What: High Point Wildcats vs. Newton Braves.
Where: Henry Boresch Memorial Gym, Newton High School.
When: Wednesday, 7 p.m.
Conference: Northwest Jersey Athletic Freedom Division.
Records: High Point 9-1, 0-0 division; Newton 3-3, 0-0.
Coaches: John Gardner (331-100-2, 20th season, 18-1 vs. Newton); Eric Bollette (211-177-1, 17th season, 1-15 vs. HP).
State rankings: (New Jersey Writers Association): High Point No. 11; Newton No. 19.
Series history: High Point has won 14 straight, including a 39-24 win in Wantage in the last meeting on Feb. 1, 2017, and owns a 37-7 edge overall dating to 1970. Braves' last win was 31-27 in 2003, which snapped the 'Cats' 17-match win streak. Newton won five of the first six meetings from 1970-79 and earned a 31-21 win in '85.
Probable lineups: High Point wrestlers listed first with season records in parentheses.
106 -- So. Devon Liebl (10-3) vs. Fr. Nathan Fitt (4-7).
113 -- Jr. Brandon LaRue (14-1) vs. Fr. Danny Cleary (4-6).
120 -- Jr. Devin Flannery (13-2) vs. Fr. JoJo Lotruglio (6-5).
126 -- Sr. Maverick Liebl (13-2) vs. Jr. Matthew Rosa (8-5).
132 -- So. Billy Talmadge (14-3) vs. Jr. Michael Freda (7-5).
138 -- Sr. Shane Kobis (15-0) vs. So. Julian Sibblies (2-6) or So. Ryan Sosa (0-1).
145 -- Sr. RJ Brevot (9-5) vs. So. Trevor Aughenbaugh (1-4).
152 -- Sr. Trey Osborn (10-4) or Sr. Sawyer Fenlon (4-7) vs. Jr. Wyatt McCarthy (10-1).
160 -- Sr. Robbie Turro (10-5) or Osborn vs. Sr. Jonathon Borgognoni (10-1).
170 -- Jr. Jonathan Morris (4-5) or Turro vs. Jr. Nick Brigante (6-6).
182 -- Jr. Grayson Sabo (10-3) vs. Sr. Joseph DeLuca (10-3).
195 -- Jr. Shawn Mathews (0-2) or Sr. Eric Frei (0-3) or Fr. Justin Klass (0-2) or Sr. Hunter Flores (2-5) vs. Jr. Luke Fischer (9-2).
220 -- Jr. Andrew Lewis (8-5) vs. Sr. Devin Mager (1-1).
285 -- Sr. Thomas Hubmaster (10-4) vs. Jr. Jimmy Harding (4-2) or Jr. Matt Somers (2-3).
Breakdown: Division opener for both teams and the winner will be in the driver's seat for the title. This match will really be a tale of halves as High Point rates a solid favorite from 106-145, while Newton has the edge for the most part from 152-285, though there are a few tossup bouts in there. Straight up, 'Cats get the nod at 106, 113, 120, 126, 132, 138, 145. Braves are favored at 152, 160, 182 and 195. Let's call 170, 220 and 285 tossups, but leaning toward the visitors in all but 220. Another interesting factor may be at 106, where D. Liebl may have to sit after being disqualified in a bout on Saturday at the Zephry Duals. If he's out, that may be a forfeit win for Newton and a potential 9-point swing. Braves need to win all three tossups and a possibly victories at 126 and 170, or at least one of those, to pull off the upset. They will also have to limit the damage down low as the 'Cats also have the edge in potential bonus points. Look for Osborn to go 160 to try to save points there. This should be fun as Newton has its first legitimate shot in a lopsided series after quite some time.
Prediction: High Point, 35-20 (without Liebl it's 31-26).
No comments:
Post a Comment