For the first time, there is an extra layer before the state tournament as we will have an East and West Super Regional in Quakertown and Altoona to set eight man brackets (down from 20) for Hershey. The East Super Region features the top four finishers from the Northeast (D2, D11, and D12) and the top for finishers from the Southeast (D1) - while the west is a compilicaton of top three from the South Central (D3) and South West (D7) and top two from the North West (D4, D6, D8, D9, D10). The East is by far the easier region - a Penn Live artcle noted that 70% of the top ten ranked wrestlers come from the west - but there should still be really good competition this weekend, particularly in finals.
The East features six wrestlers ranked #1 statewide at their weight class - Carson Wagner (Northampton - 106), Dante Frinzi (Bethlehem Catholic - 120), Kyle Hauserman (Council Rock North - 138), Jagger Condomitti (Northampton - 160), Joey MIlano (Spring-Ford - 189), and Ryan Catka (Sun Valley - 215). The top three in the state at 189 are all here with Milano, Isaiah Reinert (Easton) and Drew Clearie (Nazareth), while Reinert and Nathan Lucier (Coatesville - 132) are the only statewide #2's in the Super Region. All rankings from PaPower Wrestling. Her's the big preview.
106
#8 Cole Smith, Spring-Ford (So. – SE1)
#16 Tyson Cook, West Scranton (Fr. – NE4)
#19 Gavin Sheridan, Boyertown (Fr. – SE3)
#6 Luke Sirianni, Abington Heights (So. – NE2)
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#11 Tony Burke, Council Rock North (Jr. – SE2)
#7 Josh Jasionowicz, Stroudsburg (Sr. – NE3)
#21 Cole McFarland, Haverford (Fr. – SE4)
#1 Carson Wagner, Northampton (So. – NE1)
The favorite: Carson Wagner (Northampton)
The Konkrete Kid is the top ranked wrestlers in the state and feels head and shoulders above the field this weekend. His biggest competitors – Kaedyn Williams (Manheim Township) and Tyler Chappell (Seneca Valley) – are both in Altoona for the Western Regional. Wagner owns a win by fall over Jasionowicz and the District 1 contingent doesn’t feature a true state challenger.
The Sleeper: Luke Sirianni (Abington Heights)
Sirianni surprised me with a run to Northeast Regional finals last weekend with wins over Charlie Pavis (Bethlehem Catholic) and Jasinowicz and really earning his trip to Quakertown. Sirianni sits in a great place in the bracket, as he owns a win over Tyson Cook and neither Sheridan or Smith would be a heavy favorite.
Toughest First Round Match: Tony Burke, Council Rock North vs. Josh Jasionowicz, Stroudsburg
Always fun to get a pair of state qualifiers in the quarterfinals. Burke got his first career win over Cavan Kinne (Council Rock South) in D1 semis, but lost to Cole Smith in the final, dropping him to the bottom half. Jasionowicz has been in the top five in the state all year, but dropped a match to Sirianni on a late takedown in regional semis and had to battle back for third. These are the only two upperclassmen in the bracket, and both have the size and experience to make a run into the state tournament if they can get by this one.
Semifinals: Cole Smith vs. Luke Sirianni and Josh Jasionowicz vs. Carson Wagner
Smith has a good shot to continue his hot run with Tyson Cook in the first round. Sirianni is a solid favorite over Sheridan to make semis and put himself one match away. After the way he wrestled last weekend, I like Sirianni to move on. Jasionowicz and Wagner are on a collision course for another meeting. Jasionowicz did not wrestle his best in the D11 final and I think he puts on a better showing, but still gets beat by Wagner.
Blood Round: Cole Smith vs. Tony Burke and Josh Jasionowicz vs. Gavin Sheridan
Burke gets another shot at Smith in a blood round, presuming he bears McFarland. I like him to turn the tables and make states. Jasionowicz is a safe bet against whoever wins the first consolation match from the top half.
Champ: Carson Wagner over Luke Sirianni
Wagner controlled Sirianni last week, and I’d expect no different this time around, maybe stretching to bonus. He’ll need to be ready for bigger guns next week, but he’s pretty darn good.
State Qualifier Picks
1. Carson Wagner, Northampton
2. Luke Sirianni, Abington Heights
3. Josh Jasionowicz, Stroudsburg
4. Tony Burke, Council Rock North
113
#12 Mason Ziegler, Quakertown (Fr. – SE1)
#17 Austin Noe, Northampton (Fr. – NE4)
#19 Dominic Ortlip, Spring-Ford (Jr. – SE3)
#8 Charlie Bunting, Nazareth (So.- NE2)
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#18 Sam Kuhns, Pennridge (Fr. – SE2)
#9 Cael McIntyre, Bethlehem Catholic (So. – NE3)
#22 Carmen Cortese, WC Henderson (So. – SE4)
#7 Zach Jacaruso, Delaware Valley (So. – NE1)
The Favorite: Zach Jacaruso, Delaware Valley
Jacaruso was the a solid bet to qualify for states in 2020 – he was a finalist at the Hurricane Classic and Escape the Rock, but at regionals was pinned by Tyler Kasak, then lost an absolute barnburner to Carson Wagner on the backside to end his season. Last weekend, he went through Charlie Bunting and Cael McIntyre – getting an overtime takedown against Bunting and a tiebreaker reversal against McIntyre – and cemented himself as a favorite to move on. He’s a great athlete, can really scramble, and is great on bottom. He’ll be tested again by the D11 pair, he’s got wins against the two best guys in the field.
The Sleeper: Mason Ziegler, Quakertown
Tough to call a regional champ a sleeper, but I think the perception is that this weight is Jacaruso, Bunting, McIntyre, and everybody else. Ziegler has fifteen techs or pins on the season, including a stretch of nine first period falls in February. He’s a product of Bethlehem Catholic’s Red Hawk wrestling club, which means he’s a hammer on top and certainly has rolled with really good guys. He’s just a freshman, but he’ll be solidly in the mix.
Toughest First Round Match: Dominic Ortlip vs. Charlie Bunting
Ortlip was a state qualifier in 2020, but was upset by Sam Kuhns in the D1 semis, which drops him into a match with NE Regional runner-up Charlie Bunting. Bunting is probably Nazareth’s next lightweight star, though the pandemic shortened schedule (he did not wrestle until Districts) has disguised a breakout. He’s a big talent who probably should have medaled in 2020 (a broken hand ended his season), but he’ll have to really earn it through Ortlip to start.
