Delaware Valley has won 10 of the last 14, including last year.
I will do my best to keep you up to date. Finals will begin at approximately 6:35 p.m. Starting at 106.
Team standings (Through consolations): 1. Warren Hills (WH) 175; 2. Delaware Valley (DV) 164.5; 3. North Hunterdon (NH) 155.5; 4. South Brunswick (SB) 108.5; 5. West Morris (WM) 98.5; 6. Scotch Plains (SP) 69.5; 7. Edison (E) 59; 8. Bangor, Pa. (B) 51; 9. Newton (N) 42; 10. Millburn (M) 26.
Championships
106 – 3-So. Paul Robinson, NH, d. 1-So. Austin Pidoto, WH, 8-7.
1-Robinson opening takedown with 58 seconds left. Pidoto quickly reverses to tie at 2. Robinson escapes with 32 seconds left to go up, 3-2. That's the way the first period ends.
2-Pidoto defers, Robinson down. Robinson out, but Pidoto gets a quick takedown to go up 5-3. Robinson escapes to make it, 5-4.
3-Pidoto down to start the third period. Reversal for Pidoto gives him a 6-5 lead approaching one minute. Escape for Robinson ties it with 55 seconds left. Robinson converts a single-leg takedown at the edge with 6 seconds left and gives an escape on the restart. Robinson wins, 8-7.
1-Robinson opening takedown with 58 seconds left. Pidoto quickly reverses to tie at 2. Robinson escapes with 32 seconds left to go up, 3-2. That's the way the first period ends.
2-Pidoto defers, Robinson down. Robinson out, but Pidoto gets a quick takedown to go up 5-3. Robinson escapes to make it, 5-4.
3-Pidoto down to start the third period. Reversal for Pidoto gives him a 6-5 lead approaching one minute. Escape for Robinson ties it with 55 seconds left. Robinson converts a single-leg takedown at the edge with 6 seconds left and gives an escape on the restart. Robinson wins, 8-7.
113 – 1-So. Max Nauta, WH, p. 7-Fr. John Serruto, M, :57.
1-Nauta with the takedown, reverse half and body press for the FALL in 57 seconds. Nauta wins his second Goles title. Scores a big five team points for the Streaks.
1-Nauta with the takedown, reverse half and body press for the FALL in 57 seconds. Nauta wins his second Goles title. Scores a big five team points for the Streaks.
120 – 1-So. Ryan Pomrinca, NH, d. 2-Sr. Cory Fleming, WM, 3-1.
1-Scoreless.
2-Pomrinca escapes for a 1-0 lead. Pomrinca awarded a takedown at the buzzer as referee Joe Benvenuto confers with his assistant. Pomrinca leads, 3-0.
3-Fleming on bottom to start the third. Fleming out with 1:15 left. No change and that's how it ends. Pomrinca wins his second Goles title.
1-Scoreless.
2-Pomrinca escapes for a 1-0 lead. Pomrinca awarded a takedown at the buzzer as referee Joe Benvenuto confers with his assistant. Pomrinca leads, 3-0.
3-Fleming on bottom to start the third. Fleming out with 1:15 left. No change and that's how it ends. Pomrinca wins his second Goles title.
126 – 1-Sr. Mike Pongracz, DV, tf. 2-Sr. Matt Moncourtois, NH, 16-0, 4:56.
1-Pongracz trying to become just the 32nd wrestler in this tournament to win three or more titles. Takedown and three backs gives him a 5-0 lead 45 seconds in.
2-Pongracz escapes, takedown and three more backs for a commanding 11-0 lead. Three more backs with 22 seconds left makes it 14-0.
3-Moncourtois chooses neutral to start the third. The North wrestler circles to a nice low-single but is unable to convert. Pongracz spins behind for the takedown and a 16-0 technical fall in 4:56.
1-Pongracz trying to become just the 32nd wrestler in this tournament to win three or more titles. Takedown and three backs gives him a 5-0 lead 45 seconds in.
2-Pongracz escapes, takedown and three more backs for a commanding 11-0 lead. Three more backs with 22 seconds left makes it 14-0.
3-Moncourtois chooses neutral to start the third. The North wrestler circles to a nice low-single but is unable to convert. Pongracz spins behind for the takedown and a 16-0 technical fall in 4:56.
132 – 2-Sr. Matt Gilmore, DV, p. 1-Sr. Joe Kratochvil, WH, 3:08.
1-Battle of district champions here -- Kratochvil in D1 and Gilmore from D17. Kratochvil with the opening takedown and two backs off a cradle in the final 15 seconds. He leads, 4-0.
2-Gilmore down to start the second period. Escape six seconds in to get on the board. Nice low single by Gilmore and gets the two and the FALL as he catches Kratochvil (8-1) trying to roll through.
Big swing in the team race to boot!
1-Battle of district champions here -- Kratochvil in D1 and Gilmore from D17. Kratochvil with the opening takedown and two backs off a cradle in the final 15 seconds. He leads, 4-0.
2-Gilmore down to start the second period. Escape six seconds in to get on the board. Nice low single by Gilmore and gets the two and the FALL as he catches Kratochvil (8-1) trying to roll through.
Big swing in the team race to boot!
138 – 1-Sr. Nick Matthews, WM, d. 6-Jr. Holden Baker, DV, 5-2.
1-Takedown for Matthews, 2-0. Sorry for the delay, connectivity issues at my alma mater.
2-Baker escape.
3-Matthews escapes to lead, 3-1. Takedown with 21 seconds left should ice it. Matthews wins his first Goles title after a runner-up finish in 2010.
1-Takedown for Matthews, 2-0. Sorry for the delay, connectivity issues at my alma mater.
2-Baker escape.
3-Matthews escapes to lead, 3-1. Takedown with 21 seconds left should ice it. Matthews wins his first Goles title after a runner-up finish in 2010.
145 – 1-Jr. Mike Ciavarro, NH, d. 2-Sr. Brandon Carcuffe, WM, 3-1 UTB.
1-Ciavarro is a two-time Goles runner-up. Carcuffe seeking his second title, first since 2010. Scoreless first.
2-Ciavarro down to start the second period. Neutral, 1-0.
3-Carcuffe down to start the third period. Ciavarro cuts him loose -- all even at 1.
OT -- First overtime bout of the night. Ciavarro almost hits a dump and Carcuffe nearly pops his hip up for two -- but NOTHING. Great scramble as the period ends.
OT2-Carcuffe on bottom. No points.
OT3-Ciavarro down and can not get out.
UTB -- Ciavarro down. Ciavarro reverses with 15 seconds left -- wins 3-1.
1-Ciavarro is a two-time Goles runner-up. Carcuffe seeking his second title, first since 2010. Scoreless first.
2-Ciavarro down to start the second period. Neutral, 1-0.
3-Carcuffe down to start the third period. Ciavarro cuts him loose -- all even at 1.
OT -- First overtime bout of the night. Ciavarro almost hits a dump and Carcuffe nearly pops his hip up for two -- but NOTHING. Great scramble as the period ends.
OT2-Carcuffe on bottom. No points.
OT3-Ciavarro down and can not get out.
UTB -- Ciavarro down. Ciavarro reverses with 15 seconds left -- wins 3-1.
152 – 1-Jr. Jordan Pagano, SB, d. 2-Sr. Alex Niemann, DV, 7-1.
1-Niemann in deep on a low-single but can't finish. Pagano gets a takedown with 14 seconds left, 2-0.
2-Blood time. Niemann escapes, 2-1. Pagano converts another takedown with 13 seconds left for a 4-1 lead.
3-Pagano down to start the third period. Escape to make it, 5-1. Pagano ices it with another takedown late, helps Warren Hills in the process.
1-Niemann in deep on a low-single but can't finish. Pagano gets a takedown with 14 seconds left, 2-0.
2-Blood time. Niemann escapes, 2-1. Pagano converts another takedown with 13 seconds left for a 4-1 lead.
3-Pagano down to start the third period. Escape to make it, 5-1. Pagano ices it with another takedown late, helps Warren Hills in the process.
160 – 1-Sr. John Sickles, WM, d. 2-Jr. Kody Eichlin, DV, 7-2.
1-Sickles gets the first takedown at the edge 54 seconds in. Escape for Eichlin. Both wrestlers made the drop from 170 for this tournament. Sickles gets his second takedown with 26 seconds left, 4-1.
2-Eichlin down to start the second period. Neutral and it's 4-2. Sickles with his third takedown, dominating this bout.
3-Sickles down to start third -- leads 6-2. Escape makes it 7-2. That's how it ends. Sickles wins his second title to go with a third-place medal. Another bonus for the Streaks in a tight team race.
1-Sickles gets the first takedown at the edge 54 seconds in. Escape for Eichlin. Both wrestlers made the drop from 170 for this tournament. Sickles gets his second takedown with 26 seconds left, 4-1.
2-Eichlin down to start the second period. Neutral and it's 4-2. Sickles with his third takedown, dominating this bout.
3-Sickles down to start third -- leads 6-2. Escape makes it 7-2. That's how it ends. Sickles wins his second title to go with a third-place medal. Another bonus for the Streaks in a tight team race.
170 – 3-Sr. Brandon Loftus, NH, d. 1-Jr. Ryan Ostir, WH, 4-3.
1-Loftus converts the opening takedown as Ostir tries to fend it off with a whizzer. Streaks need this one as they seek their first team title since 1997. Ostir escapes, trails, 2-1. Ostir walks into another single, but this time he fights it off. Loftus up, 2-1, after one.
2-Ostir defers, Loftus takes bottom. Stall warning on Ostir late. Then a caution on Ostir. North coach Tim Flynn confers on the call, he feels this is a repeated false start. Now we get a caution of Loftus. Period ends, 2-1.
3-Ostir down to start the third, Loftus cuts him, 2-2. Loftus with a nice duck under for a takedown with 1:14 left. Ostir escapes, trails, 4-3. Loftus hit for stalling with 11 seconds left. Ostir tries a desperation headlock with three seconds, but loses by a point.
1-Loftus converts the opening takedown as Ostir tries to fend it off with a whizzer. Streaks need this one as they seek their first team title since 1997. Ostir escapes, trails, 2-1. Ostir walks into another single, but this time he fights it off. Loftus up, 2-1, after one.
2-Ostir defers, Loftus takes bottom. Stall warning on Ostir late. Then a caution on Ostir. North coach Tim Flynn confers on the call, he feels this is a repeated false start. Now we get a caution of Loftus. Period ends, 2-1.
3-Ostir down to start the third, Loftus cuts him, 2-2. Loftus with a nice duck under for a takedown with 1:14 left. Ostir escapes, trails, 4-3. Loftus hit for stalling with 11 seconds left. Ostir tries a desperation headlock with three seconds, but loses by a point.
182 – 2-Sr. Ali Yildiz, SB, d. 1-Sr. Liam Korbul, NH, 5-4.
1-Korbul with the opening takedown. Good matchup between state qualifiers. Korbul was seventh in the state last year, Yildiz was third in Region 5. Yildiz out, 2-1.
2-Korbul down to start the second period. Yildiz with the wicked tilt for three backs. Korbul escapes, he trails, 4-3.
3-Yildiz down to start the third. He escapes for a 5-3 lead. Yildiz fights off a single with 42 seconds left. Stal warning on Yildiz with 28 ticks left. Korbul awarded a stall point with 9 seconds left, but it doesn't matter. Yildiz wins his second Goles title.
1-Korbul with the opening takedown. Good matchup between state qualifiers. Korbul was seventh in the state last year, Yildiz was third in Region 5. Yildiz out, 2-1.
2-Korbul down to start the second period. Yildiz with the wicked tilt for three backs. Korbul escapes, he trails, 4-3.
3-Yildiz down to start the third. He escapes for a 5-3 lead. Yildiz fights off a single with 42 seconds left. Stal warning on Yildiz with 28 ticks left. Korbul awarded a stall point with 9 seconds left, but it doesn't matter. Yildiz wins his second Goles title.
195 – 2-Sr. Constantine Rissiotis, SB, p. 4-Jr. Jesse Windt, WM, 1:20.
1-Nice ankle pick gives Rissiotis the opening takedown. Works a bar for the FALL in 1:20.
1-Nice ankle pick gives Rissiotis the opening takedown. Works a bar for the FALL in 1:20.
220 – 8-Sr. Tyler Bridygham, WH, p. 2-Jr. Brian Baehr, DV, 5:14.
1-Streaks lead by 5 points going into this one. Del Val needs it. Bridygham tosses Baehr to his back for four points with 25 seconds left. Baehr escapes, 4-1.
2-Baehr reverses, 4-2. Bridygham out, 5-2. Takedown makes it 7-2 with 20 seconds left.
3-Neutral to start the third. Takedown to back and the headlock for the FALL in 5:14. Warren Hills clinches the team title -- first since 1997.
1-Streaks lead by 5 points going into this one. Del Val needs it. Bridygham tosses Baehr to his back for four points with 25 seconds left. Baehr escapes, 4-1.
2-Baehr reverses, 4-2. Bridygham out, 5-2. Takedown makes it 7-2 with 20 seconds left.
3-Neutral to start the third. Takedown to back and the headlock for the FALL in 5:14. Warren Hills clinches the team title -- first since 1997.
285 – 1-Sr. Anthony Tufaro, SP, d. 2-So. Andrew Pacheco, WH, 4-1.
1-Tufaro, eight in the state last year, gets the opening takedown. Pacheco escapes to make it 2-1.
2-Pacheco defers, Tufaro takes bottom. Gets another takedown, 4-1.
3-Pacheco down.
1-Tufaro, eight in the state last year, gets the opening takedown. Pacheco escapes to make it 2-1.
2-Pacheco defers, Tufaro takes bottom. Gets another takedown, 4-1.
3-Pacheco down.
Outstanding Wrestler – Tyler Bridygham, Warren Hills.
Ryan Storm Memorial Award (Most pins least total time) – Matt Gilmore, Delaware Valley (three in 8:36).
Final team standings: 1. Warren Hills (WH) 187; 2. Delaware Valley (DV) 176; 3. North Hunterdon (NH) 171.5; 4. South Brunswick (SB) 122.5; 5. West Morris (WM) 106.5; 6. Scotch Plains (SP) 73.5; 7. Edison (E) 59; 8. Bangor, Pa. (B) 51; 9. Newton (N) 42; 10. Millburn (M) 26.
