What: Kittatinny Cougars at High Point Wildcats.
Where: High Point Regional High School, Wantage.
When: Friday, 7 p.m.
TV: Mugs Media (tape delay).
Records: Kittatinny 14-1; High Point 13-5.
Conference: Northwest Jersey Athletic (cross-divisional).
State rankings (New Jersey Wrestling Writers): Kittatinny No. 20.
Coaches: John Gill (529-163-5, 36th season (11-23-1 vs. HP); John Gardner (305-91-2, 18th season (9-8 vs. Kitt).
Series history: High Point leads 27-12-1 dating to 1976, including a 32-21 win in last year's North 1, Group 2 first-round matchup in Wantage, and has won nine of the past 10 matchups. That was the first postseason meeting between the longtime rivals and there was no regular-season dual last year for the first time in series history. Kittatinny, which has dropped the last two matchups, snapped a seven-match skid in the series with a 35-18 win at home in 2013. Prior to that stretch, the Cougars won seven in a row from 1999-2005.
Probable lineups (Kittatinny wrestlers listed first with season records in parentheses):
106 -- Fr. Derek Molfetto (9-13) vs. Fr. Devin Flannery (20-6).
113 -- Jr. Mark DiGeronimo (17-5) vs. So. Maverick Liebl (9-7).
120 -- So. Perry Maio (15-9) vs. Sr. Justin Liebl (18-10).
126 -- So. Calvin Brook (15-8) vs. So. Trey Osborn (13-12).
132 -- Sr. Nick Klinger (24-1) vs. So. Shane Kobis (19-10).
138 -- Sr. Austin Scrivani (23-1) vs. Fr. Oviane Marsh (0-5) or Jr. Derek Sarapuchiello (2-4).
145 -- Sr. Jake Vanwingerden (17-8) vs. Sr. Jared Kobis (18-0).
152 -- Jr. Dylan Minter (13-9) vs. Jr. Aric Wingle (13-4).
160 -- Sr. Taylor Molfetto (15-6) vs. So. Rob Turro (15-8).
170 -- Jr. Josh Klimek (19-5) vs. Sr. Liam Gorman (15-11) or Sr. Trevor Pritchard (2-8).
182 -- Fr. Zach Mafaro (18-5) vs. Sr. Kurt Rosner (0-5) or Sr. Shane Crothers (1-2).
195 -- Sr. Luke DeGroat (12-11) vs. Sr. Kevin Lewis (19-8) or Jr. Matt McDonnell (3-4).
220 -- Sr. Nick Simpson (11-9) vs. Jr. Cliff Rutter (11-15) or Lewis.
285 -- Sr. Griffin Waldron (4-7) vs. So. Thomas Hubmaster (4-11) or Rutter.
Breakdown: The 41st meeting between these archrivals could be a dandy. Wasn't looking that way last month when Kittatinny won the Hunterdon-Warren-Sussex Tournament and High Point finished 11th. Kittatinny is eager to end a two-match skid in the series after a tough 42-18 loss to Phillipsburg on Wednesday night that did not sit well with Gill. The Cougars rate as solid favorites in five weights -- 113, 132, 138, 170, 182 -- while the 'Cats get the nod at 106, 145, 195 and 220. That leaves 120 (Maio d. J. Liebl, 3-1 at HWS), 126, 152, 160 and 285 as the pivotal bouts. High Point would like to sweep three up top 195-285, but moving Lewis and Rutter up still makes the 'Cats underdogs at 195. That may be the move with Klimek and Mafaro pegged as heavy favorites, though Gorman will be giving up weight to a physically stronger opponent who beat him last year. Where the match starts and the score could dictate a move by Gardner, whose team will likely need four of those tossups to pull off the victory. I'm thinking Gardner goes straight up in the uppers for a shot at winning all three. Call it a 3-2 split on those tough-to-call tosses, favoring the visitors. Cougars win eight bouts and would still get the victory with seven because they should get three pins. Other potential rematches from last season: Klinger d. S. Kobis, 11-4; J. Kobis tf. Vanwingerden, 16-1, 4:25; J. Kobis tf. Minter, 21-6, 4:32 (D3 final); DeGroat d. Gorman, 4-0; Lewis p. Simpson, :26; Lewis p. Waldron, 2:47 (D3 semis).
Prediction: Kittatinny 34-24.
Thursday, February 4, 2016
Wrestling: 'Liners earn 'healthy' win over Kittatinny
HAMPTON -- Things appear to be lining up at just the right time for Phillipsburg's wrestling team.
Now nearly at full strength, the Stateliners won 10 bouts en route to an impressive 42-18 win over previously-unbeaten Kittatinny in an independent match on Wednesday night.
Phillipsburg (11-3), ranked No. 8 in the New Jersey Wrestling Writers Association Top 20, reeled off seven straight wins starting with junior Drew Horun's technical fall at 195 pounds. The return of Horun, who had missed several matches due to an illness, gave coach Dave Post's 'Liners a boost. Senior 132-pounder Brandon Paetzell (hand injury) could also be nearing a return, as the two-time state placewinner began live wrestling in practice on Monday.
"He's been out for over a month, so he's doing some live wrestling with [assistant coach Brad] Gentzle," said Post, who picked up career win No. 90 as P'burg improved to 15-6 all-time in the series against Kittatinny. We'll see how it goes. We're monitoring him every day. When he goes to the doctor, the percentage of the bone healing keeps going up."
Although there is no timetable, Paetzell (6-3), a state finalist as a sophomore who is 94-12 overall, could return next week as the Stateliners began their run at a 20th state championship. P'burg is expected to cruise in North 2, Group 4, as it targets the program's 35th sectional title.
No. 20 Kittatinny (14-1) needed a lot to go its way in order to make this a close one. But the Cougars managed to win just four bouts and lost the takedown battle, 35-8. With archrival High Point on tap for Friday night, veteran coach John Gill hopes his team can forget this one in a hurry before heading to Wantage.
"We have to go back [to practice] and adjust," Gill said. "[P'burg] is a Top 10 team [in the state] and we're a long ways from being in the Top 10. "This is a gut-check for us. We're not giving up the ship. If you let how you perform on a Wednesday affect what you do on Friday, you're not a very good team."
After P'burg senior DJ Wissing's 11-3 major of Taylor Molfetto at 160 in the first bout, junior Josh Klimek got the home crowd going by decking Jason Barna in 4:49 -- after a wild second period in which the two traded reversals as Klimek built a 12-7 lead.
Freshman Zach Mafaro gave Kittatinny its only lead of the night -- 9-4 -- with a 3-2 win over Dan Fisher in a rematch of their Hunterdon-Warren-Sussex Tournament final. Mafaro also won that one, 3-2, in overtime. A first-period takedown was the difference in the rematch.
At 195, Luke DeGroat saved a team point in technical fall loss to Horun, who racked up seven takedowns. The Cougars weren't in bad shape through the first four bouts. But back-to-back pins by Robert Melise -- which put the 'Liners ahead to stay -- and Kyle Nothnagel at 220 and 285 opened things up for the visitors.
Cullen Day's major at 106 and Kyle Markus' 5-2 win at 113 put P'burg in front 28-9 through eight bouts. Markus (21-6) essentially ended what little hopes Kittatinny had at a comeback by beating Mark DiGeronimo for the fourth time over the last two seasons. In the Hunterdon-Warren-Sussex finals on Jan. 9, Markus won by fall in 1:39.
"We knew the last three up top were all HWS champs," Gill said. "Other than Paetzell, they had their best lineup and it showed."
Freshman Kyle Tino's 10-2 major over Calvin Brook at 126 pounds was more icing on the cake. Tino (10-15) spotted Brook (15-8) the opening takedown, but a five-point move turned the tide and gave Tino a 6-2 lead after one period. The win also sealed it as P'burg led 36-9 with four bouts left.
"All it is, is confidence. Once he hit that high-crotch [for a takedown], he started pouring it on after that," Post said of Tino. "The five-pointer opened it up. He has great talent. That was a good opponent he beat there."
Senior Chris Ruiz punctuated the night with a 3-2 decision over Region 1 qualifier Dylan Minter at 152.
"We had three or four disappointments and three or four that I'm proud of who went after it," Gill said. "It looked all right [on the scoreboard] for awhile, then the lights went out on us. We had some glaring deficiencies. If that's our best wrestling, it's not good enough. It's nowhere near good enough. We'll see how we respond."
Phillipsburg will wrap up the regular season with independent matches against Lenape Valley (home on Thursday) and Hanover Park (away on Saturday).
PHILLIPSBURG 42, KITTATINNY 18
160 -- Sr. DJ Wissing (14-4), P, md. Sr. Taylor Molfetto (15-6), 11-3.
170 -- Jr. Josh Klimek (19-5), K, p. Jr. Jason Barna (4-10), 4:49.
182 -- Fr. Zach Mafaro (18-5), K, d. Jr. Dan Fisher (15-12), 3-2.
195 -- Jr. Drew Horun (18-5), P, tf. Sr. Luke DeGroat (12-11), 20-5, 4:25.
220 -- Jr. Robert Melise (25-2), P, p. Sr. Nick Simpson (11-9), :59.