Semifinals: Charlie Bunting vs. Mason Ziegler and Cael McIntyre vs. Zach Jacaruso
One of the best final fours we’re going to see. Ziegler and Austin Noe are both top shelf mat wrestlers, so that one could go fast and a turn is probably the difference – Noe is just not that developed on his feet yet. Bunting should get Ortlip and then I think it’s Bunting’s advantage from neutral (he uses space and motion really well) to move on. On the bottom, McIntyre and Jacaruso are both solid favorites in their first round and might both get bonus. Their match was excellent last week, despite the 1-1 score there were tons of offensive exchanges and scrambles initiated by both guys. McIntyre came really close to scoring in SV, and I think he can create a few more offensive changes on his feet, particularly with a week to gameplan.
Blood Round: Dominic Ortlip vs. Zach Jacaruso and Carmen Cortese vs. Mason Ziegler
Ortlip really hurt himself with the loss to Kuhns last week because he has to go through two of the big three to get to states. Jacaruso or McIntyre will drop here after their semi, and both are solid favorites. Ziegler should be a safe bets over the Kuhns/Cortese winner.
Champ: Charlie Bunting over Cael McIntyre
This match was t-u-r terrible at Districts, with no real offense and an illegal hands to the face penalty on McIntyre being the difference. These guys are both normally aggressive, and I think this could be an entirely different match. McIntyre is more fluid, but I think Bunting is a little more physical and the fact that the normally wide open McIntyre was really cautious in their first bout says a lot.
State Qualifier Picks
1. Charlie Bunting, Nazareth
2. Cael McIntyre, Bethlehem Catholic
3. Zach Jacaruso, Delaware Valley
4. Mason Ziegler, Quakertown
120
#7 Keanu Manuel, Downingtown East (Sr. – SE1)
#21 Gunnar Myers, Wallenpaupack (Fr. – NE4)
#14 Cannon Hershey, Oxford (Jr. – SE3)
#12 Austin Fashouer, West Scranton (Sr. – NE2)
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#8 Jay Maldonado, Boyertown (Sr. – SE2)
#13 Javien DeLeon, Liberty (Jr. – NE3)
#24 Matthew Ricci, Garnet Valley (Jr. – SE4)
#1 Dante Frinzi, Bethlehem Catholic (Jr. – NE1)
The Favorite: Dante Frinzi (Bethlehem Catholic)
Your newly minted #1 wrestler in the state is Dante Frinzi. Frinzi seemed to hit a new level in Hershey last year, beating defending state champ Carter Dibert in quarters, then taking 5th by beating archrival Braxton Appello (who is out for the season with knee surgery but would otherwise be one of the favorites here). for the first time. He’s rolled through 2021 undefeated – spending the regular season up at 132 before coming down here. He’s probably the tallest kid in the field, and uses his incredible length to be an absolute monster on top, particularly with a series of cradles. He’s on the shortlist of state title contenders at this weight, though he’s got a tough field to contend with here.
The Sleeper: Javien DeLeon, Liberty
DeLeon pushed Frinzi to ovetime in the D11 finals and a lot of fans thought he had the match won with a takedown on the edge (not that it takes a lot to get fans united against Bethlehem Catholic). He was a state qualifier last year and has really blossomed since being a JV wrestler in 2019. He’s got a heck of a path, a first round match up with Jay Maldonado then possibly a rematch with Frinzi, but he’s a pretty tough draw for those guys too.
Toughest First Round Match: Jay Maldonado vs. Javien DeLeon
Maldonado is certainly no slouch – the SE Region runner-up is a two-time state qualifier and medaled in 2019. His loss to Keanu Manuel in the regional finals puts him in the much tougher half of the bracket, and he’s going to need to scrap with DeLeon to get himself to semis.
Semifinals: Jay Maldonado vs. Dante Frinzi and Keanu Manuel vs. Austin Fashouer
Maldonado can get by DeLeon, but Frinzi is lurking in semifinals. He’s never defeated the Becahi wrestler in three tries, and has been pinned the last two times they’ve met. Frinzi should be a pretty safe bet to make the final. On the other side, Keanu Manuel might be the best wrestler in the state not to medal yet. Both losses last year in Hershey came in sudden victory – to Vinny Kilkeary and Carson Wagner. He’s had a long rivalry with Maldonado, and got the better of him last weekend to set himself up nicely for a finals trip here. Fashouer pinned DeLeon in a scramble last week in semis, and should get by Hershey but doesn’t match up well with Manuel.
Blood Round: Austin Fashouer vs. Javien DeLeon and Jay Maldonado vs. Cannon Hershey
A loss to Manuel drops Fashouer into a rematch with DeLeon (or a bout with Maldonado if DeLeon can pull the first round upset). I don’t think Fashouer can get DeLeon two weeks in a row. Maldonado will be a solid favorite over the Myers-Hershey winner.
Champ: Dante Frinzi, Bethlehem Catholic over Keanu Manuel, Downingtown East
Sneaky good final here that will have big ramifications for bracketing next week. Manuel is more of a powerhouse, maybe a little sharper on his feet, but he’ll have to contend with funk if he can get to Frinzi’s legs. And of course, Frinzi holds a big advantage on the mat – it may be in Manuel’s best interests to go neutral when he has choice, but that means he’ll need a takedown in regulation to win. This one feels close, but Frinzi can win it in more ways.
State Qualifier Picks
1. Dante Frinzi, Bethlehem Catholic
2. Keanu Manuel, Downingtown East
3. Javien DeLeon, Liberty
4. Jay Maldonado, Boyertown
126
#6 Dominic Findora, Downingtown West (Jr. – SE1)
Beck Hutchinson, Hazleton (Sr. – NE4)
#23 Zach Borzio, Quakertown (So. – SE3)
#18 Parrish McFarland, Pottsville (Fr.- NE2)
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#22 Nate Shippey, Interboro (Jr. – SE2)
#19 Patrick Snoke, Northampton (Sr. – NE3)
Billy Wilson, WC Henderson (Jr. – SE4)
#3 Tyler Kasak, Bethlehem Catholic (So. – NE1)
The Favorite: Tyler Kasak, Bethlehem Catholic
Kasak is a monster. High energy, brutally physical, and can finish matches on top. He’s been ranked behind Carter Dibert and Ethan Berginc all year after a disappointing trip to Hershey for Kasak, but on talent I think he’s the best guy in the weight class. He’s barely wrestled this year, most bouts are over well before the end of the second period. But there isn’t anybody here who can touch him.
The Sleeper: Parrish McFarland, Pottsville
McFarland has been awesome against everybody but Kasak. The freshman had some hype coming into the year, but has proven to be a really mature mat wrestler. He’s got a nice bracket placement here and should be able to make a run to Hershey as a 9th grader.
Toughest First Round Match: Zach Borzio vs. Parrish McFarland
Borzio has a ton of wins, though hasn’t wrestled a schedule that can really test him. McFarland has looked really good so far and should get a win to extend his season.