Final team standings: 1. Warren Hills (WH) 187; 2. Delaware Valley (DV) 176; 3. North Hunterdon (NH) 171.5; 4. South Brunswick (SB) 122.5; 5. West Morris (WM) 106.5; 6. Scotch Plains (SP) 73.5; 7. Edison (E) 59; 8. Bangor, Pa. (B) 51; 9. Newton (N) 42; 10. Millburn (M) 26.
Third-place consolations
106 – Fr. Vito Intili, DV, d. Fr. Michael Klimkiewicz, SB, 6-4.
113 – Sr. Christian Farah, B, d. So. J.T. Beirne, SP, 6-5.
120 – Jr. Michael Adam, DV, d. So. John Fluck, WH, 4-2.
126 – Jr. Tai Adetula, WH, d. Jr. Robert Lindsay, B, 4-0.
132 – Fr. Brian Smolinsky, NH, p. Sr. Jesse Tainow, SB, 4:37.
138 – Sr. Kevin Bundschuh, WH, d. So. Brian Lapham, SP, 11-7.
145 – So. Charlie Sell, B, d. Jr. Codey Leh, DV, 5-0.
152 – Sr. Dein Rice, SP, p. So. Brandon Tockett, B, :39.
160 – Jr. Evan Butka, WH, p. Jr. Joe Guzzo, NH, 2:59.
170 – Jr. Matt Ridge, SP, p. Sr. Yushua Banks, E, 3:46.
182 – Sr. Josh Sibblies, N, p. Jr. Luke Zehnbauer, DV, 2:10.
195 – So. Gus Protogeropoulos, N, d. Sr. Dan Pepe, NH, 4-3.
220 – So. Carlos Botero, E, d. Sr. Carson Hess, SB, 7-5.
285 – So. Keith Serio, E, d. Jr. Gordon Thompson, SB, 4-2 OT.
Wednesday, December 26, 2012
Wrestling: John Goles Invitational preview, info
What: John Goles Invitational Tournament (55th annual).
When: Thursday.
Where: Warren Hills Regional High School, Washington Township.
Participating teams: Bangor (Pa.); Delaware Valley; Edison; Millburn; Newton; North Hunterdon; Scotch Plains-Fanwood; South Brunswick; Warren Hills; West Morris.
Schedule: Pigtails and quarterfinals, 11 a.m.; Wrestlebacks, 1:30; Semifinals, 2:30 p.m.; Wrestlebacks, 3:45 p.m.; Consolation finals, 5:30 p.m.; Championships, 6:30 p.m.
Returning champions (this year's weight): Max Nauta, Warren Hills (113); Ryan Pomrinca, North Hunterdon (120); Mike Pongracz, Delaware Valley (126); Matt Gilmore, Delaware Valley (132); Ali Yaldiz, South Brunswick (182); Liam Korbul, North Hunterdon (182).
Previous champions (2010): Brandon Carcuffe, West Morris (145); John Sickles, West Morris (160).
Notes: Pongracz is looking to become just the 32nd wrestler to win three Goles titles. He won titles in 2010 and '11, while finishing third as a freshman in '09. He would be the sixth Del Val wrestler to win three or more -- joining the late Dan Hutchins (1998-01), Bob Brunner (1994, '96, '97), Lance Thatcher (1999-01), Kris Sigafoos (2003-05) and Dan Kelly (2003-05). ... Host Warren Hills is seeking its first team championship since 1997. The Streaks have won or shared 20 championships since the tournament's inception in 1958. ... Defending champion Delaware Valley has claimed 10 of the last 14 team titles. ... Former two-time champion Bob "Bone" Leh is expected to be among the former winners in attendance. Leh won titles in 1962 and '63 for the Blue Streaks. Warren Hills assistant coach Ben Oberly was a three-time champ for the Streaks (1983-85). Newton assistant coaches Andy Iliff (1985-86) and Ted Sibblies (1987-88) were two-timers for the Braves. Del Val assistant Gregg Wiseburn (1999-2000) and North Hunterdon assistant Chris Hrunka (2006) were also champs for the Streaks. Millburn coach Mike Artigliere was a two-time champ for Madison (1985-86).
When: Thursday.
Where: Warren Hills Regional High School, Washington Township.
Participating teams: Bangor (Pa.); Delaware Valley; Edison; Millburn; Newton; North Hunterdon; Scotch Plains-Fanwood; South Brunswick; Warren Hills; West Morris.
Schedule: Pigtails and quarterfinals, 11 a.m.; Wrestlebacks, 1:30; Semifinals, 2:30 p.m.; Wrestlebacks, 3:45 p.m.; Consolation finals, 5:30 p.m.; Championships, 6:30 p.m.
Returning champions (this year's weight): Max Nauta, Warren Hills (113); Ryan Pomrinca, North Hunterdon (120); Mike Pongracz, Delaware Valley (126); Matt Gilmore, Delaware Valley (132); Ali Yaldiz, South Brunswick (182); Liam Korbul, North Hunterdon (182).
Previous champions (2010): Brandon Carcuffe, West Morris (145); John Sickles, West Morris (160).
Notes: Pongracz is looking to become just the 32nd wrestler to win three Goles titles. He won titles in 2010 and '11, while finishing third as a freshman in '09. He would be the sixth Del Val wrestler to win three or more -- joining the late Dan Hutchins (1998-01), Bob Brunner (1994, '96, '97), Lance Thatcher (1999-01), Kris Sigafoos (2003-05) and Dan Kelly (2003-05). ... Host Warren Hills is seeking its first team championship since 1997. The Streaks have won or shared 20 championships since the tournament's inception in 1958. ... Defending champion Delaware Valley has claimed 10 of the last 14 team titles. ... Former two-time champion Bob "Bone" Leh is expected to be among the former winners in attendance. Leh won titles in 1962 and '63 for the Blue Streaks. Warren Hills assistant coach Ben Oberly was a three-time champ for the Streaks (1983-85). Newton assistant coaches Andy Iliff (1985-86) and Ted Sibblies (1987-88) were two-timers for the Braves. Del Val assistant Gregg Wiseburn (1999-2000) and North Hunterdon assistant Chris Hrunka (2006) were also champs for the Streaks. Millburn coach Mike Artigliere was a two-time champ for Madison (1985-86).
Wrestling: John Goles Invitational team champions
1958 – Somerville
1959 – Washington
1960 – Plainfield
1961 – Northampton (Pa.)
1962 – Washington
1963 – Northampton (Pa.)
1964 – Washington/West Morris
1965 – Washington
1966 – Notre Dame (Pa.)
1967 – Newton
1968 – Warren Hills
1969 – Warren Hills
1970 – Warren Hills
1971 – Warren Hills
1972 – Belvidere
1973 – Warren Hills
1974 – Warren Hills
1975 – Warren Hills
1976 – Warren Hills
1977 – Newton
1978 – Edison
1979 – Madison/Stroudsburg (Pa.)
1980 – Madison
1981 – Warren Hills
1982 – Edison
1983 – Newton
1984 – Newton
1985 – Stroudsburg (Pa.)
1986 – Warren Hills
1987 – Stroudsburg (Pa.)
1988 – Warren Hills
1989 – Warren Hills
1990 – Warren Hills
1991 – Stroudsburg (Pa.)
1992 – Stroudsburg (Pa.)
1993 – Stroudsburg (Pa.)
1994 – Warren Hills
1995 – North Hunterdon
1996 – Warren Hills
1997 – Warren Hills
1998 – Delaware Valley
1999 – Delaware Valley
2000 – Delaware Valley
2001 – Delaware Valley
2002 – Delaware Valley
2003 – Delaware Valley
2004 – Delaware Valley
2005 – Delaware Valley
2006 – Edison
2007 – Newton
2008 – Newton
2009 – Delaware Valley
2010 – North Hunterdon
2011 – Delaware Valley
Wrestling: Holiday tournament schedules
Here are a list of the holiday tournaments involving teams from the Open Mike area.
Thursday
Where: Warren Hills Regional High School, Washington Township.
Local teams: Delaware Valley; Newton; North Hunterdon; Warren Hills.
Others: Bangor (Pa.); Edison; Millburn; Scotch Plains-Fanwood; South Brunswick; West Morris.
Schedule: Pigtails and quarterfinals, 11 a.m.; Wrestlebacks, 1:30; Semifinals, 2:30 p.m.; Wrestlebacks, 3:45 p.m.; Consolation finals, 5:30 p.m.; Championships, 6:30 p.m.
Where: Kittatinny Regional High School, Hampton, Township.
Local teams: Belvidere; Kittatinny; North Warren.
Others: DePaul; Franklin; Mendham; Minnisink Valley (N.Y.); Pequannock; Roxbury; Shawnee.
Schedule: Wrestling begins at 11:30 a.m. and continues straight through to the finals.
Where: Lenape Valley Regional High School, Stanhope.
Local teams: Lenape Valley; Wallkill Valley.
Others: Blair Academy 'B'; Cedar Grove; Montville; West Windsor North; Whippany Park.
Schedule: Wrestling begins at 9:30 a.m.
Where: Middletown South High School, Middletown.
Local teams: Voorhees.
Others: Christian Brothers Academy; Freehold Borough; Freehold Township; Holy Spirit; Jackson Liberty; Manalapan; Middletown North; Middletown South; Monroe; Montclair; Point Pleasant Boro; Pompton Lakes; Toms River South; Watchung Hills; West Orange.
Schedule: Wrestling begins at 9 a.m.
Friday
Where: Hunterdon Central Field House, Raritan Township.
Local teams: Hackettstown; Hunterdon Central.
Others: Buena; Burlington Township; Cherokee; Delran; Jefferson; Hamilton West; Highland; Livingston; Middlesex; Notre Dame; Old Bridge; Seneca; Toms River East.
Schedule: Wrestling begins at 10 a.m.
Where: Brick Memorial High School, Brick, N.J.
Local teams: High Point.
Others: Brick Memorial; Delsea; Howell; Ocean Township; Paulsboro; St. Augustine; St. John Vianney; St. Peter's Prep; Timber Creek; Wall; West Essex.
Schedule: Wrestling begins at 10 a.m.
Where: Mountain Lakes High School, Mountain Lakes.
Local teams: Hopatcong; Sparta.
Others: Boonton; Bridgewater-Raritan; Chatham; Dover; Kinnelon; Morris Hills; Morris Knolls; Mountain Lakes; Plainfield; Wayne Hills.
Schedule: Wrestling begins at 9:30 a.m.
Friday/Saturday
Where: Liberty High School, Bethlehem, Pa.
Local teams: Phillipsburg.
Others: Big Spring (Pa.); Boyertown (Pa.); Camden Catholic; Central Dauphin (Pa.); Council Rock South (Pa.); Delaware Valley (Pa.); Freedom (Pa.); Hazleton (Pa.); Honesdale (Pa.); Lehighton (Pa.); Liberty (Pa.); Milton (Pa.); Nazareth (Pa.); North Penn (Pa.); Northampton (Pa.); Northern Lehigh (Pa.); Northwestern (Pa.); Pen Argyl (Pa.); Pennridge (Pa.); Quakertown (Pa.); St. Mark's (Del.); Saucon Valley (Pa.); Stroudsburg (Pa.); Tri Valley (Pa.); Warwick (Pa.); Wyoming Seminary (Pa.); Wyoming Valley West (Pa.).
Friday schedule: First session, 9 a.m.; Second session, 6 p.m.
Saturday schedule: Semifinals, 10:30 a.m.; Consolation finals, 5 p.m.; Championships, 7 p.m.
Thursday
John Goles Invitational (55th annual)
Where: Warren Hills Regional High School, Washington Township.
Local teams: Delaware Valley; Newton; North Hunterdon; Warren Hills.
Others: Bangor (Pa.); Edison; Millburn; Scotch Plains-Fanwood; South Brunswick; West Morris.
Schedule: Pigtails and quarterfinals, 11 a.m.; Wrestlebacks, 1:30; Semifinals, 2:30 p.m.; Wrestlebacks, 3:45 p.m.; Consolation finals, 5:30 p.m.; Championships, 6:30 p.m.
Cougar Classic
Where: Kittatinny Regional High School, Hampton, Township.
Local teams: Belvidere; Kittatinny; North Warren.
Others: DePaul; Franklin; Mendham; Minnisink Valley (N.Y.); Pequannock; Roxbury; Shawnee.
Schedule: Wrestling begins at 11:30 a.m. and continues straight through to the finals.
Lenape Valley Tournament
Where: Lenape Valley Regional High School, Stanhope.
Local teams: Lenape Valley; Wallkill Valley.
Others: Blair Academy 'B'; Cedar Grove; Montville; West Windsor North; Whippany Park.
Schedule: Wrestling begins at 9:30 a.m.
Walter Woods Tournament
Where: Middletown South High School, Middletown.
Local teams: Voorhees.
Others: Christian Brothers Academy; Freehold Borough; Freehold Township; Holy Spirit; Jackson Liberty; Manalapan; Middletown North; Middletown South; Monroe; Montclair; Point Pleasant Boro; Pompton Lakes; Toms River South; Watchung Hills; West Orange.
Schedule: Wrestling begins at 9 a.m.
Friday
Hunterdon Central Invitational
Where: Hunterdon Central Field House, Raritan Township.
Local teams: Hackettstown; Hunterdon Central.
Others: Buena; Burlington Township; Cherokee; Delran; Jefferson; Hamilton West; Highland; Livingston; Middlesex; Notre Dame; Old Bridge; Seneca; Toms River East.
Schedule: Wrestling begins at 10 a.m.
Mustang Classic
Where: Brick Memorial High School, Brick, N.J.
Local teams: High Point.
Others: Brick Memorial; Delsea; Howell; Ocean Township; Paulsboro; St. Augustine; St. John Vianney; St. Peter's Prep; Timber Creek; Wall; West Essex.
Schedule: Wrestling begins at 10 a.m.
Mountain Lakes Tournament
Where: Mountain Lakes High School, Mountain Lakes.
Local teams: Hopatcong; Sparta.
Others: Boonton; Bridgewater-Raritan; Chatham; Dover; Kinnelon; Morris Hills; Morris Knolls; Mountain Lakes; Plainfield; Wayne Hills.
Schedule: Wrestling begins at 9:30 a.m.
Friday/Saturday
Bethlehem Holiday Classic
Where: Liberty High School, Bethlehem, Pa.
Local teams: Phillipsburg.