285 -- Sr. Kyle Nothnagel (24-4), P, p. Sr. Griffin Waldron (4-7), :35.
106 -- So. Cullen Day (11-6), P, md. Fr. Derek Molfetto (9-13), 12-2.
113 -- Sr. Kyle Markus (21-6), P, d. Jr. Mark DiGeronimo (17-5), 5-2.
120 -- Sr. Tom Kosar (9-8), P, md. So. Perry Maio (15-9), 14-3.
126 -- Fr. Kyle Tino (10-15), P, md. So. Calvin Brook (15-8), 10-2.
132 -- Sr. Nick Klinger (24-1), K, d. Sr. Tyler Agans (12-13), 4-2.
138 -- Sr. Austin Scrivani (23-1), K, p. So. Lance Wissing (3-12), :38.
145 -- So. Brian Meyer (21-7), P, d. Sr. Jake Vanwingerden (17-8), 12-7.
152 -- Sr. Chris Ruiz (8-13), P, d. Jr. Dylan Minter (13-9), 3-2.
Records -- Phillipsburg 11-3; Kittatinny 14-1.
Officials -- Gary Kessel and Gary Szucs.
Now nearly at full strength, the Stateliners won 10 bouts en route to an impressive 42-18 win over previously-unbeaten Kittatinny in an independent match on Wednesday night.
Phillipsburg (11-3), ranked No. 8 in the New Jersey Wrestling Writers Association Top 20, reeled off seven straight wins starting with junior Drew Horun's technical fall at 195 pounds. The return of Horun, who had missed several matches due to an illness, gave coach Dave Post's 'Liners a boost. Senior 132-pounder Brandon Paetzell (hand injury) could also be nearing a return, as the two-time state placewinner began live wrestling in practice on Monday.
"He's been out for over a month, so he's doing some live wrestling with [assistant coach Brad] Gentzle," said Post, who picked up career win No. 90 as P'burg improved to 15-6 all-time in the series against Kittatinny. We'll see how it goes. We're monitoring him every day. When he goes to the doctor, the percentage of the bone healing keeps going up."
Although there is no timetable, Paetzell (6-3), a state finalist as a sophomore who is 94-12 overall, could return next week as the Stateliners began their run at a 20th state championship. P'burg is expected to cruise in North 2, Group 4, as it targets the program's 35th sectional title.
No. 20 Kittatinny (14-1) needed a lot to go its way in order to make this a close one. But the Cougars managed to win just four bouts and lost the takedown battle, 35-8. With archrival High Point on tap for Friday night, veteran coach John Gill hopes his team can forget this one in a hurry before heading to Wantage.
"We have to go back [to practice] and adjust," Gill said. "[P'burg] is a Top 10 team [in the state] and we're a long ways from being in the Top 10. "This is a gut-check for us. We're not giving up the ship. If you let how you perform on a Wednesday affect what you do on Friday, you're not a very good team."
After P'burg senior DJ Wissing's 11-3 major of Taylor Molfetto at 160 in the first bout, junior Josh Klimek got the home crowd going by decking Jason Barna in 4:49 -- after a wild second period in which the two traded reversals as Klimek built a 12-7 lead.
Freshman Zach Mafaro gave Kittatinny its only lead of the night -- 9-4 -- with a 3-2 win over Dan Fisher in a rematch of their Hunterdon-Warren-Sussex Tournament final. Mafaro also won that one, 3-2, in overtime. A first-period takedown was the difference in the rematch.
At 195, Luke DeGroat saved a team point in technical fall loss to Horun, who racked up seven takedowns. The Cougars weren't in bad shape through the first four bouts. But back-to-back pins by Robert Melise -- which put the 'Liners ahead to stay -- and Kyle Nothnagel at 220 and 285 opened things up for the visitors.
Cullen Day's major at 106 and Kyle Markus' 5-2 win at 113 put P'burg in front 28-9 through eight bouts. Markus (21-6) essentially ended what little hopes Kittatinny had at a comeback by beating Mark DiGeronimo for the fourth time over the last two seasons. In the Hunterdon-Warren-Sussex finals on Jan. 9, Markus won by fall in 1:39.
"We knew the last three up top were all HWS champs," Gill said. "Other than Paetzell, they had their best lineup and it showed."
Freshman Kyle Tino's 10-2 major over Calvin Brook at 126 pounds was more icing on the cake. Tino (10-15) spotted Brook (15-8) the opening takedown, but a five-point move turned the tide and gave Tino a 6-2 lead after one period. The win also sealed it as P'burg led 36-9 with four bouts left.
"All it is, is confidence. Once he hit that high-crotch [for a takedown], he started pouring it on after that," Post said of Tino. "The five-pointer opened it up. He has great talent. That was a good opponent he beat there."
Senior Chris Ruiz punctuated the night with a 3-2 decision over Region 1 qualifier Dylan Minter at 152.
"We had three or four disappointments and three or four that I'm proud of who went after it," Gill said. "It looked all right [on the scoreboard] for awhile, then the lights went out on us. We had some glaring deficiencies. If that's our best wrestling, it's not good enough. It's nowhere near good enough. We'll see how we respond."
Phillipsburg will wrap up the regular season with independent matches against Lenape Valley (home on Thursday) and Hanover Park (away on Saturday).
PHILLIPSBURG 42, KITTATINNY 18
160 -- Sr. DJ Wissing (14-4), P, md. Sr. Taylor Molfetto (15-6), 11-3.
170 -- Jr. Josh Klimek (19-5), K, p. Jr. Jason Barna (4-10), 4:49.
182 -- Fr. Zach Mafaro (18-5), K, d. Jr. Dan Fisher (15-12), 3-2.
195 -- Jr. Drew Horun (18-5), P, tf. Sr. Luke DeGroat (12-11), 20-5, 4:25.
220 -- Jr. Robert Melise (25-2), P, p. Sr. Nick Simpson (11-9), :59.
285 -- Sr. Kyle Nothnagel (24-4), P, p. Sr. Griffin Waldron (4-7), :35.
106 -- So. Cullen Day (11-6), P, md. Fr. Derek Molfetto (9-13), 12-2.
113 -- Sr. Kyle Markus (21-6), P, d. Jr. Mark DiGeronimo (17-5), 5-2.
120 -- Sr. Tom Kosar (9-8), P, md. So. Perry Maio (15-9), 14-3.
126 -- Fr. Kyle Tino (10-15), P, md. So. Calvin Brook (15-8), 10-2.
132 -- Sr. Nick Klinger (24-1), K, d. Sr. Tyler Agans (12-13), 4-2.
138 -- Sr. Austin Scrivani (23-1), K, p. So. Lance Wissing (3-12), :38.
145 -- So. Brian Meyer (21-7), P, d. Sr. Jake Vanwingerden (17-8), 12-7.
152 -- Sr. Chris Ruiz (8-13), P, d. Jr. Dylan Minter (13-9), 3-2.
Records -- Phillipsburg 11-3; Kittatinny 14-1.
Officials -- Gary Kessel and Gary Szucs.
Tuesday, February 2, 2016
Wrestling: Phillipsburg at Kittatinny preview, lineups
What: Phillipsburg Stateliners vs. Kittatinny Cougars.
Where: Kittatinny Regional High School, Hampton Township.
When: Wednesday, 7 p.m.
Conference: Independent.
Records: Phillipsburg 10-3; Kittatinny 14-0.
State rankings (New Jersey Wrestling Writers): Phillipsburg No. 8; Kittatinny No. 20.
Coaches: Dave Post (89-17, sixth season); John Gill (529-162-5, 36th season).
Series history: Phillipsburg leads 14-6 dating to 1994, including last year's 59-6 win at The Pit. Kittatinny has dropped five straight since a 41-34 victory at home in 2010, and is 2-9 at The Pit -- winning there in 2004 and '06. Stateliners have won eight of nine since snapping their four-match skid from 2003-06. No meeting during the 1997-98 season.
Note: Phillipsburg wrestlers listed first with season records in parentheses.
106 -- So. Cullen Day (10-6) vs. Fr. Derek Molfetto (9-12).
113 -- Sr. Kyle Markus (20-6) vs. Jr. Mark DiGeronimo (17-4).
120 -- Sr. Tom Kosar (8-8) vs. So. Perry Maio (15-8).
126 -- Fr. Kyle Tino (9-15) vs. So. Calvin Brook (15-7).
132 -- Sr. Tyler Agans (12-12) vs. Sr. Nick Klinger (23-1).
138 -- So. Lance Wissing (3-11) vs. Sr. Austin Scrivani (22-1).
145 -- So. Brian Meyer (20-7) vs. Sr. Jake Vanwingerden (17-7).
152 -- Sr. DJ Wissing (13-4) or Sr. Chris Ruiz (7-13) vs. Sr. Taylor Molfetto (15-5) or Jr. Dylan Minter (13-8).
160 -- Wissing or Ruiz vs. Minter or Molfetto.
170 -- Jr. Jason Barna (4-9) or Fr. Austin Roth (6-12) vs. Jr. Josh Klimek (18-5).
182 -- Jr. Dan Fisher (15-11) vs. Fr. Zach Mafaro (17-5).