Semifinals: Dominic Findora vs. Parrish McFarland and Patrick Snoke vs. Tyler Kasak
Findora is a two-time state qualifier and rolled through the District 1 field last week. He should get by Hutchinson fairly easily. He’ll have more of a test in his semi against McFarland – he needs to be careful on bottom – but he should advance. Snoke is a good story – he’s toiled on junior high and JV and been a spot started when they’d shift their lineup and has broken through as a senior and wrestled well. Still, Kasak is a buzzsaw.
BloodRound: McFarland/Shippey and Snoke/Borzio
The District 11 kids will drop into the Shippy/Wilson loser and the Hutchinson/Borzio loser. While neither is on Kasak’s level, they’re both pretty good, and given the field should move onto Hershey.
Champ: Tyler Kasak over Dominic Findora
Findora is a solid wrestler and earns his first career medal in three tries, but Kasak might be the safest bet in the entire field to me. He’s solid everywhere, he’s really strong, and I’m excited to see how he matches up with Dibert, Repos, and Berginc when he gets to Hershey.
State Qualifier Picks
1. Tyler Kasak, Bethlehem Catholic
2. Dominic Findora, Downingtown West
3. Parrish McFarland, Pottsville
4. Patrick Snoke, Northampton
132
#2 Nathan Lucier, Coatesville (Sr. – SE1; Binghamton)
Austin Smith, Abington Heights (Fr. – NE4)
Eddie Galang, North Penn (Sr. – SE3)
#14 Dominic Wheatley, Nazareth (So. – NE2)
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#19 Kelly Kakos, Perkiomen Valley (So. – SE2)
#20 Nick Velde, Emmaus (Jr. – NE3)
Kelton Brunner, Strath Haven (Jr. – SE4)
#4 Matt Mayer, Bethlehem Catholic (Sr. – NE1; Duke)
The Favorite: Nathan Lucier (Coatesville)
Lucier took sixth at states last year – he made semifinals and lost a tight one to Dylan Chappell, then did the slide. He’s got a great bracket placement and is a virtual lock to make finals. It’s tough to get a feel for this weight – Chappell is the ostensible favorite, but there are four or five guys who I could see winning a state title and Lucier is absolutely in that mix.
The Sleeper: Dominic Wheatley (Nazareth)
I don’t think Wheatley can beat Lucier, but I also didn’t see that he would be within a point of Matt Mayer in a regional final. Wheatley is part of a really good crop of sophomores at Nazareth that is going to be the foundation of some good teams in the next few years. Dave Crowell develops guys as well as anybody and Wheatley if nothing else is going to have a good gameplan for Lucier when they hit. He’ll win those matches a year from now.
Toughest First Round Match: Kelly Kakos vs. Nick Velde
The only ranked matchup in the first round here. Velde has been a couple points behind Wheatley the last few weeks, while Kakos got majored by Lucier last weekend. They’ll grind one out for a crack at Matt Mayer.
Semifinals: Nathan Lucier vs. Dominic Wheatley and Nick Velde vs. Matt Mayer
Wheatley has the tools to push Lucier but he’s not going to win the match. On the other side, Velde has not hit Mayer this season yet, as he’s run into Wheatley in semifinals both weeks. He’ll get his chance, but it is a tall order. Mayer took fourth at states as a freshman and sophomore, but a shoulder surgery last season limited him to a late January start and a brutal bracket placement had him without a medal following losses to Dylan Chappell and Kyle Hauserman. He’s funky, great defensively, and is the clear favorite to get a crack at Lucier.
BloodRound: Dominic Wheatley vs. Kelly Kakos and Nick Velde vs. Eddie Galang
Wheatley and Velde both drop to see District 1 guys who I think they’re favored against. It would be a real coup for Emmaus to get a state medalist in back-to-back years for the first time since 2004-2005.
Finals: Nathan Lucier over Matt Mayer
Lucier and Mayer is an intriguing final and I like the Coatesville senior. As said early, Mayer is funky, likes to scramble, and can win bizarre positions. But, his fundamentals can go out the window in exchange for flash, which has always hurt him against the top of his weight classes. Lucier is too sound to fall into some of the rolls and leg passes that Mayer will throw at him, and I think he takes the title.
State Qualifier Picks
1. Nathan Lucier, Coatesville
2. Matt Mayer, Bethlehem Catholic
3. Dominic Wheatley, Nazareth
4. Nick Velde, Emmaus
138
#1 Kyle Hauserman, Council Rock North (Sr. – SE1; Penn) vs.
Trey Zabroski, Crestwood (Sr. – NE4)
#15 Trent Kochersperger, Kennett (Sr. – SE3) vs.
#18 CJ Fritz, Northampton (Jr.- NE2)
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#13 Chance Babb, Boyertown (Jr. – SE2) vs.
#20 Connor Bevan, Freedom (Jr. – NE3)
#16 Dom DeFalco, Quakertown (Sr. – SE4; Campbell) vs.
#8 Andrew Harmon, Bethlehem Catholic (So. – NE1)
The Favorite: Kyle Hauserman (Council Rock South)
Hauserman is the top ranked wrestler in the state and the best bet in another wide open weight class statewide. He hasn’t really wrestled anybody this year after opening with Connor Eck, but he also hasn’t given up an offensive point this season. He’s a three-time state qualifier and took 3rd as a sophomore and 4th as a junior. Pretty full skillset and he’s the clear favorite here before getting thrown in with the western contingent.
The Sleeper: Connor Bevan (Freedom)
I mean, why not? Bevan is playing with house money here – he took 4th in the D11 tournament and his season was over, but an injury scratch meant he got a call on Thursday that he was a fill-in for the regional tournament. Bevan got down to weight, then went out and placed top four to extend his season another weekend. He’ll throw everything he has out there again.
Toughest First Round Match: Dom DeFalco vs. Andrew Harmon
A battle of state qualifiers in the first round, as a result of DeFalco falling down to fourth at SE Regionals. He’s a three-time state qualifier and was knocked out in the blood round last year. Tough kid, but he hits Andrew Harmon who is wrestling really well. Harmon was a two-time Junior High state finalist and qualified for states last year clearly up a weight class (or two) to get into the Bethlehem Catholic lineup. He’s where he fits now (according to Jeff Karam he put on about 20 pounds of muscle in the offseason – so rather than a 113 wrestling 126 he cut down to 138 for the postseason) and has really improved from neutral, which is a separator. This might be the best first round match here this weekend.