Others: Big Spring (Pa.); Boyertown (Pa.); Camden Catholic; Central Dauphin (Pa.); Council Rock South (Pa.); Delaware Valley (Pa.); Freedom (Pa.); Hazleton (Pa.); Honesdale (Pa.); Lehighton (Pa.); Liberty (Pa.); Milton (Pa.); Nazareth (Pa.); North Penn (Pa.); Northampton (Pa.); Northern Lehigh (Pa.); Northwestern (Pa.); Pen Argyl (Pa.); Pennridge (Pa.); Quakertown (Pa.); St. Mark's (Del.); Saucon Valley (Pa.); Stroudsburg (Pa.); Tri Valley (Pa.); Warwick (Pa.); Wyoming Seminary (Pa.); Wyoming Valley West (Pa.).
Friday schedule: First session, 9 a.m.; Second session, 6 p.m.
Saturday schedule: Semifinals, 10:30 a.m.; Consolation finals, 5 p.m.; Championships, 7 p.m.
Saturday, December 22, 2012
Wrestling: Wildcats claw past Streaks in nightcap
High Point and Warren Hills found out a lot about their respective wrestling teams on Saturday. And most of it was positive.
Both the Wildcats and Blue Streaks went 2-1 on the day, as High Point earned an impressive 38-24 victory over host Warren Hills in a very competitive quad meet in Washington.
High Point (3-1) started the day with a tough 29-28 defeat to Howell -- losing on Criteria No. 8 which is most first points scored. Coach John Gardner's squad rebounded nicely with a 40-21 pasting of Timber Creek in the middle portion. All in all, Gardner liked what he saw from his 'Cats.
"It was a good day here. Our kids wrestled well," said Gardner, who picked up career win No. 250 against Timber Creek. "Something for us that was a little more important than being good was that we showed some toughness today."
Warren Hills (6-1) was unable to make it three in a row as the grueling three-match schedule took its toll, according to coach Jarrett Hosbach. The Blue Streaks rallied twice in wins over Timber Creek (36-35) and Howell (31-26). None of the four teams involved went 3-0, as South Jersey power Timber Creek, considered by some to be top five in New Jersey, was the only school to lose all three.
"I thought we looked mentally tired [against High Point]," said Hosbach, whose team posted a 43-22 win over Belvidere on Friday night. "It's something we have to work on. We told the kids that if you get in the wrestlebacks at regions, you can wrestle three emotional matches in one day. We saw great competition here and maybe we raised the bar as to where we think we are as a team."
Freshman Jared Kobis got High Point off to a great start with his 3-2 win over Warren Hills junior Tai Adetula, a Region 1 qualifier, in the first bout at 120 pounds. Connor McHugh followed with a surprising pin of District 1 placewinner John Fluck at 126 and the 'Cats held a 9-0 lead.
Senior state qualifier Joe Kratochvil stopped the bleeding, albeit temporarily, with his 3-2 win over District 3 champion Mike Derin at 132. A takedown with 1:08 left sealed the win, as Warren Hills trailed, 9-3. But High Point rolled off three straight wins at 138 through 152 to take a commanding 20-3 lead.
Junior Chris Auer's 5-3 win in an overtime rideout was another big blow to Warren Hills' chances.
"They do a very good job of breaking your spirit," Hosbach said of High Point.
Evan Butka kept the Streaks' hopes alive with a 7-5 win in sudden victory at 160, but High Point junior Antonio Porraspita squashed any further thoughts of a comeback with his 5-1 win over Ryan Ostir at 170 to put the 'Cats up 23-6 with six bouts to go. Bobby McDonnell's pin at 220 sealed the victory.
"You keep stringing wins together and before you know it, you're too far back," Gardner said.
Sophomore Dom Gallo, who won 16 matches last season but was squeezed out of the postseason lineup, capped a 3-0 day with a 58-second pin of talented Warren Hills sophomore Austin Pidoto at 106.
"He's tough and a good kid," Gardner said of Gallo. "He was a little undersized last year. This year he has the opportunity to make some things happen."
High Point trailed, 25-19, with three bouts left against Howell before rallying back to tie it. Kyle Stoll started it with a pin of Nathan Litowsky at 195, but Drew Bye dropped a 3-1 decision at 220, and the 'Cats were down 28-25 going into the final bout at 285.
McDonnell came through with a clutch 4-0 win over Joe Sportiello -- making it 28-28 on the scoreboard as referee Joe Benvenuto headed to the scorer's table to run down the tiebreakers. Bouts were even at 7-7, as were pins (2-2) and major decisions (1-1). Criteria No. 8 -- most first points scored -- was in Howell's favor at 13-10 and the Shore Conference team was declared the winner.
Gardner pleaded a losing case to Benvenuto, as his contention was that Stoll should have gotten back points for his pin. But Stoll started the period on top in a 0-0 match and the points were never awarded before the pin.
Freshman Kris Lindemann's 10-2 major of Derin at 126 was particularly crippling, given the fact that he gave up a reversal in the final seconds to give away the major. That one team point was critical as it turned out.
Warren Hills set the gym on its collective ear -- twice -- as it rallied with four straight pins to close the match and beat Timber Creek. Ostir started the run at 170, as Steve Cleaver, Ryan Witner and Andrew Pacheco followed suit. On a down note, Streaks junior Nate Detrick was lost for the final two matches after defaulting just 16 seconds into his 152-pound bout against the Chargers.
Things looked dicey after Creek's Isiah DeGuzman decked Kevin Bundschuh in 4:43 at 138. Bundschuh led 3-0 at one point in the second period. John Amato also earned a big 4-2 win in sudden victory against Warren Hills' Max Nauta in a battle of state qualifiers.
The Streaks mounted another thrilling comeback against Howell, as Pidoto stuck Mikey Sisolak in the final bout at 106 to give them a five-point win. Pidoto (6-1) trailed, 4-2, after two periods. After a reversal, he put Sisolak to his back and got the pin in 5:04 as the Warren Hills bench and fans roared in approval.
Cleaver and Witner also registered key pins, and Pacheco a major, to set up Pidoto's heroics.
"I hope we have [wins like these] every day," Hosbach said smiling. "It was fun."
Both the Wildcats and Blue Streaks went 2-1 on the day, as High Point earned an impressive 38-24 victory over host Warren Hills in a very competitive quad meet in Washington.
High Point (3-1) started the day with a tough 29-28 defeat to Howell -- losing on Criteria No. 8 which is most first points scored. Coach John Gardner's squad rebounded nicely with a 40-21 pasting of Timber Creek in the middle portion. All in all, Gardner liked what he saw from his 'Cats.
"It was a good day here. Our kids wrestled well," said Gardner, who picked up career win No. 250 against Timber Creek. "Something for us that was a little more important than being good was that we showed some toughness today."
Warren Hills (6-1) was unable to make it three in a row as the grueling three-match schedule took its toll, according to coach Jarrett Hosbach. The Blue Streaks rallied twice in wins over Timber Creek (36-35) and Howell (31-26). None of the four teams involved went 3-0, as South Jersey power Timber Creek, considered by some to be top five in New Jersey, was the only school to lose all three.
"I thought we looked mentally tired [against High Point]," said Hosbach, whose team posted a 43-22 win over Belvidere on Friday night. "It's something we have to work on. We told the kids that if you get in the wrestlebacks at regions, you can wrestle three emotional matches in one day. We saw great competition here and maybe we raised the bar as to where we think we are as a team."
Freshman Jared Kobis got High Point off to a great start with his 3-2 win over Warren Hills junior Tai Adetula, a Region 1 qualifier, in the first bout at 120 pounds. Connor McHugh followed with a surprising pin of District 1 placewinner John Fluck at 126 and the 'Cats held a 9-0 lead.
Senior state qualifier Joe Kratochvil stopped the bleeding, albeit temporarily, with his 3-2 win over District 3 champion Mike Derin at 132. A takedown with 1:08 left sealed the win, as Warren Hills trailed, 9-3. But High Point rolled off three straight wins at 138 through 152 to take a commanding 20-3 lead.
Junior Chris Auer's 5-3 win in an overtime rideout was another big blow to Warren Hills' chances.
"They do a very good job of breaking your spirit," Hosbach said of High Point.
Evan Butka kept the Streaks' hopes alive with a 7-5 win in sudden victory at 160, but High Point junior Antonio Porraspita squashed any further thoughts of a comeback with his 5-1 win over Ryan Ostir at 170 to put the 'Cats up 23-6 with six bouts to go. Bobby McDonnell's pin at 220 sealed the victory.
"You keep stringing wins together and before you know it, you're too far back," Gardner said.
Sophomore Dom Gallo, who won 16 matches last season but was squeezed out of the postseason lineup, capped a 3-0 day with a 58-second pin of talented Warren Hills sophomore Austin Pidoto at 106.
"He's tough and a good kid," Gardner said of Gallo. "He was a little undersized last year. This year he has the opportunity to make some things happen."
High Point trailed, 25-19, with three bouts left against Howell before rallying back to tie it. Kyle Stoll started it with a pin of Nathan Litowsky at 195, but Drew Bye dropped a 3-1 decision at 220, and the 'Cats were down 28-25 going into the final bout at 285.
McDonnell came through with a clutch 4-0 win over Joe Sportiello -- making it 28-28 on the scoreboard as referee Joe Benvenuto headed to the scorer's table to run down the tiebreakers. Bouts were even at 7-7, as were pins (2-2) and major decisions (1-1). Criteria No. 8 -- most first points scored -- was in Howell's favor at 13-10 and the Shore Conference team was declared the winner.
Gardner pleaded a losing case to Benvenuto, as his contention was that Stoll should have gotten back points for his pin. But Stoll started the period on top in a 0-0 match and the points were never awarded before the pin.
Freshman Kris Lindemann's 10-2 major of Derin at 126 was particularly crippling, given the fact that he gave up a reversal in the final seconds to give away the major. That one team point was critical as it turned out.
Warren Hills set the gym on its collective ear -- twice -- as it rallied with four straight pins to close the match and beat Timber Creek. Ostir started the run at 170, as Steve Cleaver, Ryan Witner and Andrew Pacheco followed suit. On a down note, Streaks junior Nate Detrick was lost for the final two matches after defaulting just 16 seconds into his 152-pound bout against the Chargers.
Things looked dicey after Creek's Isiah DeGuzman decked Kevin Bundschuh in 4:43 at 138. Bundschuh led 3-0 at one point in the second period. John Amato also earned a big 4-2 win in sudden victory against Warren Hills' Max Nauta in a battle of state qualifiers.
The Streaks mounted another thrilling comeback against Howell, as Pidoto stuck Mikey Sisolak in the final bout at 106 to give them a five-point win. Pidoto (6-1) trailed, 4-2, after two periods. After a reversal, he put Sisolak to his back and got the pin in 5:04 as the Warren Hills bench and fans roared in approval.
Cleaver and Witner also registered key pins, and Pacheco a major, to set up Pidoto's heroics.
"I hope we have [wins like these] every day," Hosbach said smiling. "It was fun."
WARREN HILLS 36, TIMBER CREEK 35
106 – Austin Pidoto, WH, d. Alex Tran, 7-5.
113 – John Amato, TC, d. Max Nauta, 4-2 SV.
120 – Tai Adetula, WH, p. Joey DiMartino, 2:23.
126 – Nick Virgilio, TC, p. John Fluck, 1:18.
132 – Joe Kratochvil, WH, d. Lorenzo Ruggiero, 6-3.
138 – Isiah DeGuzman, TC, p. Kevin Bundschuh, 4:43.
145 – Brandon Keller, TC, md. Tom Rush, 12-1.
152 – Keith Bauberger, TC, injury default over Nate Detrick,
:16.
160 – Dom Ruggierrio, TC, md. Evan Butka, 10-2.
170 – Bryce Shade, TC, p. Xavier Adetula, 1:00.
182 – Ryan Ostir, WH, p. Justin Gonzalez, 2:50.
195 – Steve Cleaver, WH, p. Kashon Gordan, 2:09.
220 – Ryan Witner, WH, p. Joe Morrett, 3:17.
285 – Andrew Pacheco, WH, p. Isaiah Hardy, 1:27.
Records – Warren Hills 5-0, Timber Creek 1-1.
HOWELL 29, HIGH POINT 28*
106 – Dom Gallo, HP, p. Mikey Sisolak, :28.
113 – Jimmy Slendorn, H, p. Leo Haines, :54.
120 – Jared Kobis, HP, md. Anthony Piazza, 10-0.
126 – Kris Lindemann, H, md. Mike Derin, 10-2.
132 – Connor McHugh, HP, d. James Sisolak, 10-4.
138 – Ben Esposito, H, d. Collin Grimm, 5-3.
145 – Jason Gaccione, HP, d. Ashanti Maurice, 10-8.
152 – Tommy Hooker, HP, d. Matt Lindemann, 6-2.
160 – Casey Fecht, H, d. Moses Yasin, 8-5.
170 – Joey Schultz, H, d. Antonio Porraspita, 8-3 SV.
182 – Stephen Boncimino, H, p. Ryan Olinger, :55.
195 – Kyle Stoll, HP, p. Nathan Litowsky, 2:27.
220 – Kyle Cocozza, H, d. Drew Bye, 3-1.
285 – Bobby McDonell, HP, d. Joe Sportiello, 4-0.
Note: Howell wins on Criteria No. 8 (most first points
scored).
Records – High Point 1-1; Howell 2-0.
WARREN HILLS 31, HOWELL 26
113 – Jimmy Slendorn, H, d. Max Nauta, 4-2.
120 – Tai Adetula, WH, d. Anthony Piazza, 3-1.
126 – Kris Lindemann, H, d. John Fluck, 7-3.
132 – Joe Kratochvil, WH, d. James Sisolak, 6-4.
138 – Ben Esposito, H, md. Kevin Bundschuh, 10-1.
145 – Jack Rada, H, d. Tom Rush, 2-1.
152 – Ashanti Maurice, H, md. Anthony Roessner, 19-9.
160 – Joey Schultz, H, d. Evan Butka, 8-2.
170 – Ryan Ostir, WH, d. Casey Fecht, 7-3.
182 – Steve Cleaver, WH, p. Nathan Litowsky, 5:32.
195 – Ryan Witner, WH, p. Stephen Boncimino, 2:36.
220 – Kyle Raposa, H, p. Tyler Bridygham, 2:33.
285 – Andrew Pacheco, WH, md. Joe Sportiello, 10-1.
106 – Austin Pidoto, WH, p. Mikey Sisolak, 5:04.
Records – Warren Hills 6-0; Howell 2-1.
HIGH POINT 40, TIMBER CREEK 21
113 – John Amato, TC, p. Leo Haines, :43.
120 – Jared Kobis, HP, d. Joey DiMartino, 3-1.
126 – Mike Derin, HP, p. Nick Virgilio, :38.
132 – Chris Auer, HP, d. Lorenzo Ruggiero, 6-4.
