The semifinal round begins at 9 a.m. with Groups 1 and 5, followed by Groups 2 and 4 at 11:30 a.m. The championships in Groups 1, 5 and the Group 3 semifinals are at 2 p.m., with the title matches in Groups 2 and 4 and Non-Public B at 5 p.m. The Group 3 and Non-Public A championships will be at 7 p.m.
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| P'burg looks to take home another Group 4 trophy on Sunday. |
"Our kids will be ready," said P'burg coach Dave Post, who has led the program to seven sectional titles and five Group 4 championships during his eight seasons in charge of his alma mater.
High Point (22-1), which hasn't lost to New Jersey competition and is coming off a dominating 46-9 win over Jefferson in the North 1, Group 2 sectional final, enters its Group 2 semifinal against Point Pleasant Boro with plenty of momentum and a bit of a chip on its shoulder after a heartbreaking 32-30 loss to Hanover Park in last year's semifinals. However, a different mindset could be the key this time around as the 'Cats seek the program's fifth state title and first since 2014.
"I don't think we thought we could win last year," said senior Shane Kobis, who is 27-4 this season at 138 pounds and helps anchor a strong group of lower weights. "I think we're going to play it loose. Hanover Park is a good team. We're hoping history doesn't repeat itself."
Veteran coach John Gardner is pleased with how his team is performing heading into what is sure to be an entertaining battle for the Group 2 title. The 'Cats are ranked No. 10 in the New Jersey Writers Association Top 20, while Hanover Park (No. 9) and Raritan (No. 16) are also in the poll.
"The kids have really embraced the team concept," said Gardner, whose teams are 344-100-2 overall in his 20 seasons. "As someone who went through the program [a state champion for the 'Cats in 1990], that's really what High Point wrestling is all about -- from the kids 40 years ago to today. We try to embrace it. These kids are loyal and a very competitive group. That's their makeup."
Here's Open Mike's take on the Groups involving area teams.
Group 4
Titles: Phillipsburg 21 (Group 3) — 1983, '89, '91, '92, '95, '96, 2003, '04, '09. (Group 4) — 1986, '87, '88, '97, '98, '99, 2000, '12, '14, '15, '16, '17. Highland 9 — 1982, '83, '84, '85, '91, '92, '94, '95, '96. Long Branch 3 (Group 2) — 2008, '09, '10. Roxbury 0.
Long Branch Green Wave (23-3)
So. Dylan Kelleher (10-7)/Fr. Joseph Conlon (8-8) 106; So. Ryan Zimmerman (29-3, D2, R4) 113; Jr. Rey Guzman (16-9, D3) 120; Sr. Chris Dean (21-9, D2) 126; Jr. Steve Pabone (10-7) 126-132; Jr. Stivini Silva (12-11) 132; So. Ryan Carey (16-11, D4) 138; Sr. Isaac Shohet (17-11, D2)/Sr. Nick Luhn (5-8) 145; Jr. Luke Arnold (20-3, D2, R5) 152-160; Sr. Louie Saez (12-8)/Fr. Jack Friedman (2-10) 152-160; Sr. Dan Santos-Silva (24-6, D2)/So. Edgar Padilla (13-14) 170-182; Sr. Peter Wersinger (27-3, D3, R3) 195; Sr. Jael Cordero (12-5)/Jr. La'Qym Morris (12-1)/So. Tracey Taylor (8-3) 220; Jr. Kevin Cerruti (26-3, D4, R3) 285.
Highland Tartans (13-7)
Fr. Matt Hoelke (22-2)/Fr. Jeff Greiner (6-12) 106; Fr. Adam Aquilino (16-5) 113; Fr. Brody Colbert (21-9) 120; Jr. Jeremiah Clark (22-5, D2)/Fr. Emidio Mariani (6-6) 126; Jr. Justin Cariss (19-3, D1, R4) 132-138; Sr. Mark Hurst (16-6) 145; Sr. Noah Shaffer (7-14)/Jr. Ronan Nark (5-10) 152-160; Jr. Jason Evans (15-7) 160; Sr. Jared Colbert (21-3, D3, R6) 182; So. John (Tre) Seaman (3-6) 195; Sr. Devon Starks (27-1, D1, R2)/So. Joshua Ortiz (8-18) 220-285.