195 -- Jr. Drew Horun (17-5) vs. Sr. Luke DeGroat (12-10).
220 -- Jr. Robert Melise (24-2) vs. Sr. Nick Simpson (11-8).
285 -- Sr. Kyle Nothnagel (23-4) vs. Sr. Griffin Waldron (4-6).
Breakdown: Battle between two of New Jersey's Top 20 teams. On paper, Phillipsburg has the edge with matchups, especially up top, where they are looking to collect big bonus points from 195-285. 'Liners also favored at 106, 113, 120, 145 and wherever DJ Wissing goes. That's eight bouts for the visitors. Kittatinny favored at 132, 138, wherever Ruiz goes and 170. I'm calling 126 and 182 tossups, as Mafaro beat Fisher in overtime in the Hunterdon-Warren-Sussex Tournament finals on Jan. 9. If the Cougars are to pull off an upset, they absolutely need 126 and 182 (I think they split the two), plus three others where they are the underdogs. And that would also assume the hosts can stay off their backs in spots. Problem for Kittatinny is it's locked in at 132 and 138 with Meyer at 145, and with Horun's return to the P'burg lineup at 195. DiGeronimo is one of the top wrestlers in Region 1, but he's 0-3 vs. Markus dating to last season and was pinned in their HWS final meeting this season. Kosar topped Maio, 5-0, last year, while Klinger beat Agans, 7-2, and DJ Wissing pinned Minter. Good news for P'burg is Brandon Paetzell, a two-time state placewinner, returned to live action in practice on Tuesday afternoon for the first time since sustaining a hand injury on Dec. 23. Post said the Rutgers recruit looked good, but there's still no timetable for the senior's return with sections and groups looming next week.
Prediction: Phillipsburg, 39-19.
Where: Kittatinny Regional High School, Hampton Township.
When: Wednesday, 7 p.m.
Conference: Independent.
Records: Phillipsburg 10-3; Kittatinny 14-0.
State rankings (New Jersey Wrestling Writers): Phillipsburg No. 8; Kittatinny No. 20.
Coaches: Dave Post (89-17, sixth season); John Gill (529-162-5, 36th season).
Series history: Phillipsburg leads 14-6 dating to 1994, including last year's 59-6 win at The Pit. Kittatinny has dropped five straight since a 41-34 victory at home in 2010, and is 2-9 at The Pit -- winning there in 2004 and '06. Stateliners have won eight of nine since snapping their four-match skid from 2003-06. No meeting during the 1997-98 season.
Note: Phillipsburg wrestlers listed first with season records in parentheses.
106 -- So. Cullen Day (10-6) vs. Fr. Derek Molfetto (9-12).
113 -- Sr. Kyle Markus (20-6) vs. Jr. Mark DiGeronimo (17-4).
120 -- Sr. Tom Kosar (8-8) vs. So. Perry Maio (15-8).
126 -- Fr. Kyle Tino (9-15) vs. So. Calvin Brook (15-7).
132 -- Sr. Tyler Agans (12-12) vs. Sr. Nick Klinger (23-1).
138 -- So. Lance Wissing (3-11) vs. Sr. Austin Scrivani (22-1).
145 -- So. Brian Meyer (20-7) vs. Sr. Jake Vanwingerden (17-7).
152 -- Sr. DJ Wissing (13-4) or Sr. Chris Ruiz (7-13) vs. Sr. Taylor Molfetto (15-5) or Jr. Dylan Minter (13-8).
160 -- Wissing or Ruiz vs. Minter or Molfetto.
170 -- Jr. Jason Barna (4-9) or Fr. Austin Roth (6-12) vs. Jr. Josh Klimek (18-5).
182 -- Jr. Dan Fisher (15-11) vs. Fr. Zach Mafaro (17-5).
195 -- Jr. Drew Horun (17-5) vs. Sr. Luke DeGroat (12-10).
220 -- Jr. Robert Melise (24-2) vs. Sr. Nick Simpson (11-8).
285 -- Sr. Kyle Nothnagel (23-4) vs. Sr. Griffin Waldron (4-6).
Breakdown: Battle between two of New Jersey's Top 20 teams. On paper, Phillipsburg has the edge with matchups, especially up top, where they are looking to collect big bonus points from 195-285. 'Liners also favored at 106, 113, 120, 145 and wherever DJ Wissing goes. That's eight bouts for the visitors. Kittatinny favored at 132, 138, wherever Ruiz goes and 170. I'm calling 126 and 182 tossups, as Mafaro beat Fisher in overtime in the Hunterdon-Warren-Sussex Tournament finals on Jan. 9. If the Cougars are to pull off an upset, they absolutely need 126 and 182 (I think they split the two), plus three others where they are the underdogs. And that would also assume the hosts can stay off their backs in spots. Problem for Kittatinny is it's locked in at 132 and 138 with Meyer at 145, and with Horun's return to the P'burg lineup at 195. DiGeronimo is one of the top wrestlers in Region 1, but he's 0-3 vs. Markus dating to last season and was pinned in their HWS final meeting this season. Kosar topped Maio, 5-0, last year, while Klinger beat Agans, 7-2, and DJ Wissing pinned Minter. Good news for P'burg is Brandon Paetzell, a two-time state placewinner, returned to live action in practice on Tuesday afternoon for the first time since sustaining a hand injury on Dec. 23. Post said the Rutgers recruit looked good, but there's still no timetable for the senior's return with sections and groups looming next week.
Prediction: Phillipsburg, 39-19.
Wrestling: Pairings for NJSIAA sectional tournaments
The seeds for the NJSIAA sectional tournaments -- which will be made official on Thursday -- were released on Tuesday. Action begins on Monday, Feb. 8, with first-round matches between Nos. 5 vs. 4 and Nos. 3 vs. 6. The top two seeds receive first-round byes, unless there are seven teams in that section, then a No. 2 will host a No. 7, with only a No. 1 getting a bye.
Sectional semifinals will be held Wednesday, Feb. 10, with the finals are slated for Friday, Feb. 12. The Group championships will be contested on Sunday, Feb. 14 at Toms River North High School.
In all, three teams from the Hunterdon-Warren-Sussex area earned No. 1 seeds in their respective sections -- Phillipsburg (North 2, Group 4), Delaware Valley (Central, Group 2) and Kittatinny (North 1, Group 1).
The other locals to qualify are: Hunterdon Central (Central, Group 5), Warren Hills (North 1, Group 4), Sparta (North 1, Group 3), Voorhees (North 2, Group 3), High Point (North 1, Group 2), Lenape Valley (North 2, Group 2), Belvidere (North 2, Group 1) and Pope John (Non-Public North A).
Belvidere and Sparta are looking to end long droughts in the postseason.
The County Seaters, a No. 6 seed, are seeking their sixth sectional title and first since 2002. Every other school in the Hunterdon-Warren-Sussex area has won at least one since '07. The Spartans have won two titles in their history -- 1983 (North 1, Group 2) and 2000 (North 1, Group 3).
P'burg leads all Hunterdon-Warren-Sussex teams with 34 championships, followed by High Point (24), Hunterdon Central (20), Kittatinny (19), Voorhees (16), Delaware Valley (15), North Hunterdon (14), Pope John (7), and Belvidere and Warren Hills (5) rounding out the top 10.
NOTE: Records and point totals are according to what was released on Tuesday. Head-to-head movement was used to determine seeds in six sections, while Manville was declared the No. 1 seed in Central, Group 1 based on the second criterion (best overall power points).
The other locals to qualify are: Hunterdon Central (Central, Group 5), Warren Hills (North 1, Group 4), Sparta (North 1, Group 3), Voorhees (North 2, Group 3), High Point (North 1, Group 2), Lenape Valley (North 2, Group 2), Belvidere (North 2, Group 1) and Pope John (Non-Public North A).
Belvidere and Sparta are looking to end long droughts in the postseason.
The County Seaters, a No. 6 seed, are seeking their sixth sectional title and first since 2002. Every other school in the Hunterdon-Warren-Sussex area has won at least one since '07. The Spartans have won two titles in their history -- 1983 (North 1, Group 2) and 2000 (North 1, Group 3).
P'burg leads all Hunterdon-Warren-Sussex teams with 34 championships, followed by High Point (24), Hunterdon Central (20), Kittatinny (19), Voorhees (16), Delaware Valley (15), North Hunterdon (14), Pope John (7), and Belvidere and Warren Hills (5) rounding out the top 10.
NOTE: Records and point totals are according to what was released on Tuesday. Head-to-head movement was used to determine seeds in six sections, while Manville was declared the No. 1 seed in Central, Group 1 based on the second criterion (best overall power points).