138 – Isiah DeGuzman, TC, d. Collin Grimm, 4-2.
145 – Jason Gaccione, HP, forfeit.
152 – Keith Bauberger, TC, d. Tommy Hooker, 3-1 SV.
160 – Dom Ruggierrio, TC, d. Moses Yasin, 6-0.
170 – Bryce Shade, TC, p. Nick Carriera, :21.
182 – Antonio Porraspita, HP, d. Justin Gonzalez, 5-0.
195 – Kyle Stoll, HP, forfeit.
220 – Bobby McDonnell, HP, d. Joe Morrett, 6-0.
285 – Gunny Wassong, HP, p. Isaiah Hardy, 3:08.
106 – Dom Gallo, HP, md. Alex Tran, 9-1.
Records – High Point 2-1; Timber Creek 1-2.
HIGH POINT 38, WARREN HILLS 24
120 – Fr. Jared Kobis (6-0), HP, d. Jr. Tai Adetula (5-2), 3-2.
126 – Sr. Connor McHugh (5-1), HP, p. So. John Fluck (3-4), :40.
132 – Sr. Joe Kratochvil (6-0), WH, d. So. Mike Derin (3-2), 3-2.
138 – Jr. Chris Auer (5-0), HP, d. Sr. Kevin Bundschuh (4-3), 5-3 OT2 rideout.
145 – So. Jason Gaccione (7-0), HP, md. Sr. Tom Rush (0-7), 15-4.
152 – Jr. Tommy Hooker (5-2), HP, md. Fr. Anthony Roessner (0-2), 9-1.
160 – Jr. Evan Butka (3-4), WH, d. Sr. Moses Yasin (2-5), 7-5 SV.
170 – Jr. Antonio Porraspita (5-2), HP, d. Jr. Ryan Ostir (5-1), 5-1.
182 – Jr. Steve Cleaver (5-1), WH, p. Fr. Ryan Carriera (0-3), 1:46.
195 – Jr. Kyle Stoll (6-0), HP, d. Jr. Ryan Witner (5-2), 6-2.
220 – Jr. Bobby McDonnell (6-1), HP, p. Sr. Tyler Bridygham (1-5), 1:07.
285 – So. Andrew Pacheco (6-1), WH, p. So. Henry Kuperus (0-1), 3:22.
106 – So. Dom Gallo (7-0), HP, p. So. Austin Pidoto (6-1), :58.
113 – So. Max Nauta (3-3), WH, forfeit.
Records – Warren Hills 6-1; High Point 3-1.
HOWELL 37, TIMBER CREEK 24
120 – Anthony Piazza, H, d. Joey DiMartino, 7-3.
126 – Nick Virgilio, TC, p. Nick Braiuca, 3:44.
132 – Kris Lindemann, H, p. Lorenzo Ruggiero, 5:35.
138 – Ben Esposito, H, d. Brandon Virgilio, 6-3.
145 – Jack Rada, H, md. Alex Carpenter, 15-5.
152 – Ashanti Maurice, H, d. Keith Bauberger, 3-1.
160 – Dom Ruggierrio, TC, p. Joey Schultz, 1:57.
170 – Bryce Shade, TC, p. Casey Fecht, 2:08.
182 – Nathan Litowsky, H, p. Justin Gonzalez, 1:09.
195 – Kashon Gordan, TC, d. Stephen Boncimino, 4-3.
220 – Kyle Cocozza, H, d. Joe Morrett, 4-0.
285 – Joe Sportiello, H, p. Nick Spero, 3:23.
106 – Anthony Gagliano, H, d. Alex Tran, 6-5.
113 – John Amato, TC, d. Jimmy Slendorn, 5-3.
Records – Howell 3-1; Timber Creek 1-3.
Wrestling: Blue Streaks tame Seaters in tune-up
Warren Hills' wrestling team earned some bonus points for not getting caught looking ahead a bit. After all, the Blue Streaks had an eventful Saturday ahead with one of the toughest quads of the season.
But coach Jarrett Hosbach's team took care of the business at hand on Friday night with a convincing 43-22 win over Warren County rival Belvidere in a Skyland Conference non-divisional matchup before a packed house at Belvidere High School.
Warren Hills (4-0) won nine bouts, including the last five, to pull away from a game Belvidere squad that was coming off a 72-0 blanking of Bernards on Wednesday. The County Seaters (1-1) pulled ahead by one, 22-21, after senior Ryan Appleby posted a spirited 13-7 decision over Warren Hills sophomore Andrew Pacheco in the night's most entertaining bout at 285 pounds.
Appleby (3-1), a Region 1 qualifier last season, converted a pair of takedowns in an eventful third period to pull away and earn his second win in three career meetings against Pacheco dating to last season. Appleby, who scored a major in their last meeting, was penalized twice in the third (once for a full nelson) but finished strong with a takedown in the final 20 seconds.
Freshman Carsen Johnson started the Streaks' run of five straight with a 9-0 major against Jimmy Smith at 106. Hosbach inserted Johnson and bumped sophomore 106-pounder Austin Pidoto up one weight class, because sophomore state qualifier Max Nauta missed weight at 113. Pidoto answered with a 35-second pin of Matt Hambacher with a low-leg cradle.
Sophomore John Fluck followed with a 7-3 win at 120 and junior Tai Adetula's victory by injury default over Zafer Deyer at 126 stretched Warren Hills' lead to 40-22 -- sealing the match. Deyer appeared to sustain an injury to his left knee and had to be carried off the mat.
Senior Joe Kratochvil, a district champ and region runner-up last season, closed things out for Warren Hills with a narrow 8-7 win over former district placewinner Aaron Castner at 132. A third-period takedown proved to be the difference.
Senior Kevin Bundschuh started the Streaks off with one of their four pins in the evening's first bout at 138. Evan Butka (160) and Ryan Ostir (170) also won by falls.
Belvidere's only other lead was, 7-6, after senior Jesse Thorsen's 13-5 major of junior Nate Detrick at 152.
Warren Hills now leads the overall series, 36-8, dating to 1965. Belvidere's last win was in 2001, capping a five-match win streak in the series. The County Seaters' only other wins came in 1973, and '84 and '93.
The Streaks next host High Point, Howell and Timber Creek in a very tough quad on Saturday starting at 10 a.m.
WARREN HILLS 43, BELVIDERE 22
138 -- Sr. Kevin Bundschuh (4-0), WH, p. Jr. Tyler Dombrosky (1-3), 1:31.
145 -- So. Kenny Kane (2-2), B, d. Sr. Tom Rush (0-4), 5-4.
152 -- Sr. Jesse Thorsen (3-0), B, md. Jr. Nate Detrick (1-2), 13-5.
160 -- Jr. Evan Butka (2-2), WH, p. So. David Harris (1-2), 1:44.
170 -- Jr. Ryan Ostir (3-0), WH, p. Sr. Tyler Toth (2-2), 3:45.
182 -- Sr. Evan Bray (3-0), B, p. Sr. Xavier Adetula (1-1), 1:21.
195 -- Jr. Ryan Witner (3-1), WH, d. Sr. Mike Farrell (0-1), 5-4.
220 -- Sr. J.B. Lawson (2-1), B, p. Sr. Tyler Bridygham (1-3), 3:03.
285 -- Sr. Ryan Appleby (3-1), B, d. So. Andrew Pacheco (3-1), 13-7.
106 -- Fr. Carsen Johnson (1-0), WH, md. Fr. Jimmy Smith (0-4), 9-0.
113 -- So. Austin Pidoto (4-0), WH, p. So. Matt Hambacher (0-3), :35.
120 -- So. John Fluck (3-1), WH, d. Jr. Kenny Morgan (1-2), 7-3.
126 -- Jr. Tai Adetula (3-1), WH, won by injury default over Sr. Zafer Deyer (0-3), :10.
132 -- Sr. Joe Kratochvil (3-0), WH, d. Sr. Aaron Castner (1-2), 8-7.
Records -- Warren Hills 4-0; Belvidere 1-1.
Official: Bob DeFalco.
But coach Jarrett Hosbach's team took care of the business at hand on Friday night with a convincing 43-22 win over Warren County rival Belvidere in a Skyland Conference non-divisional matchup before a packed house at Belvidere High School.
Warren Hills (4-0) won nine bouts, including the last five, to pull away from a game Belvidere squad that was coming off a 72-0 blanking of Bernards on Wednesday. The County Seaters (1-1) pulled ahead by one, 22-21, after senior Ryan Appleby posted a spirited 13-7 decision over Warren Hills sophomore Andrew Pacheco in the night's most entertaining bout at 285 pounds.
Appleby (3-1), a Region 1 qualifier last season, converted a pair of takedowns in an eventful third period to pull away and earn his second win in three career meetings against Pacheco dating to last season. Appleby, who scored a major in their last meeting, was penalized twice in the third (once for a full nelson) but finished strong with a takedown in the final 20 seconds.
Freshman Carsen Johnson started the Streaks' run of five straight with a 9-0 major against Jimmy Smith at 106. Hosbach inserted Johnson and bumped sophomore 106-pounder Austin Pidoto up one weight class, because sophomore state qualifier Max Nauta missed weight at 113. Pidoto answered with a 35-second pin of Matt Hambacher with a low-leg cradle.
Sophomore John Fluck followed with a 7-3 win at 120 and junior Tai Adetula's victory by injury default over Zafer Deyer at 126 stretched Warren Hills' lead to 40-22 -- sealing the match. Deyer appeared to sustain an injury to his left knee and had to be carried off the mat.
Senior Joe Kratochvil, a district champ and region runner-up last season, closed things out for Warren Hills with a narrow 8-7 win over former district placewinner Aaron Castner at 132. A third-period takedown proved to be the difference.
Senior Kevin Bundschuh started the Streaks off with one of their four pins in the evening's first bout at 138. Evan Butka (160) and Ryan Ostir (170) also won by falls.
Belvidere's only other lead was, 7-6, after senior Jesse Thorsen's 13-5 major of junior Nate Detrick at 152.
Warren Hills now leads the overall series, 36-8, dating to 1965. Belvidere's last win was in 2001, capping a five-match win streak in the series. The County Seaters' only other wins came in 1973, and '84 and '93.
The Streaks next host High Point, Howell and Timber Creek in a very tough quad on Saturday starting at 10 a.m.
WARREN HILLS 43, BELVIDERE 22
138 -- Sr. Kevin Bundschuh (4-0), WH, p. Jr. Tyler Dombrosky (1-3), 1:31.
145 -- So. Kenny Kane (2-2), B, d. Sr. Tom Rush (0-4), 5-4.
152 -- Sr. Jesse Thorsen (3-0), B, md. Jr. Nate Detrick (1-2), 13-5.
160 -- Jr. Evan Butka (2-2), WH, p. So. David Harris (1-2), 1:44.
170 -- Jr. Ryan Ostir (3-0), WH, p. Sr. Tyler Toth (2-2), 3:45.
182 -- Sr. Evan Bray (3-0), B, p. Sr. Xavier Adetula (1-1), 1:21.
195 -- Jr. Ryan Witner (3-1), WH, d. Sr. Mike Farrell (0-1), 5-4.
220 -- Sr. J.B. Lawson (2-1), B, p. Sr. Tyler Bridygham (1-3), 3:03.
285 -- Sr. Ryan Appleby (3-1), B, d. So. Andrew Pacheco (3-1), 13-7.
106 -- Fr. Carsen Johnson (1-0), WH, md. Fr. Jimmy Smith (0-4), 9-0.
113 -- So. Austin Pidoto (4-0), WH, p. So. Matt Hambacher (0-3), :35.
120 -- So. John Fluck (3-1), WH, d. Jr. Kenny Morgan (1-2), 7-3.
126 -- Jr. Tai Adetula (3-1), WH, won by injury default over Sr. Zafer Deyer (0-3), :10.
132 -- Sr. Joe Kratochvil (3-0), WH, d. Sr. Aaron Castner (1-2), 8-7.
Records -- Warren Hills 4-0; Belvidere 1-1.
Official: Bob DeFalco.
Wrestling: LIVE at Warren Hills quad
Hello wrestling fans. Follow all of the great action as Warren Hills hosts High Point, Howell and Timber Creek on Saturday starting at 10 a.m. Open Mike will keep you abreast of all the great action from one of the state's best quads this season.
Wrestling starts at 10 a.m.
Here is the schedule of matches:
10 a.m. -- Timber Creek vs. Warren Hills/High Point vs. Howell.
Noon -- Howell vs. Warren Hills/High Point vs. Timber Creek.
2 p.m. -- High Point vs. Warren Hills/Timber Creek vs. Howell.
Hey everyone, thanks for logging on. We're about 18 minutes away from the first whistle.
Couple of notes: Timber Creek has weighed in several wrestlers up to help cover some inexperience in the upper weights. Also, there will be a moment of silence prior to the first matches to honor former Washington High School state champion Johnston Oberly, who passed away this summer.
First round matches starting at 106. Everyone gets one pound today since Warren Hills wrestled last night against Belvidere. Referees are Joe Benvenuto (HP-Howell) and Barry Jackson (WH-TC).
Timber Creek vs. Warren Hills
106 -- Alex Tran vs. Austin Pidoto
First period ends scoreless. Pidoto on bottom with a reversal and after Tran escapes, Pidoto converts the first takedown for a 4-1 lead after two periods.
Tran on bottom and a quick reversal to make it 4-3 and Pidoto escapes and gets a takedown for a 7-3 lead. Tran late reversal, but it's not enough as Pidoto wins a 7-5 decision.
113 -- John Amato vs. Max Nauta
Good one here between state qualifiers. Amato converts a takedown at the edge with 49 seconds left. Questionable call.
Amato takes bottom to start the second period. Good scramble at the end of the second period but no advantage. Amato close to a reversal. Timber Creek coach Nick Cottone questions Jackson.
Nauta on bottom the start the third period. Nauta reverses with 35 seconds left -- 2-2 barnburner. Nauta nearly power halfs for backs but buzzer sounds and we go to OT.
Amato gets the takedown with 29 seconds left and a big win for TC, which evens the match at 3-3.
120 -- Joey DiMartino vs. Tai Adetula
Adetula counters for the first takedown and a 2-0 lead.
Adetula on bottom reverses DiMartino to his pack for the FALL in 2:23. WH leads 9-3.
126 -- Nick Virgilio vs. John Fluck
Virgilio with a takedown and FALL with a half in 1:18. Stunner. Match is even at 9.