Roxbury Gaels (14-8)
Fr. Franco Mazza (24-9)/Fr. Thomas Conselyea (8-15) 106-113; Jr. Jeffery Coron (2-4) 113; Jr. John Tesoriero (12-16, D1) 120; Sr. Lawrence Hopkins (14-16) 126; Sr. Kevin Rosado (6-10)/Jr. Ryan Parraga (3-4) 132; Jr. Scott Jarosz (27-5, D3, R6) 138; Sr. Dominick LaRusso (25-5, D2) 145; Jr. Evan Vazquez (26-5, D2) 152; Sr. Michael Roumes (12-3, D1, R4) 160; Jr. Anthony Rallo (21-9) 160-170; Sr. Talha Khan (24-6, D3)/Jr. Michael Corrente (8-7) 170-182; Jr. Ben Temples (5-3, D1) 182-195; Sr. Stephen Fowler (16-12) 195; Sr. Jose Diaz (19-13) 220; Sr. Joseph Hills (5-13)/So. Charles Lisa (1-5) 285.
Phillipsburg Stateliners (15-2)
Fr. Logan Maczko (14-13) 106; Sr. Cullen Day (23-8, D1, R2), 113; Jr. Travis Jones (29-4, D1, R4) Fr. Jason Tino (3-0) 120; Jr. Luke Hardin (1-5)/Jr. Brenden Fox (1-11) 126; Jr. Kyle Tino (17-8, D2) 132; Jr. Cody Harrison (24-3, D1, R3, S8), 138; Jr. Jayson Zinsmeister (15-11) 145; Sr. Brian Meyer (27-2, D1, R1, S3), 152-160; Sr. Josh Ramos (17-7) 152-160; Sr. Lance Wissing (30-3) 170; Jr. Austin Roth (16-9) 182-195; Sr. Shamyr Brodders (13-12) 182-195; So. Cody Cruts (8-10)/Fr. Gage Horvath (0-3) 220; Sr. Patrick Sharpe (18-13) 285.
Breakdown: Phillipsburg shooting for its fifth straight championship -- 13th in Group 4 -- and its first 5-peat since winning six in a row from 1995 to 2000. The '95 and '96 championships were in Group 3. The Stateliners rate as big-time favorite here and should have little trouble getting past Roxbury, which upset West Morris in the North 1, Group 4 sectional final. We can't lose no matter which team prevails on the adjacent mat because P'burg has had some memorable encounters against Long Branch and Highland, which won its first sectional title since '96. The Tartans, under legendary coach Ralph Ross, went 2-2 against the 'Liners, including a 30-17 win in the 1985 Group 4 final at Hunterdon Central and a 28-22 victory at home in '83. Phillipsburg's 28-19 victory at The Pit the following season snapped Highland's 34-match winning streak. It was eight years before the team resumed the rivalry, with P'burg scoring a thrilling 25-23 win at The Pit on Jan. 2, 1993. The 'Liners are 2-0 against Long Branch, including a 28-21 win at Easton Area Middle School most remembered for a melee that ensued between both sets of fans at the conclusion. Most likely it will be the Green Wave advancing to face P'burg for the Group 4 title, though there are several tossups in the match against Highland -- 120, 126, 132, 160 and 182. However, Long Branch, which beat Brick Memorial, 30-29, on criteria (8-6 in bouts won) should have more opportunities for bonus points against the Tartans, who dropped a 41-21 decision to Brick on Jan. 13. P'burg matches up well against Long Branch, particularly through the middle where it could rack up plenty of bonus points. Coach Dave Post's team also has done a great job not giving up bonus points. Key bouts are 113 and 285, but if they split those, P'burg should still be in good shape.
Prediction: Phillipsburg over Long Branch, 34-20, in final. (P'burg over Roxbury, 46-10, and Long Branch over Highland, 33-20, in semis).
Group 2
Titles: High Point 4 — (Group 2) 2013, '14. (Group 3) 2008, '11. Hanover Park 1 — 2015. Raritan 1 — 2012. Point Pleasant Boro 0 (won its second sectional title in '18).