North 1
Group 5
5-Passaic Tech (8-5, 26.80) at 4-North Bergen (8-2, 27.40), winner to meet 1-Clifton (16-1, 30.10)
6-Bloomfield (8-9, 25.90) at 3-Hackensack (8-8, 27.50), winner to meet 2-Ridgewood (10-7, 27.80)
Group 4
5-Randolph (10-5, 28.80); 4-Wayne Valley (11-5, 29.70), winner to meet 1-Roxbury (10-0, 35.10)
6-Mendham (7-7, 28.50) at 3-Warren Hills (7-6, 29.90), winner to meet 2- Old Tappan (15-4, 32.70)
Group 3
5-Garfield (16-3, 28.70) at 4-River Dell (10-2, 28.90), winner to meet 1-Paramus (16-3, 35.70)
6-West Milford (6-11, 26.20) at 3-Sparta (11-7, 31.00), winner to meet 2-Montville (10-4, 31.00)
Group 2
5-Ramsey (13-6, 27.90) at 4-Jefferson (12-5, 31.70), winner to meet 1-Emerson-Park Ridge (15-1, 34.30)
6-Pascack Hills (9-5, 26.80) at 3-Pequannock (8-7, 28.20), winner to meet 2-High Point (12-5, 32.40)
Group 1
5-New Milford (10-10, 26.20) at 4-Butler (13-3, 26.70), winner to meet 1-Kittatinny (12-0, 31.70)
6-Kinnelon (7-5, 25.80) at 3-Pompton Lakes (12-8, 28.10), winner to meet 2-Cresskill (18-1, 28.50)
North 2
Group 5
5-Perth Amboy (10-6, 26.50) at 4-Union (14-3, 27.00), winner to meet 1-Watchung Hills (7-3, 30.20)
6-Westfield (5-8, 24.50) at 3-Piscataway (9-4, 28.30), winner to meet 2-Bridgewater (9-2, 29.20)
Group 4
5-Scotch Plains (10-7, 27.20) at 4-Montgomery (12-3, 28.00), winner to meet 1-Phillipsburg (10-3, 34.20)
6-Middletown South (8-9, 27.10) at 3-Woodbridge (18-2, 31.50), winner to meet 2-Middletown North (13-4, 33.10)
Group 3
5-West Essex (6-9, 26.60) at 4-Governor Livingston (10-3, 27.50), winner to meet 1-Nutley (11-5, 31.80)
6-Lyndhurst-North Arlington (10-5, 26.20) at 3-Voorhees (10-10, 28.50), winner to meet 2-Passaic Valley (10-7, 30.40)
Group 2
5-Becton-Wallington (7-10, 26.30) at 4-Caldwell (11-3, 28.90), winner to meet 1-Hanover Park (12-4, 35.30)
6-Whippany Park (9-7, 25.90) at 3-Parsippany (8-4, 29.70), winner to meet 2-Lenape Valley (11-5, 30.40)
Group 1
5-Verona (13-4, 26.90) at 4-Hasbrouck Heights (10-9, 27.00), winner to meet 1-Cedar Grove (11-5, 28.90)
6-Belvidere (8-6, 26.00) at 3-Bound Brook (6-5, 27.20), winner to meet 2-Roselle Park (13-1, 28.70)
Central Jersey
Group 5
5-Monroe (11-3, 29.10) at 4-Manalapan (11-7, 29.30), winner to meet 1-Howell (18-4, 36.10)
6-Hillsborough (13-6, 27.30) at 3-Old Bridge (13-3, 31.90), winner to meet 2-Hunterdon Central (12-2, 33.30)
Group 4
5-Colts Neck (13-4, 29.70) at 4-Brick Memorial (7-6, 31.40), winner to meet 1-Jackson Memorial (13-3, 32.20)
6-Brick Township (8-6, 28.80) at 3-Northern Burlington (8-4, 31.80), winner to meet 2-Long Branch (13-3, 32.20)
Group 3
5-Allentown (11-6, 27.20) at 4-Cranford (11-3, 30.90), winner to meet 1-South Plainfield (20-2, 36.40)
6-Carteret (7-4, 26.60) at 3-Ocean Township (6-10, 32.40), winner to meet 2-Hopewell Valley (15-3, 31.00)
Group 2
5-Middlesex-Dunellen (12-5, 26.80) at 4-Robbinsville (11-5, 29.40), winner to meet 1-Delaware Valley (13-4, 32.70)
6-Holmdel (14-6, 26.70) at 3-Point Pleasant Boro (13-5, 31.00), winner to meet 2-Raritan (14-4, 31.90)
Group 1
5-Keansburg (6-13, 24.20) at 4-New Egypt (7-12, 24.60), winner to meet 1-Manville (10-4, 27.30)
6-Riverside (6-14, 23.40) at 3-Point Pleasant Beach (12-3, 26.40), winner to meet 2-Shore Regional (15-5, 27.30)
South Jersey
Group 5
5-Eastern (11-9, 28.10) at 4-Cherokee (13-8, 29.20), winner to meet 1-Southern (9-1, 32.90)
6-Lenape (11-4, 27.70) at 3-Kingsway (13-6, 29.30), winner to meet 2-Egg Harbor (13-5, 30.00)
Group 4
5-Mainland (16-7, 27.90) at 4-Absegami (10-7, 27.30), winner to meet 1-Clearview (12-2, 31.90)
6-Shawnee (9-7, 26.90) at 3-Toms River South (13-5, 28.40), winner to meet 2-Cherry Hill West (13-4, 28.90)
Group 3
5-Gateway-Woodbury (14-3, 29.00) at 4-Highland (14-0, 29.50), winner to meet 1-Delsea (16-0, 34.60)
6-Lacey (9-7, 28.50) at 3-Seneca (16-3, 30.00), winner to meet 2-Wall (15-1, 32.20)
Group 2
5-Clayton-Glassboro (17-4, 28.60) at 4-Haddonfield (16-5, 29.50), winner to meet 1-Collingswood (16-3, 31.00)
6-Delran (12-9, 27.30) at 3-Cinnaminson (13-2, 29.50), winner to meet 2-West Deptford (12-7, 29.80)
Group 1
5-Gloucester City (13-3, 26.50) at 4-Woodstown (11-9, 26.70), winner to meet 1-Paulsboro (12-1, 31.20)
6-Pitman (12-6, 26.10) at 3-Pennsville (14-5, 27.30), winner to meet 2-Buena (10-5, 27.90)
Non-Public
North A
5-St. Peter's Prep (10-6, 30.40) at 4-Pope John (13-2, 30.70), winner to meet 1-Bergen Catholic (12-1, 33.00)
6-Seton Hall Prep (11-7, 28.30) at 3-Delbarton (10-3, 31.80), winner to meet 2-Don Bosco Prep (9-2, 33.80)
North B
5-St. Mary's-Rutherford (1-15, 16.90) at 4-Bishop Ahr (6-9, 24.50), winner to meet 1-DePaul (12-2, 29.70)
3-Pingry (10-3, 26.60) at 2-Queen of Peace (11-0, 28.50)
South A
5-Paul VI-Haddonfield (7-9, 27.40) at 4-Camden Catholic (13-6, 28.00), winner to meet 1-Christian Brothers (13-4, 35.10)
6-Red Bank Catholic (4-12, 23.00) at 3-St. John Vianney (12-6, 28.20), winner to meet 2-St. Augustine (12-5, 34.50)
South B
5-Gloucester Catholic (0-11, 14.10) at 4-St. Joseph-Hammonton (1-11, 15.40), winner to meet 1-Holy Spirit (12-7, 26.20)
3-Donovan Catholic (3-13, 20.00) at 2-Holy Cross (7-11, 25.50)
5-Randolph (10-5, 28.80); 4-Wayne Valley (11-5, 29.70), winner to meet 1-Roxbury (10-0, 35.10)
6-Mendham (7-7, 28.50) at 3-Warren Hills (7-6, 29.90), winner to meet 2- Old Tappan (15-4, 32.70)
5-Garfield (16-3, 28.70) at 4-River Dell (10-2, 28.90), winner to meet 1-Paramus (16-3, 35.70)
6-West Milford (6-11, 26.20) at 3-Sparta (11-7, 31.00), winner to meet 2-Montville (10-4, 31.00)
Group 2
5-Ramsey (13-6, 27.90) at 4-Jefferson (12-5, 31.70), winner to meet 1-Emerson-Park Ridge (15-1, 34.30)
6-Pascack Hills (9-5, 26.80) at 3-Pequannock (8-7, 28.20), winner to meet 2-High Point (12-5, 32.40)
Group 1
5-New Milford (10-10, 26.20) at 4-Butler (13-3, 26.70), winner to meet 1-Kittatinny (12-0, 31.70)
6-Kinnelon (7-5, 25.80) at 3-Pompton Lakes (12-8, 28.10), winner to meet 2-Cresskill (18-1, 28.50)
North 2
Group 5
5-Perth Amboy (10-6, 26.50) at 4-Union (14-3, 27.00), winner to meet 1-Watchung Hills (7-3, 30.20)
6-Westfield (5-8, 24.50) at 3-Piscataway (9-4, 28.30), winner to meet 2-Bridgewater (9-2, 29.20)
Group 4
5-Scotch Plains (10-7, 27.20) at 4-Montgomery (12-3, 28.00), winner to meet 1-Phillipsburg (10-3, 34.20)
6-Middletown South (8-9, 27.10) at 3-Woodbridge (18-2, 31.50), winner to meet 2-Middletown North (13-4, 33.10)
Group 3
5-West Essex (6-9, 26.60) at 4-Governor Livingston (10-3, 27.50), winner to meet 1-Nutley (11-5, 31.80)
6-Lyndhurst-North Arlington (10-5, 26.20) at 3-Voorhees (10-10, 28.50), winner to meet 2-Passaic Valley (10-7, 30.40)