Semifinals: Kyle Hauserman vs. CJ Fritz and Andrew Harmon vs. Connor Bevan
Hauserman should roll, while Fritz is a slight upset pick over Kochersperger. Fritz scored the first takedown of Harmon last weekend before Harmon got rolling and won comfortably. Fritz can go for a period, but Hauserman will pull away. On the other side, taking Beven because why the heck not, but Harmon is too good.
Blood Round: Dom DeFalco vs. CJ Fritz and Connor Bevan vs. Trent Kochersperger
If DeFalco loses to Harmon in the first round, he’ll need to go through the Babb-Bevan loser, then catch whoever falls down from Kochersperger/Fritz from semis. Not an easy path, but I think he gets it done. Bevan would get the Kochersperger/Fritz loser if he drops from semis. That’s probably his best shot, but I think the road ends here.
Champ: Kyle Hauserman, Council Rock North over Andrew Harmon, Bethlehem Catholic
This is a really good bout for Harmon, who certainly looks good as a sophomore but hasn’t really been pushed yet. We’ll see where he measures up in a bout with Hauserman, who is more polished on his feet, and you have to score from neutral to win big matches like this.
State Qualifier Picks
1. Kyle Hauserman, Council Rock North
2. Andrew Harmon, Bethlehem Catholic
3. Dom DeFalco, Quakertown
4. Trent Kochersperger, Kennett
145
#5 Connor Eck, Bensalem (Sr – SE1; Lock Haven) vs.
#20 Preston Machado, Delaware Valley (Sr. – NE4)
#12 William Morrow, North Penn (Jr. – SE3) vs.
#17 Xavier Arner, Whitehall (Jr. – NE2)
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#6 Sam McMonagle, WC Henderson (Sr. – SE2; Brown) vs.
#19 Trey Miletics, Bethlehem Catholic (Jr. – NE3)
Andrew Luke, WC East (Sr. – SE4) vs.
#4 Dagen Condomitti, Northampton (So. – NE1)
The Favorite: Dagen Condomitti (Northampton)
Despite McMonagle being a returning medalist and Eck being a Division I commit with a win over McMonagle last weekend, Condomitti is my favorite here. He went to sudden victory with McMonagle last year in the first round of states, but he’s grown by leaps and bounds as a sophomore. Having one of the best wrestlers in the country at home to beat him up in their basement certainly helps, but Condomitti has turned into a dynamo on his feet. He scored 60 points in three matches last week, and somebody is going to have to score with him here.
The Sleeper: William Morrow (North Penn)
Third place in the southeast gives you a lot of tough draws in this bracket, but Morrow is in a pretty good position to move on. Arner is one of the more beatable D11 finalists, then he can get dropped into a Miletics/Luke loser, both of whom he’d be favored against. Really good shot to make him a two-time qualifier.
Toughest First Round Match: Connor Eck vs. Preston Machado
Machado was a match away from states last year and is a sneaky four seed after Trey Miletics flipped their first round match in the consolation finals at NE Regionals. Eck is still a favorite, but it is a tougher match than the other top seeds here.
Semifinal Predictions: Connor Eck vs. William Morrow and Sam McMonagle vs. Dagen Condomitti
Eck and Morrow both should get by in our first weight really dominated by District 1. Eck beat up Morrow in their sectional final and I’d expect more of the same to give Bensalem a state qualifier for the fifth year in a row. McMonagle and Condomitti is what I expected for the final here but we’ll have to settle for it as a semi. This was an overtime match at states last year, and I think that Codomitti has grown a ton and can flip it. But either is a high medalist threat in Hershey.
Blood Round Predictions: Sam McMonagle vs. Xavier Arner and William Morrow vs. Trey Miletics
McMonagle and Morrow will drop to the two District 11 guys in the field. Again, outside of Condomitti there aren’t high end D11 guys here, and McMonagle in particular should win pretty easily.
Finals: Dagen Condomitti vs. Connor Eck
District 1 is going to get three berths here, but I don’t think they get the top spot. This is really the coming out party for the Northampton sophomore and a chance to win a regional title with his brother. This feels like a “need two takedowns to win” bout, and Condomitti has a little more jazz on his feet.
State Qualifier Predictions
1. Dagen Condomitti, Northampton
2. Connor Eck, Bensalem
3. Sam McMonagle, WC Henderson
4. William Morrow, North Penn
152
#6 Zac Martin, Neshaminy (Sr. – SE1; Lehigh) vs.
CJ Denmark, Pittston (Sr. – NE4)
#13 Chase Barlow, Strath Haven (Jr. – SE3) vs.
#20 Noah Okamoto, Nazareth (So. – NE2)
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#9 Dom D’Agostino, Interboro (Jr.- SE2) vs.
#21 Kordell Waiters, Emmaus (Sr. – NE3)
#14 Zach Needles, Spring-Ford (Sr. – SE4) vs.
#5 Evan Gleason, Bethlehem Catholic (Sr. – NE1; Harvard)
The Favorite: Evan Gleason (Bethlehem Catholic)
Gleason was a D11 champ, state semifinalist, and 5th place finisher in 2020 after sitting out his sophomore season after transferring to Bethlehem Catholic and losing eligibility. He was a state qualifier as a freshman for Easton, and I think his skills were pretty clear early on. Gleason is great on top – he’s tall for a 152 and is really good at using strength and leverage, particularly as a leg rider. He’s the cap to a loaded stretch in the Becahi lineup.
The Sleeper: Zach Needles (Spring-Ford)
Needles wrestles a great schedule at Spring-Ford and has a next level workout partner in the room. He fought through a very good SE Regional and certainly won’t be intimidated by a first round match with Gleason.
Toughest First Round Match: Evan Gleason vs. Zach Needles
Not a bad little opening match here. Gleason is the favorite, but this might be the first offensive points he gives up this postseason.
Semifinals: Zac Martin vs. Chase Barlow and Dom D’Agostino vs. Evan Gleason
Zac Martin is a returning state medalist and definitely on a tier with Gleason and Barlow that sits just behind the monster four from out west. After Dom D’Agostino spoiled a Barlow-Martin match in the D1 finals, we’ll get it in semis here. Take Martin. On the bottom, D’Agostino’s Cinderella run ends with a loss to Waiters, who hasn’t had a shot at Gleason yet, but should be dispatched by the Golden Hawk in the other semi.
BloodRound: Chase Barlow vs. Zach Needles and Dom D’Agostino vs. Noah Okamoto
Needles has a pair of losses to Barlow this year and Barlow has stretched the gap. I think he’ll push it a little further to punch a bid to states. Similarly on the other side, Noah Okamoto has a chance to really make a name for himself as a sophomore. D’Agostino is a state qualifier and looked really strong last weekend in the D1 tournament. Nazareth always has somebody break out, I think it’s Okamoto.