Raritan Rockets (26-2)
Jr. Aiden Dennehy (7-17)/Fr. Jordan Rafalko (3-7) 106; Sr. Robert Taddeo (20-12, D1, R6) 113; So. Mike Lonnay (18-13) 120; Jr. Cameron Rafalko (11-16) 126; Sr. Russell Benson (30-2, D1, R1) 132; Sr. AJ Erven (26-5, D4) 138; Sr. Christian Sookdeo (25-7) 145; Sr. Nicholas Polaco (10-8, D3)/Sr. Andrew Bohal (7-2, D2) 152; Jr. Anthony Aquilano (26-6, D2)/Sr. Dylan Lonnay (20-8) 160-170; Jr. George Burdick (29-3, D2, R5) 182; Jr. Justin Acevedo (25-7, D3) 195; Sr. Ethan Wolf (30-2, D1, R5) 220; Jr. Matt Spirko (23-6) 285.
Hanover Park Hornets (17-2)
Fr. Joey Olivieri (29-3) 106; So. Jake Bursese (21-6, D3, R6)/Fr. Dominic Mancini (8-4), 113; Fr. Dom Merola (17-14) 120; Jr. Domenic DiFrancescantonio (26-6, D2, R2), 126; Jr. Nick Raimo (29-0, D1, R1, S1), 132; Sr. Michael Rubin (13-13, D2) 138; Sr. Sean Conley (21-5, D1, R2), 145; Sr. Nick Corrao (7-11)/Connor Mildon (5-6) 152; Sr. Matthew Liberato (19-4, D1, R3) 160; Jr. Nick Zarra (15-12, D3) 170; Sr. Sebastian Bassolino (14-12) 182; So. Gianluca Birnbaum (7-9) 195; Sr. Daniel Jimenez (18-10, D2), 220; Fr. Mason Lazorchak (4-10) 285.
Point Pleasant Boro Panthers (19-1)
Fr. Nick Torre (17-7)/So. James Latendorf (7-9, D4) 106; Sr. Ben Sabo (29-3, D2, R5) 113; Fr. Jack Bailey (21-9)/Fr. Chandler Jamarino (0-3) 120; So. Jake Magley (14-12)/Fr. Luke Schumatti (3-6) 126-132; So. Ty Bailey (22-8, D4) 138; Jr. Spencer Robinson (24-7, D2, R4) 145; Sr. Francis Marshall (28-5, D2, R4)/Sr. John McTaggart (21-5, D3) 152-160; Sr. Ben Gilmore (5-5) 160; Sr. Ryan Sansone (16-12) 170; Sr. Dylan Ippolito (15-14, D3) 182; Jr. Billy Borowsky (28-4, D1) 195; Sr. Gabe Fattizzi (22-8) 220; Sr. Anthony Bonavito (24-1, D3, R4) 285.
High Point Wildcats (22-1)
So. Devon Liebl (23-4) 106; Jr. Brandon LaRue (29-2, D1, R2)/Fr. Nick Douma (3-3) 113; Fr. Josh Gervey (7-8) 120; Sr. Maverick Liebl (26-5, D3, R5) 126; So. Billy Talmadge (28-5, D1, R5) 132; Sr. Shane Kobis (27-4, D2, R2) 138; Sr. RJ Brevot (13-8)/Sr. Sawyer Fenlon (10-12, D2-2015) 145; Sr. Trey Osborn (25-5, D3) 152; Sr. Robbie Turro (21-12, D3-2016) 160; Jr. Jonathan Morris (8-14) 170; Jr. Grayson Sabo (20-9, D4) 182; Sr. Hunter Flores (7-7) 195; Jr. Andrew Lewis (16-10) 220; Sr. Thomas Hubmaster (23-7) 285.