Group 2
5-Becton-Wallington (7-10, 26.30) at 4-Caldwell (11-3, 28.90), winner to meet 1-Hanover Park (12-4, 35.30)
6-Whippany Park (9-7, 25.90) at 3-Parsippany (8-4, 29.70), winner to meet 2-Lenape Valley (11-5, 30.40)
Group 1
5-Verona (13-4, 26.90) at 4-Hasbrouck Heights (10-9, 27.00), winner to meet 1-Cedar Grove (11-5, 28.90)
6-Belvidere (8-6, 26.00) at 3-Bound Brook (6-5, 27.20), winner to meet 2-Roselle Park (13-1, 28.70)
Central Jersey
Group 5
5-Monroe (11-3, 29.10) at 4-Manalapan (11-7, 29.30), winner to meet 1-Howell (18-4, 36.10)
6-Hillsborough (13-6, 27.30) at 3-Old Bridge (13-3, 31.90), winner to meet 2-Hunterdon Central (12-2, 33.30)
Group 4
5-Colts Neck (13-4, 29.70) at 4-Brick Memorial (7-6, 31.40), winner to meet 1-Jackson Memorial (13-3, 32.20)
6-Brick Township (8-6, 28.80) at 3-Northern Burlington (8-4, 31.80), winner to meet 2-Long Branch (13-3, 32.20)
Group 3
5-Allentown (11-6, 27.20) at 4-Cranford (11-3, 30.90), winner to meet 1-South Plainfield (20-2, 36.40)
6-Carteret (7-4, 26.60) at 3-Ocean Township (6-10, 32.40), winner to meet 2-Hopewell Valley (15-3, 31.00)
Group 2
5-Middlesex-Dunellen (12-5, 26.80) at 4-Robbinsville (11-5, 29.40), winner to meet 1-Delaware Valley (13-4, 32.70)
6-Holmdel (14-6, 26.70) at 3-Point Pleasant Boro (13-5, 31.00), winner to meet 2-Raritan (14-4, 31.90)
Group 1
5-Keansburg (6-13, 24.20) at 4-New Egypt (7-12, 24.60), winner to meet 1-Manville (10-4, 27.30)
6-Riverside (6-14, 23.40) at 3-Point Pleasant Beach (12-3, 26.40), winner to meet 2-Shore Regional (15-5, 27.30)
South Jersey
Group 5
5-Eastern (11-9, 28.10) at 4-Cherokee (13-8, 29.20), winner to meet 1-Southern (9-1, 32.90)
6-Lenape (11-4, 27.70) at 3-Kingsway (13-6, 29.30), winner to meet 2-Egg Harbor (13-5, 30.00)
Group 4
5-Mainland (16-7, 27.90) at 4-Absegami (10-7, 27.30), winner to meet 1-Clearview (12-2, 31.90)
6-Shawnee (9-7, 26.90) at 3-Toms River South (13-5, 28.40), winner to meet 2-Cherry Hill West (13-4, 28.90)
Group 3
5-Gateway-Woodbury (14-3, 29.00) at 4-Highland (14-0, 29.50), winner to meet 1-Delsea (16-0, 34.60)
6-Lacey (9-7, 28.50) at 3-Seneca (16-3, 30.00), winner to meet 2-Wall (15-1, 32.20)
Group 2
5-Clayton-Glassboro (17-4, 28.60) at 4-Haddonfield (16-5, 29.50), winner to meet 1-Collingswood (16-3, 31.00)
6-Delran (12-9, 27.30) at 3-Cinnaminson (13-2, 29.50), winner to meet 2-West Deptford (12-7, 29.80)
Group 1
5-Gloucester City (13-3, 26.50) at 4-Woodstown (11-9, 26.70), winner to meet 1-Paulsboro (12-1, 31.20)
6-Pitman (12-6, 26.10) at 3-Pennsville (14-5, 27.30), winner to meet 2-Buena (10-5, 27.90)
Non-Public
North A
5-St. Peter's Prep (10-6, 30.40) at 4-Pope John (13-2, 30.70), winner to meet 1-Bergen Catholic (12-1, 33.00)
6-Seton Hall Prep (11-7, 28.30) at 3-Delbarton (10-3, 31.80), winner to meet 2-Don Bosco Prep (9-2, 33.80)
North B
5-St. Mary's-Rutherford (1-15, 16.90) at 4-Bishop Ahr (6-9, 24.50), winner to meet 1-DePaul (12-2, 29.70)
3-Pingry (10-3, 26.60) at 2-Queen of Peace (11-0, 28.50)
South A
5-Paul VI-Haddonfield (7-9, 27.40) at 4-Camden Catholic (13-6, 28.00), winner to meet 1-Christian Brothers (13-4, 35.10)
6-Red Bank Catholic (4-12, 23.00) at 3-St. John Vianney (12-6, 28.20), winner to meet 2-St. Augustine (12-5, 34.50)
South B
5-Gloucester Catholic (0-11, 14.10) at 4-St. Joseph-Hammonton (1-11, 15.40), winner to meet 1-Holy Spirit (12-7, 26.20)
3-Donovan Catholic (3-13, 20.00) at 2-Holy Cross (7-11, 25.50)
Wrestling: Region 1 individual rankings
106
1. Fr. Joe Aragona, Pope John (D3)
2. So. Cullen Day, Phillipsburg (D1)
3. Jr. Ronald Rumsby, Montville (D2)
4. So. Michael Caso, West Morris (D1)
5. Fr. Devin Flannery, High Point (D3)
Others to watch: Mason Godfrey, Jefferson (D3); Quinn Melofchik, Belvidere (D1); Chris Hwang, Sparta (D3); Dom DiGena, Mendham (D1); John Tesoriero, Roxbury (D2); Hunter Davis, Wayne Valley (D4); Christopher Costiglia, Lakeland (D4); Aidan Broderick, Wayne Hills (D4); Andrew Joskowitz, Kinnelon (D4).
Injury time: Cody Harrison, Warren Hills (D1)
Notes: Big news here is that Harrison is sidelined with a concussion sustained in a 7-1 loss to Paramus state qualifier Kyle Kaiser on Saturday. Day, who lost 5-2 to Harrison on Friday, and Rumsby, who lost 14-5 to Harrison and finished second in the Morris County Tournament with wins over Caso (pin in 3:14) and DiGena (8-0), move up a spot. Godfrey beat DiGena, 10-1, for third. Flannery (19-6), who scored a 9-2 decision over Godfrey, is having a nice season and enters at No. 5.
113
1. Jr. Daniel Percelay, DePaul (D4)
2. Sr. Kyle Markus, Phillipsburg (D1)
3. Jr. Mark DiGeronimo, Kittatinny (D3)
4. Jr. Jacob Falleni, Lenape Valley (D2)
5. Fr. Scott Jarosz, Roxbury (D2)
Others to watch: Kyle Wulff, Warren Hills (D1); Christian Deehan, Pope John (D3); Randy Wyble, Butler (D4); Joe Carmichael, Pequannock (D4); Scott Finnis, Randolph (D2); Ryan Richards, Jefferson (D3); Maverick Liebl, High Point (D3); Marcus Bitetto, Sparta (D3); Peter Tringali, Mendham (D1); Cole Drozjock, Wayne Valley (D4); Phil Trovato, Montville (D2).
Notes: Percelay won a Passaic County Tournament title, while Falleni (14-3) returned to the lineup after missing time with a broken hand, so he re-enters at No. 4. Wulff slips out for now after a 3-2 overtime win against Liebl on Saturday. Jarosz, who was fourth in the MCT, beat Liebl, 6-4, earlier this season. Markus, who beat Wulff, 11-0, on Friday, could get a rematch with DiGeronimo on Wednesday. Markus pinned DiGeronimo in the Hunterdon-Warren-Sussex Tournament finals and is 3-0 in their series dating to last season.
120
1. Jr. Shane Metzler, West Morris (D1)
2. So. Jake Rotunda, Pope John (D3)
3. So. Alex Carida, Hackettstown (D1)
4. Sr. Garrett Gerndt, Sparta (D3)
5. Sr. Tom Kosar, Phillipsburg (D1)
Others to watch: Codey O'Rourke, Warren Hills (D1); Connor Murphy, Wayne Valley (D4); Perry Maio, Kittatinny (D3); Steve Pocze, Pequannock (D4); Evan Vazquez, Roxbury (D2); Anthony Zungoli, Wayne Hills (D4); Scott Smith, Kinnelon (D4); Nick Gentile, Montville (D2); Ryan Hanlon, Mount Olive (D1); Thomas Masucci, Mendham (D1).
Notes: Metzler won a Morris County Tournament title with a 2-1 decision over Parsippany's Kevin Jones, while Hanlon finished fourth. Kosar returned from a concussion and handed O'Rourke, who was ranked No. 5, a 6-1 loss on Friday. Kosar could see Maio on Wednesday. Carida has been down at 120 for just the Caldwell and Hunterdon Central tournaments so we'll see where he goes for districts. Murphy won a Passaic County Tournament title.