132 -- Lorenzo Ruggiero vs. Joe Kratochvil
Scoreless first period. Kratochvil on bottom to start the second period. Escape and a 1-0 lead for the Region 1 runner-up. Kratochvil with the takedown and a stall warning on Ruggiero. End of the period.
Ruggiero down in the third. Reversal and it's 4-3. But Kratochvil reverses for a 6-3 advantage. Streaks senior wins it to give WH a 12-9 lead.
138 -- Isiah DeGuzman vs. Kevin Bundschuh
Scoreless first period. DeGuzman with a nice single attempt but a great counter off a hard whizzer by Bundschuh.
Bundschuh down to start the second period and escapes for a 1-0 lead. Takedown to go up 3-0. DeGuzman on the board with an escape. Streak up 3-1 after two. DeGuzman reversal to tie it early in the final period. DeGuzman with the stunning PIN in 4:43. Big swing. TC up 15-12.
145 -- Brandon Keller vs. Tom Rush
Keller, a state finalist last season, with the early takedown. Keller leads 7-1 after one. Still 7-1 after two.
Keller wins 12-1, TC leads 19-12.
152 -- Keith Bauberger vs. Nate Detrick
Bauberger with two takedowns in the first and a 4-1 lead. Bauberger down to start the second.
Scary moment as Detrick collapses to the mat. Won't be able to continue. Bauberger gets six with the injury default 16 seconds into the period. TC takes a commanding 25-12 lead.
160 -- Dom Ruggierrio vs. Evan Butka
Scoreless first. Ruggierrio escapes for a 1-0 lead in the second. Takedown at the edge gives the state qualifier a 3-0 lead. We head to the third on their feet. Ruggierrio wins it 10-2. TC leads 29-12.
170 -- Bryce Shade vs. Xavier Adetula
Region champ Shade gets a takedown for an early lead. Shade sticks him in 1:00. TC rolling with a 35-12 lead -- four bouts to go.
182 -- Justin Gonzalez vs. Ryan Ostir
Gonzalez with the takedown and a 2-0 lead. End of the first period. Ostir defers and Gonzalez chooses neutral to start the second. Ostir nails the headlock for the FALL in 2:50! TC now leads 35-18. Streaks still alive.
195 -- Kashon Gordan vs. Steve Cleaver
Cleaver with the takedown and three backs off a cradle -- leads 5-0 after one. And a cradle to start the second and the FALL in 2:09! TC's lead shrinks to 35-24. Two to go.Streaks need two pins and will be heavily favored.
220 -- Joe Morrett vs. Ryan Witner
Two exchange takedowns and Witner leads 3-2. Morrett reversal -- bad call -- and Witner gets one of his own and leads 5-4 after one. He needs a pin.
Morrett down to start the second. Morrett escapes to tie it. Witner with the headlock and FALL in 3:17. TC up 35-30 with one to GO!
285 -- Isaiah Hardy vs. Andrew Pacheco
Pacheco with the quick takedown and a 2-0 lead. He needs six. There it is HALF and the FALL in 1:27! Streaks win 36-35!
High Point vs. Howell
106 -- Dom Gallo vs. Mikey Sisolak
Gallo with a quick takedown and crade for the pin in :28. HP leads 6-0.
113 -- Leo Haines vs. Jimmy Slendorn
Slendorn gets an early takedown for a 2-0 lead. Another pin in 54 seconds. Match is tied 6-6.
120 -- Jared Kobis vs. Anthony Piazza
Kobis has built a 6-0 lead early into the second period. Another takedown makes it 8-0 with one minute to go in the second period.
Kobis up 10-0 to start the third period. Kobis wins, 10-0. HP leads 10-6.
126 -- Mike Derin vs. Kris Lindemann
Good matchup here. Sophomore vs. freshman. Lindemann got the first takedown and leads 2-0 heading into the second period.
Lindemann leads 6-0 in the third, very impressive. Reversal for Derin with 28 seconds left erases the major -- 8-2 -- but Lindemann reverses with two seconds left for a 10-2 victory. Wow. Howell evens things at 10-10.
132 -- Connor McHugh vs. James Sisolak
McHugh with the first takedown and Sisolak evens it with a late reversal at the buzzer -- 2-2.
Sisolak with another reversal in the second to go up 4-2. End of the second. McHugh down in the third.
McHugh with the five-pointer and takes a 10-4 lead late in the third. Wins it and gives HP a 13-10 lead.
138 -- Collin Grimm vs. Ben Esposito
Esposito with the first takedown and a 2-1 lead heading into the second period in a battle between district finalists. Esposito goes down to start the second. Escape and takedown for Esposito and an escape for Grimm -- 5-2 lead for the Howell wrestler in the third.
Esposito wins it 5-3. Match tied at 13.
145 -- Jason Gaccione vs. Ashanti Maurice
Scoreless first period -- another good one here. Gaccione down to start the second. Gaccione up 3-2 with a minute left. Extends his lead to 7-2 with a four-pointer. Penalty point for an illegal hold makes it 7-3 as the buzzer sounds.
Maurice down to start the third. Escapes, trails 7-4. Gaccione with the takedown at the edge and leads 9-5. Wild one ends with Gaccione taking a 10-8 decision. HP leads 16-13.
152 -- Tommy Hooker vs. Matt Lindemann
Lindemann with the takedown and a 2-0 lead. HP faithful riled up as they thought Hooker had a reversal and backs. Joe Ben says no way. Hooker gets a reversal to tie it up late in the first.
We go to the second tied. Hooker escapes and a takedown, penalty point makes it 6-2. Hooker wins it 6-2 to give HP a 19-13 lead.
160 -- Moses Yasin vs. Casey Fecht
Fecht with the first takedown and we go to the second period with Yasin on bottom. Escapes to make it 2-1. Fecht gets another takedown for a 4-1 lead. Fecht wins it 8-5. HP leads 19-16.
170 -- Antonio Porraspita vs. Joey Schultz
Schultz leads 1-0 in the second period. Tied at 3 as we go OT.
Schultz takedown and three backs -- wins it 8-3. Match is tied at 19 with four bouts left.
182 -- Ryan Olinger vs. Stephen Boncimino
Boncimino takedown to back and uses a half for the PIN in :55 seconds. Howell leads 25-19.
195 -- Kyle Stoll vs. Nathan Litowsky
Scoreless first period. Litowsky on bottom to start the second. Stoll with a tight cradle and the FALL in 2:27. Wildcats even the match at 25 with two bouts to go.
220 -- Drew Bye vs. Kyle Cocozza
Scoreless first period. Bye escapes for a 1-0 lead late in the second. We go to the third period with Cocozza on bottom and trailing, 1-0. Cocozza escapes to tie it. Cocozza takedown with 22 seconds left to win it 3-1 -- Howell leads 28-25.
285 -- Bobby McDonell vs. Joe Sportiello
McDonnell with the early takedown. We might need to start checking criteria. McDonnell leads, 2-0, after one period. McDonnell takes neutral to start the second. Sportiello down to start the third -- still 2-0. McDonnell win it 4-0 and it's all even at 28. We go to criteria.
Bouts are 7-7, no misconduct and pins even at 1-1. Looks like Howell wins on most first point scored -- 13-10. 'Cats coach John Gardner doesn't like it, arguing with Joe Ben about 195 with Stoll getting a pin but no points since he was top and they were never awarded.
Phone call to the state to get a definitive ruling. Stand by. Howell wins it, 29-28 (Criterion No. 8 most first points scored).
First-round boxes:
Wrestling starts at 10 a.m.
Here is the schedule of matches:
10 a.m. -- Timber Creek vs. Warren Hills/High Point vs. Howell.
Noon -- Howell vs. Warren Hills/High Point vs. Timber Creek.
2 p.m. -- High Point vs. Warren Hills/Timber Creek vs. Howell.
Hey everyone, thanks for logging on. We're about 18 minutes away from the first whistle.
Couple of notes: Timber Creek has weighed in several wrestlers up to help cover some inexperience in the upper weights. Also, there will be a moment of silence prior to the first matches to honor former Washington High School state champion Johnston Oberly, who passed away this summer.
First round matches starting at 106. Everyone gets one pound today since Warren Hills wrestled last night against Belvidere. Referees are Joe Benvenuto (HP-Howell) and Barry Jackson (WH-TC).
Timber Creek vs. Warren Hills
106 -- Alex Tran vs. Austin Pidoto
First period ends scoreless. Pidoto on bottom with a reversal and after Tran escapes, Pidoto converts the first takedown for a 4-1 lead after two periods.
Tran on bottom and a quick reversal to make it 4-3 and Pidoto escapes and gets a takedown for a 7-3 lead. Tran late reversal, but it's not enough as Pidoto wins a 7-5 decision.
113 -- John Amato vs. Max Nauta
Good one here between state qualifiers. Amato converts a takedown at the edge with 49 seconds left. Questionable call.
Amato takes bottom to start the second period. Good scramble at the end of the second period but no advantage. Amato close to a reversal. Timber Creek coach Nick Cottone questions Jackson.
Nauta on bottom the start the third period. Nauta reverses with 35 seconds left -- 2-2 barnburner. Nauta nearly power halfs for backs but buzzer sounds and we go to OT.
Amato gets the takedown with 29 seconds left and a big win for TC, which evens the match at 3-3.
120 -- Joey DiMartino vs. Tai Adetula
Adetula counters for the first takedown and a 2-0 lead.
Adetula on bottom reverses DiMartino to his pack for the FALL in 2:23. WH leads 9-3.
126 -- Nick Virgilio vs. John Fluck
Virgilio with a takedown and FALL with a half in 1:18. Stunner. Match is even at 9.
132 -- Lorenzo Ruggiero vs. Joe Kratochvil
Scoreless first period. Kratochvil on bottom to start the second period. Escape and a 1-0 lead for the Region 1 runner-up. Kratochvil with the takedown and a stall warning on Ruggiero. End of the period.
Ruggiero down in the third. Reversal and it's 4-3. But Kratochvil reverses for a 6-3 advantage. Streaks senior wins it to give WH a 12-9 lead.
138 -- Isiah DeGuzman vs. Kevin Bundschuh
Scoreless first period. DeGuzman with a nice single attempt but a great counter off a hard whizzer by Bundschuh.
Bundschuh down to start the second period and escapes for a 1-0 lead. Takedown to go up 3-0. DeGuzman on the board with an escape. Streak up 3-1 after two. DeGuzman reversal to tie it early in the final period. DeGuzman with the stunning PIN in 4:43. Big swing. TC up 15-12.
145 -- Brandon Keller vs. Tom Rush
Keller, a state finalist last season, with the early takedown. Keller leads 7-1 after one. Still 7-1 after two.
Keller wins 12-1, TC leads 19-12.
152 -- Keith Bauberger vs. Nate Detrick
Bauberger with two takedowns in the first and a 4-1 lead. Bauberger down to start the second.
Scary moment as Detrick collapses to the mat. Won't be able to continue. Bauberger gets six with the injury default 16 seconds into the period. TC takes a commanding 25-12 lead.
160 -- Dom Ruggierrio vs. Evan Butka
Scoreless first. Ruggierrio escapes for a 1-0 lead in the second. Takedown at the edge gives the state qualifier a 3-0 lead. We head to the third on their feet. Ruggierrio wins it 10-2. TC leads 29-12.
170 -- Bryce Shade vs. Xavier Adetula
Region champ Shade gets a takedown for an early lead. Shade sticks him in 1:00. TC rolling with a 35-12 lead -- four bouts to go.
182 -- Justin Gonzalez vs. Ryan Ostir
Gonzalez with the takedown and a 2-0 lead. End of the first period. Ostir defers and Gonzalez chooses neutral to start the second. Ostir nails the headlock for the FALL in 2:50! TC now leads 35-18. Streaks still alive.
195 -- Kashon Gordan vs. Steve Cleaver
Cleaver with the takedown and three backs off a cradle -- leads 5-0 after one. And a cradle to start the second and the FALL in 2:09! TC's lead shrinks to 35-24. Two to go.Streaks need two pins and will be heavily favored.
220 -- Joe Morrett vs. Ryan Witner
Two exchange takedowns and Witner leads 3-2. Morrett reversal -- bad call -- and Witner gets one of his own and leads 5-4 after one. He needs a pin.
Morrett down to start the second. Morrett escapes to tie it. Witner with the headlock and FALL in 3:17. TC up 35-30 with one to GO!
285 -- Isaiah Hardy vs. Andrew Pacheco
Pacheco with the quick takedown and a 2-0 lead. He needs six. There it is HALF and the FALL in 1:27! Streaks win 36-35!
High Point vs. Howell
106 -- Dom Gallo vs. Mikey Sisolak
Gallo with a quick takedown and crade for the pin in :28. HP leads 6-0.
113 -- Leo Haines vs. Jimmy Slendorn
Slendorn gets an early takedown for a 2-0 lead. Another pin in 54 seconds. Match is tied 6-6.
120 -- Jared Kobis vs. Anthony Piazza
Kobis has built a 6-0 lead early into the second period. Another takedown makes it 8-0 with one minute to go in the second period.
Kobis up 10-0 to start the third period. Kobis wins, 10-0. HP leads 10-6.
126 -- Mike Derin vs. Kris Lindemann
Good matchup here. Sophomore vs. freshman. Lindemann got the first takedown and leads 2-0 heading into the second period.
Lindemann leads 6-0 in the third, very impressive. Reversal for Derin with 28 seconds left erases the major -- 8-2 -- but Lindemann reverses with two seconds left for a 10-2 victory. Wow. Howell evens things at 10-10.
132 -- Connor McHugh vs. James Sisolak
McHugh with the first takedown and Sisolak evens it with a late reversal at the buzzer -- 2-2.
Sisolak with another reversal in the second to go up 4-2. End of the second. McHugh down in the third.
McHugh with the five-pointer and takes a 10-4 lead late in the third. Wins it and gives HP a 13-10 lead.
138 -- Collin Grimm vs. Ben Esposito
Esposito with the first takedown and a 2-1 lead heading into the second period in a battle between district finalists. Esposito goes down to start the second. Escape and takedown for Esposito and an escape for Grimm -- 5-2 lead for the Howell wrestler in the third.
Esposito wins it 5-3. Match tied at 13.
145 -- Jason Gaccione vs. Ashanti Maurice
Scoreless first period -- another good one here. Gaccione down to start the second. Gaccione up 3-2 with a minute left. Extends his lead to 7-2 with a four-pointer. Penalty point for an illegal hold makes it 7-3 as the buzzer sounds.
Maurice down to start the third. Escapes, trails 7-4. Gaccione with the takedown at the edge and leads 9-5. Wild one ends with Gaccione taking a 10-8 decision. HP leads 16-13.