Breakdown: Group 2 is where it's at on Sunday. High Point shocked the house four years ago by pinning in the last four weights to wrestle the title away from Hanover Park in arguably the greatest match ever produced here. Will there be a rematch? The 'Cats suffered a huge blow when they lost junior 120-pounder Devin Flannery (left elbow injury) for the season in mid-January, but coach John Gardner's team has responded well with Brevot, Fenlon, Turro, Morris and Lewis (who had a big win early in the 46-9 win against Jefferson in the sectional final) helping to pick up the slack at various points throughout the season. Another factor with this team is that it's very stingy when it comes to giving up bonus points. The upper weights have really come along, with Sabo developing into a solid 182-pounder. Against Point Pleasant Boro, look for the 'Cats to dominate through the middle as they would like to get LaRue on Ben Sabo, but it really shouldn't matter. Meanwhile, Raritan and Hanover Park is looking to be one of the most entertaining semifinals. The Hornets are strong from 106-145, but the Rockets will have a huge edge up top and need to get Benson away from Raimo to have a shot. If High Point faces Hanover Park, it will need to bump LaRue to 120 and Talmadge to 138, in order to have a shot at winning eight bouts because the 'Cats will have the edge in most bouts from 152 and up. A finals match with Raritan, on paper, would be a trickier proposition because the Rockets are strong in the middle and up top. A 7-7 split in that one would be harder to come by.
Prediction: High Point over Hanover Park, 31-28, (or 30-28 over Raritan) in final. (Hanover Park over Raritan, 32-23, and High Point over Point Pleasant Boro, 34-18, in semis).
Group 3
Titles: South Plainfield 10 (Group 3) — 2001, '05, '06, '10, '12, '13, '16, '17. (Group 2) — 2000, '07. Voorhees 4 (Group 3) — 1985, '87. (Group 2) — 1982, '95. Delsea 2 (Group 3) — 2015. (Group 2) — 1991. Pascack Valley 0 (first sectional title).
South Plainfield Tigers (18-7)
Fr. Anthony White (30-1) 106; Sr. Frank Mannino (3-22) 113; Jr. David Loniewski (15-3) 120; Jr. Thomas Fierro (22-7, D2)/Sr. Joe Heilmann (32-0, D1, R2, S3) 126-132; Jr. Alex Amato (18-12, D2, R4) 138; Jr. Joe Sacco (27-5, D2, R4) 145; Sr. Mike Marrero (18-12) 152; Jr. Marc Giordano (19-13) 160; Sr. Joseph Nardacci (10-11)/Jr. Divon Pender (7-7)/Fr. Thomas Renna (1-0) 170; Jr. Brenden Hedden (20-11, D4) 182; Jr. Luke Niemeyer (29-2, D1, R4) 195; Jr. Zach DelVecchio (31-0, D1, R1, S4)/Fr. Julian Medina (15-7) 220-285.
Voorhees Vikings (22-8)
So. Josh Rich (15-18) 106; Sr. Colby Koshinski (22-11, D1, R6) 113; Jr. Aidan Taylor (24-9, D1, R4) 120; Jr. Hunter Rinehart (22-8, D2) 126; So. Joe Swiston (11-22) 132; Fr. Will Peterson (2-10) 138; So. Garrett Loescher (9-24) 145; Jr. Jacob Baytoff (12-21) 152; Sr. Brad Kalinchak (14-19) 160; Jr. Matt Brandner (18-15) 170; Jr. Charlie Eberle (8-16) 182; Sr. Scott Fernandes (29-3, D2, R4) 195; Jr. Lewis Fernandes (30-0, D2, R2) 220-285; Jr. Sam Huff (26-6, D1) 220-285.
Pascack Valley Indians (22-4)
Jr. Sean Krumbine-Bresnak (4-3)/Fr. Danny Finch (3-8) 106; Jr. Jacob Averna (12-16)/Jr. Bradley Zirlin (8-4) 113; Fr. Tyler Pizzi (26-6) 120; Sr. Robbie Natelli (23-10, D2) 126; Sr. Nolan Shields (21-11, D4) 132; Jr. Matt Beyer (18-4, D1, R3)/So. James Allmers (13-7) 138; Fr. Luke Petaccia (21-6) 145; Jr. Stephen Soravilla (15-4) 152; Jr. Tommy Chiellini (30-3) 160; Sr. Jake Prusha (25-8) 170; Sr. William Morris (19-4, D4) 170-182; Sr. Casey Lewis (31-2, D1, R5) 182-195; Sr. George Dvoynos (15-10) 195-220; Jr. Zach Olsen (17-7) 220-285.