126
1. Sr. Troy Stanich, Roxbury (D2)
2. Sr. Garrett O'Shea, Butler (D4)
3. Jr. Matt Valli, Warren Hills (D1)
4. Fr. Robert Garcia, Pope John (D3)
5. Sr. Joe Renne, Hackettstown (D1)
Others to watch: Damian Maver, DePaul (D4); Nick Cassidy, Belvidere (D1); Jared Inglett, Wayne Hills (D4); Calvin Brook, Kittatinny (D3); Chris Shrieks, Jefferson (D3); Kyle Tino, Phillipsburg (D1); Dylan Hanlon, Mount Olive (D1); Grant Gerndt, Sparta (D3); Ray Smaha, Lenape Valley (D2).
Notes: Stanich finished second in the Morris County Tournament, dropping a 3-1 decision to Delbarton state champ Ty Agaisse in the finals. O'Shea bumped to 132 and lost a 6-2 decision to Delbarton's Nick Farro in the finals. Valli (22-0) keeps rolling along, scoring an impressive 10-3 victory over Cranford state qualifier Tom DiGiovanni on Saturday. Maver won a Passaic County Tournament title, while Renne hasn't wrestled at 126 since placing third in the Hunterdon-Warren-Sussex Tournament.
132
1. Sr. Nick Klinger, Kittatinny (D3)
2. So. Anthony Mastroeni, Hopatcong (D2)
3. So. Connor Meytrott, Montville (D2)
4. So. Shane Kobis, High Point (D3)
5. Jr. Richard Reimers, Roxbury (D2)
Others to watch: Wyatt McCarthy, Newton (D3); Tyler Agans, Phillipsburg (D1); Shane Murphy, Mount Olive (D1); Anthony Rua, Wayne Hills (D4); Alex Winant, Mendham (D1); Mark Bohn, Jefferson (D3); Ryan Luchs, Pope John (D3); Luke McFadden, DePaul (D4); Joe Brown, West Milford (D4); Jack Carroll, Lakeland (D4).
Injury time: Brandon Paetzell, Phillipsburg (D1).
Notes: Klinger (23-1) is coming off a big week as he became the 15th wrestler at his school to amass 100 career wins on Saturday. With a match against the Stateliners on Wednesday, no word on whether Paetzell (hand injury) is close to a return. However, Klinger should see Kobis on Friday when one of the best team rivalries in the state resumes in Wantage. Meytrott (19-5) scored a 5-4 victory over Reimers for third place in the Morris County Tournament. McCarthy appears on the verge here after dropping a 10-8 decision in overtime to Mastroeni last Wednesday.
138
1. Sr. Austin Scrivani, Kittatinny (D3)
3. Sr. Jayson Parisi, Morris Knolls (D2)
4. Sr. Michael DeClario, Kinnelon (D4)
3. So. Brian Meyer, Phillipsburg (D1)
4. Sr. Caleb Isemann, West Morris (D1)
2. Sr. Spencer Carey, DePaul (D4)
3. Sr. Al Falco, Sparta (D3)
5. Sr. Sam Palumbo, Lenape Valley (D2)
3. So. Robbie Gennat, Sparta (D3)
1. Fr. Joe Aragona, Pope John (D3)
2. So. Cullen Day, Phillipsburg (D1)
3. Jr. Ronald Rumsby, Montville (D2)
4. So. Michael Caso, West Morris (D1)
5. Fr. Devin Flannery, High Point (D3)
Others to watch: Mason Godfrey, Jefferson (D3); Quinn Melofchik, Belvidere (D1); Chris Hwang, Sparta (D3); Dom DiGena, Mendham (D1); John Tesoriero, Roxbury (D2); Hunter Davis, Wayne Valley (D4); Christopher Costiglia, Lakeland (D4); Aidan Broderick, Wayne Hills (D4); Andrew Joskowitz, Kinnelon (D4).
Injury time: Cody Harrison, Warren Hills (D1)
113
1. Jr. Daniel Percelay, DePaul (D4)
2. Sr. Kyle Markus, Phillipsburg (D1)
3. Jr. Mark DiGeronimo, Kittatinny (D3)
4. Jr. Jacob Falleni, Lenape Valley (D2)
5. Fr. Scott Jarosz, Roxbury (D2)
Notes: Percelay won a Passaic County Tournament title, while Falleni (14-3) returned to the lineup after missing time with a broken hand, so he re-enters at No. 4. Wulff slips out for now after a 3-2 overtime win against Liebl on Saturday. Jarosz, who was fourth in the MCT, beat Liebl, 6-4, earlier this season. Markus, who beat Wulff, 11-0, on Friday, could get a rematch with DiGeronimo on Wednesday. Markus pinned DiGeronimo in the Hunterdon-Warren-Sussex Tournament finals and is 3-0 in their series dating to last season.
120
1. Jr. Shane Metzler, West Morris (D1)
2. So. Jake Rotunda, Pope John (D3)
3. So. Alex Carida, Hackettstown (D1)
4. Sr. Garrett Gerndt, Sparta (D3)
5. Sr. Tom Kosar, Phillipsburg (D1)
Others to watch: Codey O'Rourke, Warren Hills (D1); Connor Murphy, Wayne Valley (D4); Perry Maio, Kittatinny (D3); Steve Pocze, Pequannock (D4); Evan Vazquez, Roxbury (D2); Anthony Zungoli, Wayne Hills (D4); Scott Smith, Kinnelon (D4); Nick Gentile, Montville (D2); Ryan Hanlon, Mount Olive (D1); Thomas Masucci, Mendham (D1).
Notes: Metzler won a Morris County Tournament title with a 2-1 decision over Parsippany's Kevin Jones, while Hanlon finished fourth. Kosar returned from a concussion and handed O'Rourke, who was ranked No. 5, a 6-1 loss on Friday. Kosar could see Maio on Wednesday. Carida has been down at 120 for just the Caldwell and Hunterdon Central tournaments so we'll see where he goes for districts. Murphy won a Passaic County Tournament title.
126
1. Sr. Troy Stanich, Roxbury (D2)
2. Sr. Garrett O'Shea, Butler (D4)
3. Jr. Matt Valli, Warren Hills (D1)
4. Fr. Robert Garcia, Pope John (D3)
5. Sr. Joe Renne, Hackettstown (D1)
Others to watch: Damian Maver, DePaul (D4); Nick Cassidy, Belvidere (D1); Jared Inglett, Wayne Hills (D4); Calvin Brook, Kittatinny (D3); Chris Shrieks, Jefferson (D3); Kyle Tino, Phillipsburg (D1); Dylan Hanlon, Mount Olive (D1); Grant Gerndt, Sparta (D3); Ray Smaha, Lenape Valley (D2).
Notes: Stanich finished second in the Morris County Tournament, dropping a 3-1 decision to Delbarton state champ Ty Agaisse in the finals. O'Shea bumped to 132 and lost a 6-2 decision to Delbarton's Nick Farro in the finals. Valli (22-0) keeps rolling along, scoring an impressive 10-3 victory over Cranford state qualifier Tom DiGiovanni on Saturday. Maver won a Passaic County Tournament title, while Renne hasn't wrestled at 126 since placing third in the Hunterdon-Warren-Sussex Tournament.
132
1. Sr. Nick Klinger, Kittatinny (D3)
2. So. Anthony Mastroeni, Hopatcong (D2)
3. So. Connor Meytrott, Montville (D2)
4. So. Shane Kobis, High Point (D3)
5. Jr. Richard Reimers, Roxbury (D2)
Injury time: Brandon Paetzell, Phillipsburg (D1).
Notes: Klinger (23-1) is coming off a big week as he became the 15th wrestler at his school to amass 100 career wins on Saturday. With a match against the Stateliners on Wednesday, no word on whether Paetzell (hand injury) is close to a return. However, Klinger should see Kobis on Friday when one of the best team rivalries in the state resumes in Wantage. Meytrott (19-5) scored a 5-4 victory over Reimers for third place in the Morris County Tournament. McCarthy appears on the verge here after dropping a 10-8 decision in overtime to Mastroeni last Wednesday.
138
1. Sr. Austin Scrivani, Kittatinny (D3)
2. Jr. Chris Grecco, Pompton Lakes (D4)
4. Sr. Michael DeClario, Kinnelon (D4)
5. Jr. Kade Loughney, West Morris (D1)
Others to watch: Zach Nauta, Warren Hills (D1); Nick Giordano, Newton (D3); Cole Nagle, Vernon (D3); Sean Finnegan, Sparta (D3); Shannon Grogan, North Warren (D1); Leo Flesche, Vernon (D3); Joe Daddario, Montville (D2); Tom Benway, Pequannock (D4); Sean Almgren, Randolph (D2).
Injury time: Aaron Merkey, Lenape Valley (D2); Dominick LaRusso, Roxbury (D2).
Injury time: Aaron Merkey, Lenape Valley (D2); Dominick LaRusso, Roxbury (D2).
Notes: Grecco won a Passaic County Tournament title, while Parisi scored a 7-3 win over Loughney in the Morris County Tournament semifinals en route to a second-place finish. DeClario was third by forfeit over Loughney. Delbarton's Val Miele beat DeClario and Parisi -- 3-0 and 3-2, respectively. Nauta scored a nice 6-3 win over Shane Kobis, who weighed in at 132. Keep an eye on Nagle (23-2), who recently dropped from 145. He dropped a 14-7 decision to Grecco on Friday.