Finals: Evan Gleason over Zac Martin
This is in the mix for the best finals bout of the night. A really good bout between two high state medalists candidates who have never met before. Gleason is such a good mat wrestler that I think he can shorten the bout and wear on Martin enough to edge him in a 3-1, 4-2 sort of bout. It’s also a bout we may see a lot of in the EIWA in years to come with Gleason at Harvard and Martin at Lehigh.
State Qualifier Predictions
1. Evan Gleason, Bethlehem Catholic
2. Zac Martin, Neshaminy
3. Chase Barlow, Strath Haven
4. Noah Okamoto, Nazareth
160
#3 Jack McGill, Spring-Ford (Sr. – SE1; Columbia) vs.
James Spindler, Pittston (So. – NE4)
#21 Mason Stein, CB East (Jr. – SE3) vs.
#16 Landon Muth, Bethlehem Catholic (So.- NE2)
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#11 Matt Colajezzi, Council Rock South (Jr.) vs.
#18 Ryan Fairchild, Nazareth (Jr.)
#22 Bo Horvath, Downingtown East (So.) vs.
#1 Jagger Condomitti, Northampton (Sr.)
The Favorite: Jagger Condomitti, Northampton
Probably the biggest favorite in the field, Condomitti is ranked fourth nationally and is the clear #1 in the state. Condomitti is a returning state runner-up, losing a tight match to Cole Handlovic (Bethlehem Catholic – now Cornell) in the finals when both were ranked in the top 8 nationally – he split with Handlovic at Districts and Regionals before losing the rubber match. Condomitti is a risk taker and can beat you in a million ways. Lots of offense to both sides, not afraid to go upper body, and while he’s not a rider per se, he’s got some really good and physical turns from top. He’s ranked fourth nationally and is a top 20 overall recruit in his class, regardless of weight class. If you’re going to watch one wrestler this weekend, Condomitti is the pick.
The Sleeper: Matt Colajezzi (Council Rock South)
Colajezzi is on track to be a four time state qualifier and is the standard bearer for Council Rock South this season. Brad Silimperi’s bunch don’t have as many qualifiers as in years past, but Colajezzi is a threat to the top two here.
Toughest First Round Match: Matt Colajezzi vs. Ryan Fairchild
Colajezzi will have to prove it right out of the gate though. Fairchild has come into his own throughout the year and is part of a big Nazareth contingent of state qualifiers through the middle.
Semifinals: Jack McGill vs. Landon Muth and Matt Colajezzi vs. Jagger Condomitti
Jack McGill is a three-time state qualifier and took 7th last year at 152. The Columbia bound senior has been a lynchpin of the Spring-Ford lineup with Joey Milano since there freshman year that has vaulted them to the top of District 1. He’s a decided favorite in the top half – I think Landon Muth will be a state caliber wrestler next season, but he’s still a little green. On the bottom half, Colajezzi runs into the Condomitti buzz saw.
Blood Round: Landon Muth vs. Ryan Fairchild and Matt Colajezzi vs. James Spindler
A loss to McGill drops Muth into the Fairchild-Horvath winner where I think he’s a favorite against either. Colajezzi gets the Spinderl-Stein winner where he is a clear favorite too.
Finals: Jagger Condomitti vs. Jack McGill
Jack McGill is really good. A Division I recruit, ranked 20ish or so in the country at this weight class. If it were football, he’d be a solid four star. Jagger Condomitti is as five star as they come. He’ll win here.
State Qualifier Predictions
1. Jagger Condomitti, Northampton
2. Jack McGill, Spring-Ford
3. Matt Colajezzi, Council Rock South
4. Landon Muth, Bethlehem Catholic
172
#12 Jack Lledo, Lower Merion (Jr. – SE1) vs.
#22 Regan Loughney, LaSalle (Sr. – NE4)
#21 Matt Romanelli, Downingtown East (Sr. – SE3; Columbia) vs.
#11 Sonny Sasso, Nazareth (So – NE2.)
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Darrale Barrett, Kennett (Jr. – SE2) vs.
#13 Wayne McIntyre, East Stroudsburg North (Jr. – NE3)
Marke Seaman, WC Rustin (So. – SE4) vs.
#3 Dominic Falcone, Easton (Sr. – NE1; Army)
The Favorite: Dominic Falcone (Easton)
The Easton bunch has pegged Falcone as a potential state champ since his eight grade year. He’s a brick shithouse who is an excellent hand fighter who controls ties – he lives in a Russian or underhooks and creates tons of leg offense from there. He’s also one of the best athletes in the field – he’s an all conference linebacker despite being 5’7 175 pounds – just very explosive in short space, so he finishes really well. He was a freshman state qualifier at 170, and has medaled the last two years – including taking 7th in last years bracket of death at 170.
The Sleeper: Matt Romanelli, Downingtown East
Romanelli was a state qualifier last year in the aforementioned bracket of death and gave Falcone a tough first round matchup. He’s a bigger 170 and his semifinal loss in the D1 tournament actually drops him into a pretty favorable bracket placement.
Toughest First Round Match: Matt Romanelli vs. Sonny Sasso
Of course, that placement means he has to get by Sonny Sasso first. Sasso is a good 6’4 and a weird height match up at this weight class. He’s ultra funky and not an easy guy to wrestle for the first time. His older brother, Sammy, is the #2 ranked wrestler at 149 in the NCAA for Ohio State, and won two state titles at Nazareth.
Semifinals: Jack Lledo vs. Sonny Sasso and Wayne McIntyre vs. Dominic Falcone
Lledo was kind of a surprise winner to me at the D1 tournament with a semifinal win over Romanelli. He should handle Loughney in the first round. But Sasso is a really tough match up – he’s so hard to score on and if you get stuck underneath, look out. I think we’re in the middle of a star turn for the Nazareth sophomore and he gets to finals. On the other side, McIntyre is trying to become East Stroudsburg North’s first state qualifier. He hasn’t hit Falcone yet, he’s lost to Sasso in semis by fall the last two weekends, but he gets his shot here.
Blood Round: Jack Lledo vs. Darrale Barrett and Wayne McIntyre vs. Matt Romanelli
Lledo drops into a rematch of the D1 finals against Barrett where he’d be the favorite. On the other side is a great match between Romaneli and McIntyre. McIntyre has been a great story from a non-traditional program, but I think the Cinderella run ends here.
Finals: Dominic Falcone vs. Sonny Sasso
Falcone has won this 3-2 and 5-2 the last two weeks. His biggest improvement last week was getting out so quickly from bottom. I think Sasso’s path to victory involves riding Falcone to shorten the match or even getting a turn. On their feet, Falcone hasn’t scored a lot, but he dictates position and capitalizes on every Sasso mistake.