Delsea Crusaders (14-7)
Fr. Asa Walton (23-8) 106; Sr. Chris Recinto (18-13) 113; So. Justin Dougherty (9-15)/So. Travis Griffith (11-16) 120-126; Jr. John Patterson (17-8, D2) 132; So. Tim Spatola (25-7, D4)/Jr. Jon Stokes (7-13) 138-145; Sr. Phillip Pierson (10-12) 145-152; Sr. Nick Bennett (25-6, D1) 145-160; Sr. Mason Maxwell (25-7, D2, R4) 170; Sr. Bill Janzer (20-0, D1, R1, S1) 182; Sr. Tommy Maxwell (27-5, D1, R4, S8)/Fr. Matthew Kratzer (7-7) 195-220 Sr. Phillip Green (17-15) 285.
Breakdown: The more things change the more they remain the same certainly applies here, as you'd have to go back to 2006 to find the last time neither South Plainfield or Delsea competed for a state championship. The Tigers have won the last two finals meetings -- 38-23 in 2017 and 27-25 in '16 -- after the Crusaders' impressive 35-15 victory in the '15 title match. Voorhees got here by winning its 17th sectional title -- 33-27 over Cranford, last year's Group 3, in the North 2 final. Coach Eric Hall's Vikes are making their first appearance here since 2015. They'll get South Plainfield out of the chute, which will not be an easy task. The Tigers match up well through the middle and are looking at some serious bonus point opportunities as well. Voorhees has the edge up top, and the highlight of the semis would be a matchup between Lewis Fernandes and Zach DelVecchio, two of the best 220-pounders in the state, though Fernandes is expected to go 285 in the postseason. The middle of the lineup for the Tigers will also be the difference in a likely finals rematch with Delsea.
Prediction: South Plainfield over Delsea, 35-24, in final. (South Plainfield over Voorhees, 40-16, and Delsea over Pascack Valley, 37-25, in semis).
Non-Public B
Titles: Pope John 5 — 1982, '83, '86, '92, '94. Holy Spirit 0 (runner-up 2016, '17).
Pope John Lions (16-2)
Fr. Shane Percelay (22-6) 106; So. Eddie Ventresca (28-2, D1, R1, S6) 113; So. Kaya Sement (27-5) 120; So. Mathew Garcia (21-8) 126; Sr. Jake Rotunda (28-4, D1, R2) 132; Jr. Joe Aragona (30-1, D3, R1, S2) 138; Jr. Robert Garcia (28-4, D2, R1, S4) 145; So. Connor Fritsch (9-10) 152; Sr. Joseph Arbolino (13-9) 160; Sr. James Swentzel (14-10) 170; Sr. Reece Muldoon (22-1, D1, R1) 182; Sr. Jake Brown (16-2, D1, R2) 195; Jr. Christopher Jhong (9-10)/So. Cole Zydel (5-7) 220; Sr. Jack Morelli (19-8) 285.
Holy Spirit Spartans (8-12)
Fr. Jason Klemm (5-19) 106; So. Luke Spotts (5-12) 113; So. Kevin Mason (1-10) 120; Sr. Dominic Sacco (20-10, D4) 126; Fr. Kolin Driscoll (10-18)/Sr. Zach Long (12-14) 132-138; So. Patrick Newman (5-21) 145; Jr. Conner Boal (13-3)/Jr. Ryan Keil (0-2) 152; Sr. Tim Fitzpatrick (28-3, D1, R3, S7)/So. Justin Curcio (0-7) 160-170; Sr. Michael Waszen (25-6, D1, R3) 182; So. Kurt Driscoll (15-10)/Fr. Joe McCauley (2-7) 195-220; Jr. Azim Baker-Coley (9-5) 220; Sr. Dimitris Pali (12-5) 285.
Breakdown: It's been awhile for Pope John, which won its first sectional title since 1994 to earn a trip to Toms River. It's a long way to travel for what should be a very one-sided matchup for the state championship. The Lions, ranked No. 4 in the New Jersey Writers Association, will be favored in just about every bout -- except 152, 160 and what look like tossups at 182 and 285. The Sussex County school is most powerful in the middle, where it should rack up a hefty amount of bonus points. Holy Spirit, which was the 14th seed at the Jack Welch Duals and has been the runner-up here the past two years, has done well to get here, knocking off Donovan Catholic, 36-29, in the South B sectional final. But this one will be over pretty quick.
Prediction: Pope John, 56-10.
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