145
1. Sr. Jared Kobis, High Point (D3)
2. Jr. Nick Palumbo, Lenape Valley (D2)
4. Jr. Dominic Fano, Montville (D2)
5. Sr. Alex Zangrilli, Pequannock (D4)
5. Sr. Alex Zangrilli, Pequannock (D4)
Others to watch: Michael Roumes, Roxbury (D2); Anthony Carida, Hackettstown (D1); Jonathon Borgognoni, Newton (D3); Jake Vanwingerden, Kittatinny (D3); Anthony Rispoli, Pope John (D3); Jake DeLuca, Newton (D3); Chris Schlegel, Mendham (D1); Sean McHugh, Sparta (D3).
Notes: Kobis (17-0) stays on top here, while Palumbo could be heading for a rematch against Meyer on Thursday at The Pit in Phillipsburg. Palumbo won by fall when they met in the Hunterdon-Warren-Sussex Tournament finals. Fano won a Morris County Tournament title with a 5-2 decision over Delbarton's AJ Lonski, who beat the top-seeded Zangrilli, 5-1, in the quarters. Lonski also defeated Roumes, 6-4, in the semifinals. Roumes finished third.
152
1. Sr. Anthony Duardo, North Warren (D1)
2. Sr. Edward Marucci, Montville (D2)
3. Sr. Tommy Miller, Roxbury (D2)
3. Sr. Tommy Miller, Roxbury (D2)
4. Jr. Troy Navarino, Mendham (D1)
5. Jr. Joey Schiele, Morris Hills (D2)
5. Jr. Joey Schiele, Morris Hills (D2)
Others to watch: Marco Gaita, West Morris (D1); Connor McClellan, Mendham (D1); Sal Puglisi, Pompton Lakes (D4); Dylan Minter, Kittatinny (D3); Shane Connolly, Jefferson (D3); Dean Zindaki, Wayne Valley (D4); Ryan Madsen, Lakeland (D4); Craig Blumeling, West Milford (D4); Ryan Weston, DePaul (D4).
Notes: Major movement here courtesy of the Morris County Tournament. Marucci beat Gaita, 6-3 in OT, Schiele, 6-1, and Miller, 3-0, en route to the title. Navarino, who lost 3-1 to Miller in the semis, beat Schiele, 3-1, for third. Gaita lost to Marucci in the quarters and did not finish in the top four. Navarino also beat Gaita, 7-1, on Wednesday. Tough call, but Schiele, who also lost 5-3 to Duardo earlier this season, stays in and Gaita drops out. Puglisi won a Passaic County Tournament title.
160
1. Sr. Craig Roumes, Roxbury (D2)
2. Sr. Christian Dalcais, West Milford (D4)
3. Sr. DJ Wissing, Phillipsburg (D1)
5. Sr. Alex Zevits, Montville (D2)
Others to watch: Jarod Ostir, Warren Hills (D1); Dean Zindaki, Wayne Valley (D4); Trevor Warner, Pequannock (D4); Robert Spezza, Hackettstown (D1); Taylor Molfetto, Kittatinny (D3); Nico Negrini, Pompton Lakes (D4).
Injury time: Mike Szynalski, Randolph (D2).
Injury time: Mike Szynalski, Randolph (D2).
Notes: Roumes won the Morris County Tournament title with a 6-0 win over Delbarton's Luke Anselmi, reaching the finals with a 4-2 decision over Isemann, who took third. Isemann defeated Zevits, 5-3, in the quarters. Dalcais won the Passaic County Tournament title, while Negrini placed third. Wissing, who beat Isemann, 9-1, in December, has been down at 152. Ostir has been in and out of the lineup due to an ankle injury, but he's tough when healthy.
170
1. Sr. Daniel Kilroy, Wayne Hills (D4)
4. Jr. Josh Klimek, Kittatinny (D3)
5. Sr. Dylan Porcaro, West Milford (D4)
5. Sr. Dylan Porcaro, West Milford (D4)
Others to watch: Joe Frumolt, Pope John (D3); Lance Fischer, Newton (D3); Jacob Cougle, Morris Knolls (D2); Dillon Fazliu, Montville (D2); Liam Gorman, High Point (D3); Anthony Roessner, Warren Hills (D1).
Notes: No one from Region 1 was a factor at the Morris County Tournament, but Kilroy knocked off Carey, 3-1 in OT, to win the Passaic County Tournament title. Porcaro finished fourth at 182 pounds. Falco, who was pinned by Kilroy on Dec. 27, scored a 12-7 win over Klimek on Friday in a potential preview of the District 3 final in a few weeks.
182
1. Jr. Brandon Kui, DePaul (D4)
2. Sr. Luke Drugac, Morris Knolls (D2)
3. So. Jake Brown, Pope John (D3)
3. So. Jake Brown, Pope John (D3)
4. Sr. David LoCascio, Kinnelon (D4)
5. Sr. PJ Chak, Wayne Valley (D4)
Others to watch: Angello Pico, Randolph (D2); Zach Mafaro, Kittatinny (D3); Dan Fisher, Phillipsburg (D1); Kurt Nemeth, Warren Hills (D1); Kyle Connelly, Hackettstown (D1); Frankie Negrini, Pompton Lakes (D4); Ian Nelsen, Mount Olive (D1); Peter Dellechiaie, Wayne Hills (D4); Scott MacLean, Dover (D2).
Notes: Kui decked Chak in 1:36 to win the Passaic County Tournament title, while Drugac rolled to the Morris County Tournament championship with three pins and a 7-3 win over Delbarton's Louis Castellano in the finals. LoCascio, who lost 5-4 to Castellano, finished third. Looking forward to a possible Mafaro-Fisher rematch on Wednesday. Mafaro won in OT when they met for the Hunterdon-Warren-Sussex title on Jan. 9.
195
1. Sr. Dean Drugac, Morris Knolls (D2)
2. Jr. Joseph Soreco, DePaul (D4)
2. Jr. Joseph Soreco, DePaul (D4)
3. Jr. Drew Horun, Phillipsburg (D1)
4. Sr. Patrick Daly, Pequannock (D4)
4. Sr. Patrick Daly, Pequannock (D4)
Others to watch: Kevin Lewis, High Point (D3); Jacob Tareky, Wayne Valley (D4); Andrew Nieves, Pope John (D3); Mike Andrejcisk, Roxbury (D2).
Notes: Some moving and shaking up here. Drugac is the new No. 1 after decking Daly in 49 seconds to win the Morris County Tournament title. Soreco won the Passaic County Tournament title, while Tareky finished third. Horun, who has been out of the lineup with an illness, is expected to return this week. Daly beat Palumbo, 1-0, last Tuesday, while Horun scored a 7-2 win over Palumbo in the Hunterdon-Warren-Sussex Tournament finals.
220
1. Sr. Scott Lavelle, DePaul (D4)
2. Jr. Robert Melise, Phillipsburg (D1)
3. Sr. Adam Schlereth, Newton (D3)
4. Sr. Todd Eckert, Roxbury (D2)
5. Jr. Zach Herbert, Sparta (D3)
3. Sr. Adam Schlereth, Newton (D3)
4. Sr. Todd Eckert, Roxbury (D2)
5. Jr. Zach Herbert, Sparta (D3)
Others to watch: Liridon Leka, Montville (D2); Ralph Hall, Lenape Valley (D2); Daniel Colabella, Mount Olive (D1); Drew Flynn, Pompton Lakes (D4); Matthew Sportelli, Wayne Hills (D4); Jacob Foukas, Pequannock (D4); Nick Trani, Wayne Valley (D4); Cole Benfatti, Jefferson (D3); Brody Oberly, Warren Hills (D1); Cliff Rutter, High Point (D3).
Notes: Eckert (20-0) scored a 5-1 win over Leka in the quarterfinals and decked Foukas in the semis before a posting a 6-3 win over Colabella in the Morris County Tournament finals. Foukas bounced back to finish third. Lavelle topped Flynn, 12-6, for the Passaic County Tournament title. Trani finished fourth in the PCT.
285
1. Sr. Kyle Nothnagel, Phillipsburg (D1)
2. Jr. Parker Fox, Montville (D2)
4. Sr. Avery Sheruda, Jefferson (D3)
5. Sr. Rich Fritzky, Lenape Valley (D2)
5. Sr. Rich Fritzky, Lenape Valley (D2)
Others to watch: Alex Kaltenhauser, West Morris (D1); Tyler Pittenger, Newton (D3); Taylan Zafis, Warren Hills (D1); Shane Beston, Morris Knolls (D2); Nick Sanders, Pompton Lakes (D4); Zack Sieb, Morris Catholic (D2); Eric Lindstrom, West Milford (D4); Jake Pluta, Wayne Valley (D4); Joe Leszczynkski, Pequannock (D4).