State Qualifier Predictions
1. Dom Falcone, Easton
2. Sonny Sasso, Nazareth
3. Matt Romanelli, Downingtown East
4. Jack Lledo, Lower Merion
189
#1 Joey Milano, Spring-Ford (Sr. – SE1; NC State) vs.
#23 AJ DeRosa, Bethlehem Catholic (Sr. – NE4)
#24 Koh Bauman, WC Henderson (Sr. – SE3) vs.
#3 Drew Clearie, Nazareth (Sr. – NE2; Brown)
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#14 Sam DiTrolio, Garnet Valley (Jr. – SE2) vs.
#9 Bryce Molinaro, Hazleton (Jr. – NE3)
Blake Silber, Council Rock North (Sr. – SE4) vs.
#2 Isaiah Reinert, Easton (Sr. – NE1; Lock Haven)
The Favorite: Joey Milano (Spring-Ford)
Milano takes over as the #1 ranked wrestler in the state after Clearie’s loss last week in the NE Regional final. Milano misses his freshman postseason with an injury, then took 4th the last two seasons at 182. He’s vicious on top, with one of the best cross-wrist series in the state. He’s wrestled a ton with the other contenders here – he beat Clearie twice during the regular season, but lost the state 3rd/4th place match and beat Reinert three times, including a tech-fall in the state tournament. Again, if he gets a wrist trapped, its pretty much over.
The Sleeper: Bryce Molinaro (Hazleton)
Molinaro is a state qualifier and the solid #4 here. I’ve said, Milano, Reinert, and Clearie in some combination could be the state final, but Molinaro is in that next group that could finish high on the medal stand. He struggled with Reinert last week, but will get a second crack here.
Toughest First Round Match: Joey Milano vs. AJ DeRosa
Milano does have a tough first assignment. DeRosa was a state qualifier in New Jersey as a sophomore, then had to sit out last postseason as an athletic transfer to Bethlehem Catholic. He’s big (he wrestled up at 215 most of the year) and has sharpened in the Becahi room, so Milano will have to earn his first win.
Semifinals: Joey Milano vs. Drew Clearie and Bryce Molinaro vs. Isaiah Reinert
Milano and Clearie have met three times, with Clearie’s performance progressively improving. Milano handled him 8-3 in the opening weekend last year, then Clearie held a 3-2 lead late into their finals match at the Hurricane Classic before Milano got a takedown on the edge with seconds to spare to win 4-3. Then Clearie flipped the result at states with a comfortable 5-2 match to take third. Milano is a little more fluid of an athlete, Clearie is more polished in neutral, while Milano is the better mat wrestler. It’s going to be close, this is a very possible state final, but I think Milano can get this round. On the other side, Reinert beat Molinaro 9-2 last weekend and it wasn’t that close. I think he can stretch it to a major if he spends a little less time trying to pin him.
Blood Round: Bryce Molinaro vs. AJ DeRosa and Drew Clearie vs. Sam DiTrolio
Molinaro beat DeRosa last week in the regional quarterfinals and I’d expect a similar 5-3ish result here. Clearie should storm back for third after losing to Milano (and Milano would do the same)
Finals: Joey Milano vs. Isaiah Reinert
While the Milano-Clearie matches have been close, Reinert has really struggled with Milano – losing 11-0, 19-3, and getting pinned. Styles make fights – Reinert is a scrambler who fires off a ton of attacks then wrestlers through weird positions, and a cross body rider with some unorthodox turns. Milano is slick enough that he really limits scrambles and Reinert really has struggled from bottom against top tier guys. Milano is talented enough to beat Reinert in a track meet, and is just on another level from top.
State Qualifier Predictions
1. Joey Milano, Spring-Ford
2. Isaiah Reinert, Easton
3. Drew Clearie, Nazareth
4. Bryce Molinaro, Hazleton
215
#1 Ryan Catka, Sun Valley (Sr. – SE1; Navy)
Dante Burns, LaSalle (Fr.- NE4)
#9 Carl DiGiorgio, CB West (Jr. – SE3)
#6 Seth Hunsinger, Hazleton (Sr. – NE2)
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#8 Quinn Collins, CB East (Jr. – SE2)
#10 Chase Levey, Nazareth (Jr. – NE3)
#21 Lucas Doyle, Council Rock South (Jr. – SE4)
#4 Jason Henderson, Delawrae Valley (Sr. – NE1; Old Dominion - football)
The Favorite: Ryan Catka (Sun Valley)
Catka was the third place finisher at 195 last year in Hershey and is the lone nationally ranked wrestler in the field. Catka’s older brother Hunter was a two-time state champion, Cadet Wolrd Team member, and is Virginia Tech’s heavyweight as a true freshman. The younger Catka isn’t quite the physical specimen of his brother, but he’s the most physical guy in the weight and is the favorite to win the state title.
The Sleeper: Chase Levey (Nazareth)
Levey was a regional qualifier as a freshman – no easy feat at 195 pounds. But he missed all of last year with a football injury, and he seems to have fallen off of the radar despite being really talented. Levey won the D11 title by fall, then lost a track meet with Seth Hunsinger last week in semifinals. He’s not quite on Catka or Henderson’s level, but might be the third best guy in the weight.
Toughest First Round Match: Carl DiGiorgio vs. Hunsinger
A pair of top ten wretlers here in DiGiorgio and Hunsinger. This was a 6-2 match at states last year with Hunsinger winning. It’ll be a scrap to see who gets a crack at Catka.
Semifinals: Ryan Catka vs. Seth Hunsinger and Chase Levey vs. Jason Henderson
Catka is a solid favorite on the top – he beat Hunsinger 10-3 last year in state quarters and there is no reason to believe that he’s fallen off since that match up. Levey gets a shot at Henderson, who might be the best athlete in the gym. He’s a two-time All State middle lienbacker who led Pennsylvania 6A in tackles as a junior and is going to play linebacker at Old Dominion. He’s a tank from his feet and a solid favorite over Levey.
Blood Round: Carl DiGiorgio vs. Chase Levey and Quinn Collins vs. Seth Hunsinger
Levey likely drops into the Hunsinger/DeGiorgio loser. I think he can get by either if he puts together a little more solid six minutes. Quinn Collins has a great rivalrywith DiGiorgio and I’d like to see them lock horns at least one more time, but Hunsinger is at the top of their tier.
Finals: Jason Henderson vs. Ryan Catka
This is going to be really fun. Two big, athletic upperweights who can score points from their feet. I think Henderson gets slept on because he’s a football player first, but despite how I’ve framed him, he’s not just an athlete wrestling – he’s got real skills. But he does have an athleticism advantage on Catka, and he’s probably the only kid in the state I would say that about in this weight. I like the upset.