152 -- Tommy Hooker vs. Matt Lindemann
Lindemann with the takedown and a 2-0 lead. HP faithful riled up as they thought Hooker had a reversal and backs. Joe Ben says no way. Hooker gets a reversal to tie it up late in the first.
We go to the second tied. Hooker escapes and a takedown, penalty point makes it 6-2. Hooker wins it 6-2 to give HP a 19-13 lead.
160 -- Moses Yasin vs. Casey Fecht
Fecht with the first takedown and we go to the second period with Yasin on bottom. Escapes to make it 2-1. Fecht gets another takedown for a 4-1 lead. Fecht wins it 8-5. HP leads 19-16.
170 -- Antonio Porraspita vs. Joey Schultz
Schultz leads 1-0 in the second period. Tied at 3 as we go OT.
Schultz takedown and three backs -- wins it 8-3. Match is tied at 19 with four bouts left.
182 -- Ryan Olinger vs. Stephen Boncimino
Boncimino takedown to back and uses a half for the PIN in :55 seconds. Howell leads 25-19.
195 -- Kyle Stoll vs. Nathan Litowsky
Scoreless first period. Litowsky on bottom to start the second. Stoll with a tight cradle and the FALL in 2:27. Wildcats even the match at 25 with two bouts to go.
220 -- Drew Bye vs. Kyle Cocozza
Scoreless first period. Bye escapes for a 1-0 lead late in the second. We go to the third period with Cocozza on bottom and trailing, 1-0. Cocozza escapes to tie it. Cocozza takedown with 22 seconds left to win it 3-1 -- Howell leads 28-25.
285 -- Bobby McDonell vs. Joe Sportiello
McDonnell with the early takedown. We might need to start checking criteria. McDonnell leads, 2-0, after one period. McDonnell takes neutral to start the second. Sportiello down to start the third -- still 2-0. McDonnell win it 4-0 and it's all even at 28. We go to criteria.
Bouts are 7-7, no misconduct and pins even at 1-1. Looks like Howell wins on most first point scored -- 13-10. 'Cats coach John Gardner doesn't like it, arguing with Joe Ben about 195 with Stoll getting a pin but no points since he was top and they were never awarded.
Phone call to the state to get a definitive ruling. Stand by. Howell wins it, 29-28 (Criterion No. 8 most first points scored).
First-round boxes:
WARREN HILLS 36, TIMBER CREEK 35
106 – Austin Pidoto, WH, d. Alex Tran, 7-5.
113 – John Amato, TC, d. Max Nauta, 4-2 SV.
120 – Tai Adetula, WH, p. Joey DiMartino, 2:23.
126 – Nick Virgilio, TC, p. John Fluck, 1:18.
132 – Joe Kratochvil, WH, d. Lorenzo Ruggiero, 6-3.
138 – Isiah DeGuzman, TC, p. Kevin Bundschuh, 4:43.
145 – Brandon Keller, TC, md. Tom Rush, 12-1.
152 – Keith Bauberger, TC, injury default over Nate Detrick, :16.
160 – Dom Ruggierrio, TC, md. Evan Butka, 10-2.
170 – Bryce Shade, TC, p. Xavier Adetula, 1:00.
182 – Ryan Ostir, WH, p. Justin Gonzalez, 2:50.
195 – Steve Cleaver, WH, p. Kashon Gordan, 2:09.
220 – Ryan Witner, WH, p. Joe Morrett, 3:17.
285 – Andrew Pacheco, WH, p. Isaiah Hardy, 1:27.
Records – Warren Hills 5-0, Timber Creek 1-1.
HOWELL 29, HIGH POINT 28
106 – Dom Gallo, HP, p. Mikey Sisolak, :28.
113 – Jimmy Slendorn, H, p. Leo Haines, :54.
120 – Jared Kobis, HP, md. Anthony Piazza, 10-0.
126 – Kris Lindemann, H, md. Mike Derin, 10-2.
132 – Connor McHugh, HP, d. James Sisolak, 10-4.
138 – Ben Esposito, H, d. Collin Grimm, 5-3.
145 – Jason Gaccione, HP, d. Ashanti Maurice, 10-8.
152 – Tommy Hooker, HP, d. Matt Lindemann, 6-2.
160 – Casey Fecht, H, d. Moses Yasin, 8-5.
170 – Joey Schultz, H, d. Antonio Porraspita, 8-3 SV.
182 – Stephen Boncimino, p. Ryan Olinger, :55.
195 – Kyle Stoll, HP, p. Nathan Litowsky, 2:27.
220 – Kyle Cocozza, H, d. Drew Bye, 3-1.
285 – Bobby McDonell, HP, d. Joe Sportiello, 4-0.
Records – High Point 1-1; Howell 2-0.
Round 2 action
Warren Hills vs. Howell (Official Joe Benvenuto)
113 -- Jimmy Slendorn vs. Max Nauta
Slendorn with the 4-2 upset win, Howell leads 3-0.
120 -- Tai Adetula vs. Anthony Piazza
Adetula with the takedown and Piazza escapes. Streak up 2-1 after two periods. Adetula escapes and hangs on for a 3-1 win. Match tied at 3.
126 -- John Fluck vs. Kris Lindemann
Lindemann with the early takedown and a 2-0 lead. Fluck escapes and the first period ends, 2-1. Fluck defers and Lindemann takes bottom. Lindemann escapes for a 3-1 lead. Lindemann gets another takedown off a barrel roll and leads 5-2 after Fluck escapes. Stall warning on Fluck after Lindemann shoots. Lindemann with his third takedown at the edge for a 7-2 lead with 22 seconds left.
Third period starts with Fluck on bottom. Escapes, 7-3. Lindemann with his fourth takedown and a 9-3 win. Very impressive freshman. Howell leads, 6-3.
132 -- Joe Kratochvil vs. James Sisolak
Kratochvil with an early takedown. Sisolak escapes in the third, Kratochvil with the nice counter for his second takedown and a 4-1 lead. Kratochvil with another takedown in the third and an escape for Sisolak -- 6-2 approaching one minute. Sisolak with a takedown and trails, 6-4, with 37 seconds left. Benvenuto hits Kratochvil for stalling, but no matter, he wins 6-4. Match tied at 6.
138 -- Kevin Bundschuh vs. Ben Esposito
Esposito with the takedown and a 2-0 lead after one. Esposito with an escape for a 3-0 lead. Takedown for a 5-0 lead as they go to the third. Bundschuh's cement attempt goes awry as Esposito counters for five -- he wins it 10-1. Howell leads 10-6.
145 -- Tom Rush vs. Jack Rada
Rada leads 2-0 in the second after a first-period takedown. Heading to the third period with Rush on bottom. Stall point for Rush makes it, 2-1, but Rada hangs on for the win. Howell leads 13-6.
152 -- Anthony Roessner vs. Ashanti Maurice
Maurice takedown and an escape for Roessner, a freshman JV, 2-1. Maurice another takedown, 4-1, after one. Maurice working on a major at 15-6 in the third. Maurice wins it, 19-9. Howell leads 17-6.
160 -- Evan Butka vs. Joey Schultz
Schultz with a takedown and an early 2-0 lead. Schultz up 4-0 in the second, increases to 6-2 to end the second. Schultz wins 8-2. Howell leads 20-6.
170 -- Ryan Ostir vs. Casey Fecht
Ostir leads 5-2 after one period. Fecht escape in the third, 5-3, going to the third with Ostir on bottom. Ostir wins it 7-3. Howell's lead shrinks to 20-9.
182 -- Steve Cleaver vs. Nathan Litowsky
Litowsky hits a five-pointer and leads 8-3 after one period. Litowsky escapes, 9-3. Injury time for Litowsky with 30 seconds left. Cleaver down to start the third. Litowsky favoring his right shoulder. Cleaver out, but Litowsky takedown and another Cleaver escape makes it 11-5.
Second injury time gives Cleaver choice, he takes down and escapes with 1:30 left in the third. Takedown for Cleaver -- 11-8. Cleaver with a cradle twice -- gets the FALL in 5:32! Here we go again with the Streaks! Howell leads, 20-15.
195 -- Ryan Witner vs. Stephen Boncimino
Scoreless first period. Witner down to start the second. Witner stacks with Boncimino riding high -- and the FALL at 2:36! Warren Hills leads, 21-20.
220 -- Tyler Bridygham vs. Kyle Raposa
Raposa gets the takedown with 30 seconds left in the first. This one looks like a tossup. Streaks will be favored at 285 and 106.
Raposa leads 2-1 after one period. Raposa bottom to start the second. Raposa counters and traps Bridygham for the FALL in 2:33. Howell back up, 26-21.
285 -- Andrew Pacheco vs. Joe Sportiello
Pacheco with the first takedown for an early 2-0 lead. End of one, 2-0. Pacheco defers, Sportiello on bottom to start the second period. Second stall warning on Sportiello makes it 3-0. Three backs and a near pin makes it 6-0. Sportiello off his back and on his feet, escapes to make it 6-1 late second.
Pacheco escapes to start the third, 7-1. Takedown with 33 seconds and it's 9-1. Another stall and it's 10-1 final. Warren Hills trims its deficit to 26-25. And it comes down to 106.
106 -- Austin Pidoto vs. Mikey Sisolak
Great scramble, Sisolak in deep, but Pidoto chin whips -- no points. Pidoto dumps him for two with 9 seconds left and Sisolak escapes at the buzzer -- 2-1.
Sisolak down to start the second period. Escape to tie it, Sisolak takedown for a 4-2 lead. Quick stall warning on Sisolak. Sisolak rides him out, 4-2 after four minutes. Pidoto on bottom to start the third.
Reversal 28 seconds in and it;s tied. Backs coming! AND THE FALL! Pidoto in 5:04. STREAKS WIN ANOTHER THRILLER -- 31-26.
Adetula with the takedown and Piazza escapes. Streak up 2-1 after two periods. Adetula escapes and hangs on for a 3-1 win. Match tied at 3.
126 -- John Fluck vs. Kris Lindemann
Lindemann with the early takedown and a 2-0 lead. Fluck escapes and the first period ends, 2-1. Fluck defers and Lindemann takes bottom. Lindemann escapes for a 3-1 lead. Lindemann gets another takedown off a barrel roll and leads 5-2 after Fluck escapes. Stall warning on Fluck after Lindemann shoots. Lindemann with his third takedown at the edge for a 7-2 lead with 22 seconds left.
Third period starts with Fluck on bottom. Escapes, 7-3. Lindemann with his fourth takedown and a 9-3 win. Very impressive freshman. Howell leads, 6-3.
132 -- Joe Kratochvil vs. James Sisolak
Kratochvil with an early takedown. Sisolak escapes in the third, Kratochvil with the nice counter for his second takedown and a 4-1 lead. Kratochvil with another takedown in the third and an escape for Sisolak -- 6-2 approaching one minute. Sisolak with a takedown and trails, 6-4, with 37 seconds left. Benvenuto hits Kratochvil for stalling, but no matter, he wins 6-4. Match tied at 6.
138 -- Kevin Bundschuh vs. Ben Esposito
Esposito with the takedown and a 2-0 lead after one. Esposito with an escape for a 3-0 lead. Takedown for a 5-0 lead as they go to the third. Bundschuh's cement attempt goes awry as Esposito counters for five -- he wins it 10-1. Howell leads 10-6.
145 -- Tom Rush vs. Jack Rada
Rada leads 2-0 in the second after a first-period takedown. Heading to the third period with Rush on bottom. Stall point for Rush makes it, 2-1, but Rada hangs on for the win. Howell leads 13-6.
152 -- Anthony Roessner vs. Ashanti Maurice
Maurice takedown and an escape for Roessner, a freshman JV, 2-1. Maurice another takedown, 4-1, after one. Maurice working on a major at 15-6 in the third. Maurice wins it, 19-9. Howell leads 17-6.
160 -- Evan Butka vs. Joey Schultz
Schultz with a takedown and an early 2-0 lead. Schultz up 4-0 in the second, increases to 6-2 to end the second. Schultz wins 8-2. Howell leads 20-6.
170 -- Ryan Ostir vs. Casey Fecht
Ostir leads 5-2 after one period. Fecht escape in the third, 5-3, going to the third with Ostir on bottom. Ostir wins it 7-3. Howell's lead shrinks to 20-9.
182 -- Steve Cleaver vs. Nathan Litowsky
Litowsky hits a five-pointer and leads 8-3 after one period. Litowsky escapes, 9-3. Injury time for Litowsky with 30 seconds left. Cleaver down to start the third. Litowsky favoring his right shoulder. Cleaver out, but Litowsky takedown and another Cleaver escape makes it 11-5.
Second injury time gives Cleaver choice, he takes down and escapes with 1:30 left in the third. Takedown for Cleaver -- 11-8. Cleaver with a cradle twice -- gets the FALL in 5:32! Here we go again with the Streaks! Howell leads, 20-15.
195 -- Ryan Witner vs. Stephen Boncimino
Scoreless first period. Witner down to start the second. Witner stacks with Boncimino riding high -- and the FALL at 2:36! Warren Hills leads, 21-20.
220 -- Tyler Bridygham vs. Kyle Raposa
Raposa gets the takedown with 30 seconds left in the first. This one looks like a tossup. Streaks will be favored at 285 and 106.
Raposa leads 2-1 after one period. Raposa bottom to start the second. Raposa counters and traps Bridygham for the FALL in 2:33. Howell back up, 26-21.
285 -- Andrew Pacheco vs. Joe Sportiello
Pacheco with the first takedown for an early 2-0 lead. End of one, 2-0. Pacheco defers, Sportiello on bottom to start the second period. Second stall warning on Sportiello makes it 3-0. Three backs and a near pin makes it 6-0. Sportiello off his back and on his feet, escapes to make it 6-1 late second.
Pacheco escapes to start the third, 7-1. Takedown with 33 seconds and it's 9-1. Another stall and it's 10-1 final. Warren Hills trims its deficit to 26-25. And it comes down to 106.
106 -- Austin Pidoto vs. Mikey Sisolak
Great scramble, Sisolak in deep, but Pidoto chin whips -- no points. Pidoto dumps him for two with 9 seconds left and Sisolak escapes at the buzzer -- 2-1.
Sisolak down to start the second period. Escape to tie it, Sisolak takedown for a 4-2 lead. Quick stall warning on Sisolak. Sisolak rides him out, 4-2 after four minutes. Pidoto on bottom to start the third.