Notes: Fox decked Sheruda to win the Morris County Tournament title. Fox had a tight one against Sieb in the quarterfinals, winning 3-1 in the tiebreaker. Kaltenhauser, who was decked by Fox in the semis, finished third. Gennat was caught and pinned by Kittatinny's Griffin Waldron on Friday. A shocking result considering Gennat has beaten Fritzky and Sheruda, and lost to Fox, 1-0. Fritzky pinned Sieb earlier this season, so let's keep the same order for now. Sanders finished second in the Passaic County Tournament, while Lindstrom was third.
Monday, February 1, 2016
Wrestling: New Jersey Writers Association Top 20
(Records through Feb. 1)
Rank
|
School
|
Record
|
Votes
|
Previous
|
1
|
Bergen Catholic (15)
|
(12-2)
|
300
|
1
|
2
|
Don Bosco Prep
|
(9-2)
|
277
|
3
|
3
|
Delsea
|
(16-0)
|
263
|
4
|
4
|
Delbarton
|
(10-3)
|
261
|
2
|
5
|
St. Augustine
|
(14-6)
|
243
|
6
|
6
|
Paramus
|
(15-3)
|
229
|
5
|
7
|
Southern
|
(9-1)
|
208
|
8
|
8
|
Phillipsburg
|
(10-3)
|
186
|
7
|
9
|
Clearview
|
(12-2)
|
178
|
9
|
10
|
South Plainfield
|
(20-2)
|
176
|
10
|
11
|
DePaul
|
(12-2)
|
144
|
11
|
12
|
Roxbury
|
(10-0)
|
125
|
12
|
13
|
Paulsboro
|
(12-1)
|
111
|
15
|
14
|
Christian Brothers
|
(13-4)
|
106
|
13
|
15
|
Hanover Park
|
(12-4)
|
105
|
14
|
16
|
Howell
|
(18-4)
|
78
|
16
|
17
|
Wall Township
|
(15-1)
|
61
|
17
|
18
|
Hunterdon Central
|
(12-2)
|
49
|
18
|
19
|
Jackson Memorial
|
(13-3)
|
31
|
19
|
20
|
Kittatinny
|
(14-0)
|
14
|
NR
|
NJWWA voting members (in alphabetical order): Donald J. Brower (MorrisCountyHSWrestling.com); Frank D'Esposito (TheShoreConference.com); Steve Falk (Asbury Park Press of Neptune and Hitting the Mats); Josh Friedman (Courier Post of Cherry Hill, Daily Journal of Vineland); Screwy Louie Lazzari (New Jersey historian); John Lewis (Burlington County Times); Ron Mazzola (On the Mat); Tom McGurk (Courier Post of Cherry Hill); John O'Kane (Press of Atlantic City); Anthony Spaulding (New Jersey Herald); Mark Trible (Courier Post of Cherry Hill); Greg Tufaro (Home News Tribune of East Brunswick); Mike Weilamann (Open Mike/Mugs Media); Brad Wilson (Express-Times).
Wrestling: Tentative pairings for NJSIAA sectionals
Final power point totals for the NJSIAA sectional tournaments -- pairings and seeds will be made official at a seeding meeting on Tuesday at 9 a.m. -- that begin on Monday, Feb. 8, with first-round matches between No. 5 vs. No. 4 and No. 3 vs. No. 6. The top two seeds receive first-round byes.
Sectional semifinals will be held Wednesday, Feb. 10, with the finals slated for Friday, Feb. 12. The Group championships will be contested on Sunday, Feb. 14 at Toms River North High School.
In all, 11 teams from the Hunterdon-Warren-Sussex area have appeared to qualify for sectionals, with three earning No. 1 seeds -- Kittatinny (North 1, Group 1), Delaware Valley (Central Jersey, Group 2) and Phillipsburg (North 2, Group 4).
High Point (North 1, Group 2), Lenape Valley (North 2, Group 2) and Hunterdon Central (Central Jersey, Group 5) are No. 2 seeds, while Sparta (North 1, Group 3), Voorhees (North 2, Group 3) and Warren Hills (North 1, Group 4) are No. 3 seeds.
Belvidere, which was not in the top six as of Friday's updated totals, got in as the No. 6 seed in North 2, Group 1. The County Seaters have won six sectional titles overall and none since 2002. Pope John is the No. 4 seed in the brutal Non-Public North A section.
North Hunterdon (2-9, 27.00) and Hackettstown (4-11, 25.20) just missed as the No. 7 teams in North 2, Group 4 and North 2, Group 2, respectively. The Lions won the North 2, Group 5 title last year, as all four Hunterdon County teams won titles in the same season for the first time since the tournaments started in 1979.
On Friday, a new set of points was released to only a select few it seems, with a very different set of numbers than the totals released three days earlier. Most teams dropped anywhere from one to two points on average.
According to several sources, there have been computer issues with the server that helps tabulate the numbers.
NJSIAA executive director Steve Timko did not immediately return a phone call seeking comment on Friday.
You may remember several instances of wrong point totals and pairings over the years, including last year's fiasco when a wrong chart was being used to calculate the totals for several weeks before Open Mike first reported on the mistake.
NOTE: Head-to-head adjustments and any corrections will be made on Tuesday. Pequannock will jump Jefferson (36-32 win on Dec. 30) to become the No. 2 seed in North 1, Group 2. Lenape Valley's record is 11-5, its match vs. Hopatcong on Saturday is missing in Track wrestling. In Non-Public North A, Bergen Catholic will leap Don Bosco Prep (69-3 win on Jan. 14) as the No. 1 seed.
You may remember several instances of wrong point totals and pairings over the years, including last year's fiasco when a wrong chart was being used to calculate the totals for several weeks before Open Mike first reported on the mistake.
NOTE: Head-to-head adjustments and any corrections will be made on Tuesday. Pequannock will jump Jefferson (36-32 win on Dec. 30) to become the No. 2 seed in North 1, Group 2. Lenape Valley's record is 11-5, its match vs. Hopatcong on Saturday is missing in Track wrestling. In Non-Public North A, Bergen Catholic will leap Don Bosco Prep (69-3 win on Jan. 14) as the No. 1 seed.
North 1
Group 4
1-Roxbury (10-0, 35.10); 2- Old Tappan (15-4, 32.70); 3-Warren Hills (7-6, 29.90);4-Wayne Valley (11-5, 29.70); 5-Randolph (10-5, 28.80); 6-Mendham (7-7, 28.50).
Group 3
1-Paramus (16-3, 35.80); 2-Montville (10-4, 31.00); 3-Sparta (11-7, 30.90); 4-River Dell (10-2, 28.90); 5-Garfield (16-3, 28.70); 6-West Milford (6-11, 26.20).
Group 2
1-Emerson-Park Ridge (15-1, 34.40); 2-High Point (12-5, 32.40); 3-Jefferson (12-5, 31.60); 4-Pequannock (8-7, 28.20); 5-Ramsey (13-6, 28.00); 6-Pascack Hills (9-5, 26.80).
Group 1
1-Kittatinny (12-0, 31.80); 2-Cresskill (18-1, 28.40); 3-Pompton Lakes (12-8, 28.00); 4-Butler (13-3, 26.60); 5-New Milford (10-10, 26.20); 6-Kinnelon (7-5, 25.80).
North 2
Group 4
1-Phillipsburg (10-3, 34.20); 2-Middletown North (13-4, 33.10); 3-Woodbridge (18-2, 31.40); 4-Montgomery (12-3, 28.00); 5-Scotch Plains (10-7, 27.20); 6-Middletown South (8-9, 27.10).
Group 3
1-Nutley (11-5, 31.80); 2-Passaic Valley (10-7, 30.40); 3-Voorhees (10-10, 28.40); 4-Governor Livingston (10-3, 27.50); 5-West Essex (6-9, 26.60); 6-Lyndhurst-North Arlington (10-5, 26.20).
Group 2
1-Hanover Park (12-4, 35.30); 2-Lenape Valley (10-5, 30.40); 3-Parsippany (8-4, 29.70); 4-Caldwell (11-3, 28.90); 5-Becton-Wallington (7-10, 26.20); 6-Whippany Park (9-7, 25.90).
Group 1
1-Cedar Grove (11-5, 28.90); 2-Roselle Park (13-1, 28.60); 3-Bound Brook (6-5, 27.20); 4-Hasbrouck Heights (10-9, 26.90); 5-Verona (13-4, 26.90); 6-Belvidere (8-6, 26.00).
Central Jersey
Group 5
1-Howell (18-4, 36.10); 2-Hunterdon Central (12-2, 33.30); 3-Old Bridge (13-3, 31.80); 4-Manalapan (11-7, 29.30); 5-Monroe (11-3, 29.10); 6-Hillsborough (13-6, 27.30).
Group 2
1-Delaware Valley (13-4, 32.70); 2-Raritan (14-4, 31.90); 3-Point Pleasant Boro (13-5, 31.00); 4-Robbinsville (11-5, 29.40); 5-Middlesex-Dunellen (12-5, 26.80); 6-Holmdel (14-6, 26.57).
Non-Public
North A
1-Don Bosco Prep (9-2, 33.80); 2-Bergen Catholic (12-1, 33.00); 3-Delbarton (10-3, 31.90); 4-Pope John (13-2, 30.70); 5-St. Peter's Prep (10-6, 30.40); 6-Seton Hall Prep (11-7, 28.30).
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