State Qualifier Predictions
1. Jason Henderson, Delaware Valley
2. Ryan Catka, Sun Valley
3. Seth Hunsinger, Hazleton
4. Chase Levey, Nazareth
285
#6 Julien Laventure, Upper Darby (Jr.)
#16 Sebastian Khamis, Stroudsburg (Sr.)
#21 Frederick Retter, Quakertown (Jr.)
#14 Cameron Butka, West Scranton (Sr.)
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#7 Max Harar, Council Rock North (Sr.)
#10 Matthew Cruise, Easton (Jr.)
Daetrel Jerome, Radnor (Sr.)
#9 Sean Kinney, Nazareth (Fr.)
The Favorite: Sean Kinney (Nazareth)
The freshman phenom has to be the pick to win it. Kinney has a D11 and NE Regional title, both by fall, and has definitely shown himself as the future of Pennsylvania heavyweights. Kinney is huge – during football season he was listed at 6’4 295 and didn’t compete early in the season while he was getting down to heavyweight. He’s not dynamic yet from his feet, he stays in good position, handfights, and is a great counter wrestler. But he’s really good on the mat – he knows how to use pressure, stays on his feet and makes guys carry his weight, and knows how to turn and finish. He’s not complete yet, but he’s really good.
The Sleeper: Cameron Butka (West Scranton)
Butka is a smaller heavyweight – he spent most of 2020 at 195, but makes up for his lack of size with a real motor and motion. West Scranton has had a good run of upper weights, and Butka is a guy they’ve really developed. He’s also got a nice bracket spot where he isn’t going to see any match up problems.
Toughest First Round Match: Max Harar vs. Matthew Cruise
Harar and Cruise both have spent most of the year ranked in the top 5 in the state, but took losses at regionals that drop them into a first round match with each other. Harar was a state qualifier last year at heavyweight and has the best track record of any of the District 1 guys. Cruise was sophomore qualifier at 220 and has grown into heavyweight but kept his light feet and gas tank as he’s moved up.
Semifinals: Matthew Cruise vs. Sean Kinney and Julien Laventure vs. Cameron Butka
I’m probably a homer and have Cruise getting by Harar to set up a third match with Kinney. IN the D11 semis, Kinney completely outwrestled him – using a second period reversal then riding Cruise out for the rest of the match. Last week, Cruise had a ton of scoring opportunities and was able to find a way out from bottom. If he can escape, he makes it a one takedown match. Kinney got the score in OT when Cruise bailed a little too late on a shot, but Kinney hasn’t shown the ability to get to legs the same way Cruise has. The more they wrestle, the better the chance Cruise gets those scores. On the other side, Julien Laventure is a huge heavyweight – he’s listed at 280 on their football roster, and he’s opened up his offense after qualifying for states last year and is at a different level. Butka will have to beat him with speed and wear his conditioning down, which is certainly in his skillset, but Laventures size means one mistake probably costs him the match.
Blood Round: Sean Kinney vs. Sebastian Khamis and Cameron Butka vs. Max Harar
Kinney has pinned Khamis twice and this week should be no different. Khamis is a big heavyweight, but doesn’t have a strength or skill advantage with Kinney. On the other side, Butka drops into a really tough match – either with Harar or Matthew Cruise. From a style standpoint, he’d probably rather see Cruise as a slightly smaller heavyweight, but he’s an underdog against both.
Champ: Matthew Cruise over Julien Laventure
Matthew Cruise has been building as a state contender – he missed regionals by a match as a freshman 195, then was a D11 and NE Regional finalist last year at 220 and missed medaling by a match. He’s filled out – listed at 240 on their football roster – but is really active from his feet and is great on top. He has good wins on his resume – he beat 2A finalist Kolby Flank and Ohio state champ Max Fausnaugh last season – and was ranked as high as #5 in the state before his losses to Kinney. I think if he gets by Kinney he can and will win the weight class, though he has the toughest path to do it.
State Qualifer Predictions
1. Matthew Cruise, Easton
2. Julien Laventure, Upper Darby
3. Sean Kinney, Nazareth
4. Max Harar, Council Rock North
The East features six wrestlers ranked #1 statewide at their weight class - Carson Wagner (Northampton - 106), Dante Frinzi (Bethlehem Catholic - 120), Kyle Hauserman (Council Rock North - 138), Jagger Condomitti (Northampton - 160), Joey MIlano (Spring-Ford - 189), and Ryan Catka (Sun Valley - 215). The top three in the state at 189 are all here with Milano, Isaiah Reinert (Easton) and Drew Clearie (Nazareth), while Reinert and Nathan Lucier (Coatesville - 132) are the only statewide #2's in the Super Region. All rankings from PaPower Wrestling. Her's the big preview.
106
#8 Cole Smith, Spring-Ford (So. – SE1)
#16 Tyson Cook, West Scranton (Fr. – NE4)
#19 Gavin Sheridan, Boyertown (Fr. – SE3)
#6 Luke Sirianni, Abington Heights (So. – NE2)
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#11 Tony Burke, Council Rock North (Jr. – SE2)
#7 Josh Jasionowicz, Stroudsburg (Sr. – NE3)
#21 Cole McFarland, Haverford (Fr. – SE4)
#1 Carson Wagner, Northampton (So. – NE1)
The favorite: Carson Wagner (Northampton)
The Konkrete Kid is the top ranked wrestlers in the state and feels head and shoulders above the field this weekend. His biggest competitors – Kaedyn Williams (Manheim Township) and Tyler Chappell (Seneca Valley) – are both in Altoona for the Western Regional. Wagner owns a win by fall over Jasionowicz and the District 1 contingent doesn’t feature a true state challenger.
The Sleeper: Luke Sirianni (Abington Heights)
Sirianni surprised me with a run to Northeast Regional finals last weekend with wins over Charlie Pavis (Bethlehem Catholic) and Jasinowicz and really earning his trip to Quakertown. Sirianni sits in a great place in the bracket, as he owns a win over Tyson Cook and neither Sheridan or Smith would be a heavy favorite.
Toughest First Round Match: Tony Burke, Council Rock North vs. Josh Jasionowicz, Stroudsburg
Always fun to get a pair of state qualifiers in the quarterfinals. Burke got his first career win over Cavan Kinne (Council Rock South) in D1 semis, but lost to Cole Smith in the final, dropping him to the bottom half. Jasionowicz has been in the top five in the state all year, but dropped a match to Sirianni on a late takedown in regional semis and had to battle back for third. These are the only two upperclassmen in the bracket, and both have the size and experience to make a run into the state tournament if they can get by this one.