Reversal 28 seconds in and it;s tied. Backs coming! AND THE FALL! Pidoto in 5:04. STREAKS WIN ANOTHER THRILLER -- 31-26.
High Point vs. Timber Creek (Official Anthony Zullo)
113 -- John Amato vs. Leo Haines
Amato quick takedown and FALL in :43.
120 -- Jared Kobis vs. Joey DiMartino
Kobis wins it 3-1, High Point trails, 6-3.
126 -- Mike Derin vs. Nick Virgilio
Derin with the quick pin in :38. High Point leads, 9-6.
132 -- Chris Auer vs. Lorenzo Ruggiero
Bout tied at 4 with just under one minute left -- on their feet. Auer gets the takedown with 14 seconds left to win it, 6-4. Wildcats extend their lead to 12-6.
138 -- Collin Grimm vs. Isiah DeGuzman
DeGuzman gets the takedown 51 seconds in for a 2-0 lead. DeGuzman starts second on bottom and no points. Grimm down to start the third and escapes to make it 2-2. DeGuzman with the takedown and a 4-2 lead late third. That's how it ends, High Point's lead now 12-9.
145 -- Jason Gaccione, forfeit -- HP Leads 18-9.
152 -- Tommy Hooker vs. Keith Bauberger
Hooker escapes in the second for a 1-0 lead. Bauberger down to start the third. Escapes for a 1-1 tie and their on their feet OT -- Hooker tries a headlock and gives up a takedown with one second left. Bauberger wins it 3-1 and HP leads 18-12.
160 -- Moses Yasin vs. Dom Ruggierrio
Ruggierrio with the quick takedown. Escape in the second for a 3-0 lead. Ruggierio wins it, 6-0. HP's lead now 18-15.
170 -- Nick Carriera vs. Bryce Shade
Shade quick takedown and stack for the fall in 21 seconds. TC grabs a 21-18 lead..
182 -- Antonio Porraspita vs. Justin Gonzalez
No score after two periods. Porraspita down to start the third. Escape and takedown gives the Wildcat a 3-0 lead. Two backs at the buzzer makes it 5-0. Match tied at 21.
195 -- Kyle Stoll, forfeit -- HP leads 27-21.
220 -- Bobby McDonnell vs. Joe Morrett
McDonnell up, 2-0, in the second period. McDonnell with a nice tilt and extends his lead to 4-0 under a minute left in the third. He wins it, 6-0. HP leads 30-21 with two bouts left.
285 -- Gunny Wassong vs. Isaiah Hardy
Wassong pins in 3:08. HP clinches it, 36-21, with one bout left.
106 -- Dom Gallo vs. Alex Tran
Gallo builds a 5-0 lead in the second period. Gallo wins it 9-1. High Point wins, 40-21.
Round 2 boxes:
HIGH POINT VS. WARREN HILLS (Official Barry Jackson)
Warren Hills wins the toss and elects to be home on the odd bouts. It's been a tough day as Warren Hills (Detrick), Howell (Litowsky) and Timber Creek (Keller) had wrestlers sustain injuries.
Derin with the quick pin in :38. High Point leads, 9-6.
132 -- Chris Auer vs. Lorenzo Ruggiero
Bout tied at 4 with just under one minute left -- on their feet. Auer gets the takedown with 14 seconds left to win it, 6-4. Wildcats extend their lead to 12-6.
138 -- Collin Grimm vs. Isiah DeGuzman
DeGuzman gets the takedown 51 seconds in for a 2-0 lead. DeGuzman starts second on bottom and no points. Grimm down to start the third and escapes to make it 2-2. DeGuzman with the takedown and a 4-2 lead late third. That's how it ends, High Point's lead now 12-9.
145 -- Jason Gaccione, forfeit -- HP Leads 18-9.
152 -- Tommy Hooker vs. Keith Bauberger
Hooker escapes in the second for a 1-0 lead. Bauberger down to start the third. Escapes for a 1-1 tie and their on their feet OT -- Hooker tries a headlock and gives up a takedown with one second left. Bauberger wins it 3-1 and HP leads 18-12.
160 -- Moses Yasin vs. Dom Ruggierrio
Ruggierrio with the quick takedown. Escape in the second for a 3-0 lead. Ruggierio wins it, 6-0. HP's lead now 18-15.
170 -- Nick Carriera vs. Bryce Shade
Shade quick takedown and stack for the fall in 21 seconds. TC grabs a 21-18 lead..
182 -- Antonio Porraspita vs. Justin Gonzalez
No score after two periods. Porraspita down to start the third. Escape and takedown gives the Wildcat a 3-0 lead. Two backs at the buzzer makes it 5-0. Match tied at 21.
195 -- Kyle Stoll, forfeit -- HP leads 27-21.
220 -- Bobby McDonnell vs. Joe Morrett
McDonnell up, 2-0, in the second period. McDonnell with a nice tilt and extends his lead to 4-0 under a minute left in the third. He wins it, 6-0. HP leads 30-21 with two bouts left.
285 -- Gunny Wassong vs. Isaiah Hardy
Wassong pins in 3:08. HP clinches it, 36-21, with one bout left.
106 -- Dom Gallo vs. Alex Tran
Gallo builds a 5-0 lead in the second period. Gallo wins it 9-1. High Point wins, 40-21.
Round 2 boxes:
WARREN HILLS 31, HOWELL 26
113 – Jimmy Slendorn, H, d. Max Nauta, 4-2.
120 – Tai Adetula, WH, d. Anthony Piazza, 3-1.
126 – Kris Lindemann, H, d. John Fluck, 7-3.
132 – Joe Kratochvil, WH, d. James Sisolak, 6-4.
138 – Ben Esposito, H, md. Kevin Bundschuh, 10-1.
145 – Jack Rada, H, d. Tom Rush, 2-1.
152 – Ashanti Maurice, H, md. Anthony Roessner, 19-9.
160 – Joey Schultz, H, d. Evan Butka, 8-2.
170 – Ryan Ostir, WH, d. Casey Fecht, 7-3.
182 – Steve Cleaver, WH, p. Nathan Litowsky, 5:32.
195 – Ryan Witner, WH, p. Stephen Boncimino, 2:36.
220 – Kyle Raposa, H, p. Tyler Bridygham, 2:33.
285 – Andrew Pacheco, WH, md. Joe Sportiello, 10-1.
106 – Austin Pidoto, WH, p. Mikey Sisolak, 5:04.
Records – Warren Hills 6-0; Howell 2-1.
HIGH POINT 40, TIMBER CREEK 21
113 – John Amato, TC, p. Leo Haines, :43.
120 – Jared Kobis, HP, d. Joey DiMartino, 3-1.
126 – Mike Derin, HP, p. Nick Virgilio, :38.
132 – Chris Auer, HP, d. Lorenzo Ruggiero, 6-4.
138 – Isiah DeGuzman, TC, d. Collin Grimm, 4-2.
145 – Jason Gaccione, HP, forfeit.
152 – Keith Bauberger, TC, d. Tommy Hooker, 3-1 SV.
160 – Dom Ruggierrio, TC, d. Moses Yasin, 6-0.
170 – Bryce Shade, TC, p. Nick Carriera, :21.
182 – Antonio Porraspita, HP, d. Justin Gonzalez, 5-0.
195 – Kyle Stoll, HP, forfeit.
220 – Bobby McDonnell, HP, d. Joe Morrett, 6-0.
285 – Gunny Wassong, HP, p. Isaiah Hardy, 3:08.
106 – Dom Gallo, HP, md. Alex Tran, 9-1.
Records – High Point 2-1; Timber Creek 1-3.
Round 3
HIGH POINT VS. WARREN HILLS (Official Barry Jackson)
Note: I will be mainly blogging High Point-Warren Hills and giving updates on Howell-Timber Creek
Warren Hills wins the toss and elects to be home on the odd bouts. It's been a tough day as Warren Hills (Detrick), Howell (Litowsky) and Timber Creek (Keller) had wrestlers sustain injuries.
120 -- Jared Kobis vs. Tai Adetula
Scoreless first period. Adetula down to start the second. Kobis riding tough with legs, but Adetual pops out the back for a reversal. Kobis gets it right back with one of his own -- 2-2.
Kobis down to start the third period. Kobis escapes, 3-2. That's how it ends. High Point leads, 3-0 as Kobis goes 3-0 on the day. Impressive freshman.
126 -- Connor McHugh vs. John Fluck
McHugh with a takedown and FALL in 40 seconds! High Point leads, 9-0.
Howell leads 3-0 after 120.
132 -- Mike Derin vs. Joe Kratochvil
Scoreless first period. Good matchup of district champs and Region 1 qualifiers. Kratochvil a finalist. Derin was a District 3 champ, while Kratochvil won in D1.
Kratochvil on bottom to start the second period. Escape for a 1-0 lead. Near takedown at the buzzer fo Derin, who trails entering the third. He's on bottom. Derin is out and we're tied. Kratochvil with a takedown at 1:08 -- he's up 3-1. Derin escapes with four seconds left -- 3-2 Kratochvil gets Warren Hills on the board.
138 -- Chris Auer vs. Kevin Bundschuh
Bundschuh with the nice high crotch for a takedown. Bundschuh tries a power half and Auer nearly comes out the back door at the buzzer -- 2-0. Auer down to start the second period. Auer escapes with 34 seconds left. Nice throw by from Auer -- gets the takedown late and goes up, 3-2.
Bundschuh down to start the third period. Escape with 53 seconds left -- 3-3. Whizzer by Auer late sends it to OT.
Great scramble late in the first, going to the first rideout. Auer reverses with 3 seconds left to go up 5-3.
Bundschuh down for second rideout. Auer wins it, 5-3 OT2 rideout. High Point leads, 12-3.
145 -- Jason Gaccione vs. Tom Rush
Gaccione with the dump for a takedown. Ala Joe, his brother, who was third in the state when the 'Cats crowned four state champs in AC in 2011. Gaccione reversal to start the second period. He gives Rush the escape, 4-1. Gaccione with another takedown and lets Rush go -- 6-2. Another takedown makes it 8-2. Escape and takedown, 10-3.
Third period starts with Rush on bottom. Gaccione cuts him loose, 10-4. Takedown and a 12-4 lead. Nearside cradle for three backs and it's 15-4 final. High Point leads, 16-3, five bouts in.
152 -- Tommy Hooker vs. Anthony Roessner
Hooker with the takedown at the edge with 59 seconds left. Roessner filling in for junior Nate Detrick, who defaulted in the opening match today. Hooker had Roessner in deep trouble late, but the buzzer sounds. Hooker up 5-0.
Hooker on bottom to start the second period. Howell leads, 16-6 after 145.
Hooker with the reversal, 7-0. Heading to the third with Roessner on bottom. Reversal for Hooker, 9-1. That's it, a major and the 'Cats lead 20-3.
160 -- Evan Butka vs. Moses Yasin
Tossup here. Streaks likely need this one to stay in it. Scoreless first period.
Yasin down to start the second. Butka power halfs for three backs and Yasin reverses -- 3-2 Butka. That's how the second period ends. Butka on bottom to open the third.
Yasin catches Butka for three backs -- 5-3 Yasin leads. Butka reversal to tie it 25 ticks left. Butka locked up a cradle but couldn't get a turn. Heading to OT.
Butka gets the winning takedown with 24 seconds left -- 7-5 SV. High Point leads, 20-6.
170 -- Ryan Ostir vs. Antonio Porraspita
Scoreless first. Porraspita escapes to start the second. Takedown for Porraspita -- 3-0. Buzzer sounds and we head to the third period. Warren Hills really needs this one.
Ostir down to start the third period. Escapes with 33 seconds left. Porraspita with a take down with 10 seconds left to ice a 5-1 win. 'Cats now lead 23-6 with six bouts left.
182 -- Steve Cleaver vs. Nick Carriera
Nice trip for a takedown by Cleaver and a cradle for three backs -- 5-0. Cradle again and THE FALL in 1:46. High Point up 23-12.
195 -- Ryan Witner vs. Kyle Stoll
Stoll with a quick takedown and a 2-0 lead. Stoll, third in Region 1 last year, is really put together. That's how the first period ends. Stoll down to start the second period.
Brief injury timeout for Witner (knee). Stoll reversal, escape for Witner, takedown makes it 6-2.
Witner down to start the third period. Stoll wins, 6-2. High Point leads, 26-12.
220 -- Tyler Bridygham vs. Bobby McDonnell
McDonnell with a takedown and three backs -- 5-0. PIN in 1:07 -- 'Cats clinch it, 32-12 with three bouts left. Howell up, 28-21 after 220.
285 -- Andrew Pacheco vs. Henry Kuperus
Pacheco with the takedown. Gunny Wassong getting the nightcap off for the 'Cats. Pacheco nearly got the turn with a half as the buzzer sounded.
Kuperus defers and Pacheco goes down to start the second. Pacheco reverses -- 4-0. PIN in 3:22. High Point leads, 32-18.
106 -- Austin Pidoto vs. Dom Gallo
Gallo with the first takedown -- 2-0. Cradle and the FALL in 58 seconds. High Point, 38-18.
113 -- Max Nauta, forfeit.
Final: High Point 38-24.
Scoreless first period. Adetula down to start the second. Kobis riding tough with legs, but Adetual pops out the back for a reversal. Kobis gets it right back with one of his own -- 2-2.
Kobis down to start the third period. Kobis escapes, 3-2. That's how it ends. High Point leads, 3-0 as Kobis goes 3-0 on the day. Impressive freshman.
126 -- Connor McHugh vs. John Fluck
McHugh with a takedown and FALL in 40 seconds! High Point leads, 9-0.
Howell leads 3-0 after 120.
132 -- Mike Derin vs. Joe Kratochvil
Scoreless first period. Good matchup of district champs and Region 1 qualifiers. Kratochvil a finalist. Derin was a District 3 champ, while Kratochvil won in D1.
Kratochvil on bottom to start the second period. Escape for a 1-0 lead. Near takedown at the buzzer fo Derin, who trails entering the third. He's on bottom. Derin is out and we're tied. Kratochvil with a takedown at 1:08 -- he's up 3-1. Derin escapes with four seconds left -- 3-2 Kratochvil gets Warren Hills on the board.
138 -- Chris Auer vs. Kevin Bundschuh
Bundschuh with the nice high crotch for a takedown. Bundschuh tries a power half and Auer nearly comes out the back door at the buzzer -- 2-0. Auer down to start the second period. Auer escapes with 34 seconds left. Nice throw by from Auer -- gets the takedown late and goes up, 3-2.
Bundschuh down to start the third period. Escape with 53 seconds left -- 3-3. Whizzer by Auer late sends it to OT.
Great scramble late in the first, going to the first rideout. Auer reverses with 3 seconds left to go up 5-3.
Bundschuh down for second rideout. Auer wins it, 5-3 OT2 rideout. High Point leads, 12-3.
145 -- Jason Gaccione vs. Tom Rush
Gaccione with the dump for a takedown. Ala Joe, his brother, who was third in the state when the 'Cats crowned four state champs in AC in 2011. Gaccione reversal to start the second period. He gives Rush the escape, 4-1. Gaccione with another takedown and lets Rush go -- 6-2. Another takedown makes it 8-2. Escape and takedown, 10-3.
Third period starts with Rush on bottom. Gaccione cuts him loose, 10-4. Takedown and a 12-4 lead. Nearside cradle for three backs and it's 15-4 final. High Point leads, 16-3, five bouts in.
152 -- Tommy Hooker vs. Anthony Roessner
Hooker with the takedown at the edge with 59 seconds left. Roessner filling in for junior Nate Detrick, who defaulted in the opening match today. Hooker had Roessner in deep trouble late, but the buzzer sounds. Hooker up 5-0.
Hooker on bottom to start the second period. Howell leads, 16-6 after 145.
Hooker with the reversal, 7-0. Heading to the third with Roessner on bottom. Reversal for Hooker, 9-1. That's it, a major and the 'Cats lead 20-3.
160 -- Evan Butka vs. Moses Yasin
Tossup here. Streaks likely need this one to stay in it. Scoreless first period.
Yasin down to start the second. Butka power halfs for three backs and Yasin reverses -- 3-2 Butka. That's how the second period ends. Butka on bottom to open the third.
Yasin catches Butka for three backs -- 5-3 Yasin leads. Butka reversal to tie it 25 ticks left. Butka locked up a cradle but couldn't get a turn. Heading to OT.
Butka gets the winning takedown with 24 seconds left -- 7-5 SV. High Point leads, 20-6.
170 -- Ryan Ostir vs. Antonio Porraspita
Scoreless first. Porraspita escapes to start the second. Takedown for Porraspita -- 3-0. Buzzer sounds and we head to the third period. Warren Hills really needs this one.
Ostir down to start the third period. Escapes with 33 seconds left. Porraspita with a take down with 10 seconds left to ice a 5-1 win. 'Cats now lead 23-6 with six bouts left.
182 -- Steve Cleaver vs. Nick Carriera
Nice trip for a takedown by Cleaver and a cradle for three backs -- 5-0. Cradle again and THE FALL in 1:46. High Point up 23-12.
195 -- Ryan Witner vs. Kyle Stoll
Stoll with a quick takedown and a 2-0 lead. Stoll, third in Region 1 last year, is really put together. That's how the first period ends. Stoll down to start the second period.
Brief injury timeout for Witner (knee). Stoll reversal, escape for Witner, takedown makes it 6-2.
Witner down to start the third period. Stoll wins, 6-2. High Point leads, 26-12.
220 -- Tyler Bridygham vs. Bobby McDonnell
McDonnell with a takedown and three backs -- 5-0. PIN in 1:07 -- 'Cats clinch it, 32-12 with three bouts left. Howell up, 28-21 after 220.
285 -- Andrew Pacheco vs. Henry Kuperus
Pacheco with the takedown. Gunny Wassong getting the nightcap off for the 'Cats. Pacheco nearly got the turn with a half as the buzzer sounded.
Kuperus defers and Pacheco goes down to start the second. Pacheco reverses -- 4-0. PIN in 3:22. High Point leads, 32-18.
106 -- Austin Pidoto vs. Dom Gallo
Gallo with the first takedown -- 2-0. Cradle and the FALL in 58 seconds. High Point, 38-18.
113 -- Max Nauta, forfeit.
Final: High Point 38-24.
Thursday, December 20, 2012
Wrestling: Warren Hills quad preview, lineups
Who: High Point, Howell, Timber Creek and Warren Hills.
When: 10 a.m. Saturday.
Where: Warren Hills Regional High School, Washington Township.
Schedule (approximate times following 10 a.m. start):
10 a.m. -- Timber Creek vs. Warren Hills/High Point vs. Howell.
Noon -- Howell vs. Warren Hills/High Point vs. Timber Creek.
2 p.m. -- High Point vs. Warren Hills/Timber Creek vs. Howell.
Records: High Point 1-0; Howell 1-0; Timber Creek 1-0; Warren Hills 4-0.
Coaches: High Point, John Gardner (249-69-2, 15th season); Howell, John Gagliano (280-59, 16th season); Timber Creek, Nick Cottone (104-17, sixth season); Warren Hills, Jarrett Hosbach (95-74, eighth season).
Series histories (Warren Hills only): High Point leads, 9-8, dating to 1976. This will be the first meeting between the schools since the Wildcats' 58-9 win on Dec. 19, 2007. Blue Streaks won the only postseason meetings -- 27-20 in the 1990 Group 3 final at Voorhees and 41-27 in the 1997 Group 3 semis at North Hunterdon. Warren Hills won the Group 3 title both years. Teams met continuously from 1984-93, but just twice since. The Warren County school has never wrestled Howell or Timber Creek. High Point defeated Timber Creek, 59-9, in the 2008 Group 3 semifinals en route to the school's first championship.
Wrestlers to watch: High Point, So. Mike Derin 132 (D1); So. Jason Gaccione 145 (D1); Jr. Kyle Stoll 195 (D1, R3). Howell, Jr. Jimmy Slendorn 113 (D2); Sr. Ben Esposito 138 (D1); Sr. Ashanti Maurice 145 (D1); Timber Creek, Jr. John Amato 113 (D1, R1); Sr. Brandon Keller 145 (D1, R1, S2); Sr. Dom Ruggierrio 152 (D1, R3); Sr. Bryce Shade 170 (D1, R1); Warren Hills, So. Max Nauta 113 (D2, R2); Sr. Joe Kratochvil 132 (D1, R2).
HP/WH prediction: Not going to tackle scores for all of the meets, but the High Point-Warren Hills matchup could be a classic. I worked it out a few ways and came up with a seven-seven split and a tie on one occasion. Key bouts are 106, 120, 126, 152, 160, 170 and 285. That's seven right there. I rate the 'Cats a slight favorite at 106, 120 and 152 but the rest are tough to call. I think the Streaks are solid favorites at 113, 138 (with Kratochvil) and 182, though I expect Gardner to do some juggling. A Derin-Kratochvil matchup would be exciting. High Point gets the nod at 132, 145 and 195. Streaks would look to bump away from Stoll at 195 and Witner-McDonnell could be a deciding bout. I think the 'Cats squeak out a win, but it's tight. High Point, 31-25.
Probable lineups (with records and grades):
When: 10 a.m. Saturday.
Where: Warren Hills Regional High School, Washington Township.
Schedule (approximate times following 10 a.m. start):
10 a.m. -- Timber Creek vs. Warren Hills/High Point vs. Howell.
Noon -- Howell vs. Warren Hills/High Point vs. Timber Creek.
2 p.m. -- High Point vs. Warren Hills/Timber Creek vs. Howell.
Records: High Point 1-0; Howell 1-0; Timber Creek 1-0; Warren Hills 4-0.
Coaches: High Point, John Gardner (249-69-2, 15th season); Howell, John Gagliano (280-59, 16th season); Timber Creek, Nick Cottone (104-17, sixth season); Warren Hills, Jarrett Hosbach (95-74, eighth season).
Series histories (Warren Hills only): High Point leads, 9-8, dating to 1976. This will be the first meeting between the schools since the Wildcats' 58-9 win on Dec. 19, 2007. Blue Streaks won the only postseason meetings -- 27-20 in the 1990 Group 3 final at Voorhees and 41-27 in the 1997 Group 3 semis at North Hunterdon. Warren Hills won the Group 3 title both years. Teams met continuously from 1984-93, but just twice since. The Warren County school has never wrestled Howell or Timber Creek. High Point defeated Timber Creek, 59-9, in the 2008 Group 3 semifinals en route to the school's first championship.
Wrestlers to watch: High Point, So. Mike Derin 132 (D1); So. Jason Gaccione 145 (D1); Jr. Kyle Stoll 195 (D1, R3). Howell, Jr. Jimmy Slendorn 113 (D2); Sr. Ben Esposito 138 (D1); Sr. Ashanti Maurice 145 (D1); Timber Creek, Jr. John Amato 113 (D1, R1); Sr. Brandon Keller 145 (D1, R1, S2); Sr. Dom Ruggierrio 152 (D1, R3); Sr. Bryce Shade 170 (D1, R1); Warren Hills, So. Max Nauta 113 (D2, R2); Sr. Joe Kratochvil 132 (D1, R2).
HP/WH prediction: Not going to tackle scores for all of the meets, but the High Point-Warren Hills matchup could be a classic. I worked it out a few ways and came up with a seven-seven split and a tie on one occasion. Key bouts are 106, 120, 126, 152, 160, 170 and 285. That's seven right there. I rate the 'Cats a slight favorite at 106, 120 and 152 but the rest are tough to call. I think the Streaks are solid favorites at 113, 138 (with Kratochvil) and 182, though I expect Gardner to do some juggling. A Derin-Kratochvil matchup would be exciting. High Point gets the nod at 132, 145 and 195. Streaks would look to bump away from Stoll at 195 and Witner-McDonnell could be a deciding bout. I think the 'Cats squeak out a win, but it's tight. High Point, 31-25.
Probable lineups (with records and grades):
Warren Hills Blue Streaks
|
|||
106
|
Austin Pidoto
|
So.
|
(4-0)
|
113
|
Max Nauta
|
So.
|
(2-1)
|
120
|
Tai Adetula
|
Jr.
|
(3-1)
|
126
|
John Fluck
|
So.
|
(3-1)
|
132
|
Joe Kratochvil
|
Sr.
|
(3-0)
|
138
|
Justin Pidoto
|
Jr.
|
(0-1)
|
Tom Rush
|
Sr.
|
(0-4)
|
|
145
|
Kevin Bundschuh
|
Sr.
|
(4-0)
|
152
|
Nate Detrick
|
Jr.
|
(1-2)
|
160
|
Evan Butka
|
Jr.
|
(2-2)
|
170
|
Ryan Ostir
|
Jr.
|
(3-0)
|
182
|
Steve Cleaver
|
Jr.
|
(2-1)
|
195
|
Ryan Witner
|
Jr.
|
(3-1)
|
220
|
Tyler Bridygham
|
Sr.
|
(1-3)
|
285
|
Andrew Pacheco
|
So.
|
(3-1)
|
High Point Wildcats
|
|||
106
|
Dom Gallo
|
So.
|
(4-0)
|
Trevor Risdon
|
So.
|
(0-2)
|
|
113
|
Leo Haines
|
So.
|
(0-3)
|
120
|
Jared Kobis
|
Fr.
|
(3-0)
|
126
|
Connor McHugh
|
Sr.
|
(3-1)
|
132
|
Mike Derin
|
So.
|
(2-0)
|
Chris Auer
|
Jr.
|
(3-0)
|
|
138
|
Collin Grimm
|
Sr.
|
(2-2)
|
145
|
Jason Gaccione
|
So.
|
(4-0)
|
152
|
Tommy Hooker
|
Jr.
|
(3-1)
|
160
|
Moses Yasin
|
Sr.
|
(2-2)
|
170
|
Antonio Porraspita
|
Jr.
|
(3-1)
|
182
|
Nick Carriera
|
Fr.
|
(0-1)
|
195
|
Drew Bye
|
Jr.
|
(3-1)
|
Kyle Stoll
|
Jr.
|
(3-0)
|
|
220
|
Bobby McDonnell
|
Jr.
|
(3-1)
|
285
|
Gunny Wassong
|
Jr.
|
(2-2)
|
Timber Creek Chargers
|
|||
106
|
Alex Tran
|
So.
|
(3-1)
|
Chris LaRoda
|
Fr.
|
(2-2)
|
|
113
|
John Amato
|
Jr.
|
(3-0)
|
120
|
Joey DiMartino
|
Jr.
|
(4-0)
|
126
|
Lorenzo Ruggiero
|
Fr.
|
(4-1)
|
132
|
Isiah DeGuzman
|
Sr.
|
(3-1)
|
138
|
Brandon Virgilio
|
Sr.
|
(2-1)
|
145
|
Brandon Keller
|
Sr.
|
(3-1)
|
152
|
Dom Ruggierrio
|
Sr.
|
(4-0)
|
160
|
Keith Bauberger
|
Sr.
|
(1-2)
|
170
|
Bryce Shade
|
Sr.
|
(1-0)
|
Ed Ditolla
|
So.
|
(1-2)
|
|
182
|
Kashon Gordan
|
Fr.
|
(1-2)
|
195
|
Tyree Tice
|
So.
|
(0-2)
|
220
|
Nick Spero
|
Jr.
|
(0-1)
|
285
|
Joe Morett
|
Jr.
|
(0-2)
|
Marques Jenkins
|
Sr.
|
(0-1)
|
|
Howell Rebels
|
|||
106
|
Mikey Sisolak
|
So.
|
(4-0)
|
Anthony Gagliano
|
Fr.
|
(4-1)
|
|
113
|
Jimmy Slendorn
|
Jr.
|
(3-0)
|
120
|
Rob Riccio
|
Jr.
|
(1-2)
|
Nick Braiuca
|
Sr.
|
(3-2)
|
|
126
|
Kris Lindemann
|
Fr.
|
(4-0)
|
Jacob Esposito
|
So.
|
(2-2)
|
|
132
|
James Sisolak
|
Sr.
|
(3-2)
|
138
|
Jack Rada
|
Jr.
|
(4-1)
|
Ben Esposito
|
Sr.
|
(4-0)
|
|
145
|
Ashanti Maurice
|
Sr.
|
(3-1)
|
152
|
Joey Schultz
|
Jr.
|
(4-0)
|
160
|
C.J. Schaefer
|
Sr.
|
(2-2)
|
Mike Christie
|
Jr.
|
(2-2)
|
|
170
|
Casey Fecht
|
Sr.
|
(3-2)
|
Frank Grom
|
Sr.
|
(0-2)
|
|
182
|
Nathan Litowsky
|
Jr.
|
(3-1)
|
195
|
Stephen Boncimino
|
Jr.
|
(3-1)
|
220
|
Kyle Cocozza
|
Jr.
|
(4-1)
|
285
|
Joe Sportiello
|
Sr.
|
(2-1)
|
Tim D'Angelo
|
So.
|
(0-1)
|
|