Semifinals: Cole Smith vs. Luke Sirianni and Josh Jasionowicz vs. Carson Wagner
Smith has a good shot to continue his hot run with Tyson Cook in the first round. Sirianni is a solid favorite over Sheridan to make semis and put himself one match away. After the way he wrestled last weekend, I like Sirianni to move on. Jasionowicz and Wagner are on a collision course for another meeting. Jasionowicz did not wrestle his best in the D11 final and I think he puts on a better showing, but still gets beat by Wagner.
Blood Round: Cole Smith vs. Tony Burke and Josh Jasionowicz vs. Gavin Sheridan
Burke gets another shot at Smith in a blood round, presuming he bears McFarland. I like him to turn the tables and make states. Jasionowicz is a safe bet against whoever wins the first consolation match from the top half.
Champ: Carson Wagner over Luke Sirianni
Wagner controlled Sirianni last week, and I’d expect no different this time around, maybe stretching to bonus. He’ll need to be ready for bigger guns next week, but he’s pretty darn good.
State Qualifier Picks
1. Carson Wagner, Northampton
2. Luke Sirianni, Abington Heights
3. Josh Jasionowicz, Stroudsburg
4. Tony Burke, Council Rock North
113
#12 Mason Ziegler, Quakertown (Fr. – SE1)
#17 Austin Noe, Northampton (Fr. – NE4)
#19 Dominic Ortlip, Spring-Ford (Jr. – SE3)
#8 Charlie Bunting, Nazareth (So.- NE2)
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#18 Sam Kuhns, Pennridge (Fr. – SE2)
#9 Cael McIntyre, Bethlehem Catholic (So. – NE3)
#22 Carmen Cortese, WC Henderson (So. – SE4)
#7 Zach Jacaruso, Delaware Valley (So. – NE1)
The Favorite: Zach Jacaruso, Delaware Valley
Jacaruso was the a solid bet to qualify for states in 2020 – he was a finalist at the Hurricane Classic and Escape the Rock, but at regionals was pinned by Tyler Kasak, then lost an absolute barnburner to Carson Wagner on the backside to end his season. Last weekend, he went through Charlie Bunting and Cael McIntyre – getting an overtime takedown against Bunting and a tiebreaker reversal against McIntyre – and cemented himself as a favorite to move on. He’s a great athlete, can really scramble, and is great on bottom. He’ll be tested again by the D11 pair, he’s got wins against the two best guys in the field.
The Sleeper: Mason Ziegler, Quakertown
Tough to call a regional champ a sleeper, but I think the perception is that this weight is Jacaruso, Bunting, McIntyre, and everybody else. Ziegler has fifteen techs or pins on the season, including a stretch of nine first period falls in February. He’s a product of Bethlehem Catholic’s Red Hawk wrestling club, which means he’s a hammer on top and certainly has rolled with really good guys. He’s just a freshman, but he’ll be solidly in the mix.
Toughest First Round Match: Dominic Ortlip vs. Charlie Bunting
Ortlip was a state qualifier in 2020, but was upset by Sam Kuhns in the D1 semis, which drops him into a match with NE Regional runner-up Charlie Bunting. Bunting is probably Nazareth’s next lightweight star, though the pandemic shortened schedule (he did not wrestle until Districts) has disguised a breakout. He’s a big talent who probably should have medaled in 2020 (a broken hand ended his season), but he’ll have to really earn it through Ortlip to start.
Semifinals: Charlie Bunting vs. Mason Ziegler and Cael McIntyre vs. Zach Jacaruso
One of the best final fours we’re going to see. Ziegler and Austin Noe are both top shelf mat wrestlers, so that one could go fast and a turn is probably the difference – Noe is just not that developed on his feet yet. Bunting should get Ortlip and then I think it’s Bunting’s advantage from neutral (he uses space and motion really well) to move on. On the bottom, McIntyre and Jacaruso are both solid favorites in their first round and might both get bonus. Their match was excellent last week, despite the 1-1 score there were tons of offensive exchanges and scrambles initiated by both guys. McIntyre came really close to scoring in SV, and I think he can create a few more offensive changes on his feet, particularly with a week to gameplan.
Blood Round: Dominic Ortlip vs. Zach Jacaruso and Carmen Cortese vs. Mason Ziegler
Ortlip really hurt himself with the loss to Kuhns last week because he has to go through two of the big three to get to states. Jacaruso or McIntyre will drop here after their semi, and both are solid favorites. Ziegler should be a safe bets over the Kuhns/Cortese winner.
Champ: Charlie Bunting over Cael McIntyre
This match was t-u-r terrible at Districts, with no real offense and an illegal hands to the face penalty on McIntyre being the difference. These guys are both normally aggressive, and I think this could be an entirely different match. McIntyre is more fluid, but I think Bunting is a little more physical and the fact that the normally wide open McIntyre was really cautious in their first bout says a lot.
State Qualifier Picks
1. Charlie Bunting, Nazareth
2. Cael McIntyre, Bethlehem Catholic
3. Zach Jacaruso, Delaware Valley
4. Mason Ziegler, Quakertown
120
#7 Keanu Manuel, Downingtown East (Sr. – SE1)
#21 Gunnar Myers, Wallenpaupack (Fr. – NE4)
#14 Cannon Hershey, Oxford (Jr. – SE3)
#12 Austin Fashouer, West Scranton (Sr. – NE2)
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#8 Jay Maldonado, Boyertown (Sr. – SE2)
#13 Javien DeLeon, Liberty (Jr. – NE3)
#24 Matthew Ricci, Garnet Valley (Jr. – SE4)
#1 Dante Frinzi, Bethlehem Catholic (Jr. – NE1)
The Favorite: Dante Frinzi (Bethlehem Catholic)
Your newly minted #1 wrestler in the state is Dante Frinzi. Frinzi seemed to hit a new level in Hershey last year, beating defending state champ Carter Dibert in quarters, then taking 5th by beating archrival Braxton Appello (who is out for the season with knee surgery but would otherwise be one of the favorites here). for the first time. He’s rolled through 2021 undefeated – spending the regular season up at 132 before coming down here. He’s probably the tallest kid in the field, and uses his incredible length to be an absolute monster on top, particularly with a series of cradles. He’s on the shortlist of state title contenders at this weight, though he’s got a tough field to contend with here.
The Sleeper: Javien DeLeon, Liberty
DeLeon pushed Frinzi to ovetime in the D11 finals and a lot of fans thought he had the match won with a takedown on the edge (not that it takes a lot to get fans united against Bethlehem Catholic). He was a state qualifier last year and has really blossomed since being a JV wrestler in 2019. He’s got a heck of a path, a first round match up with Jay Maldonado then possibly a rematch with Frinzi, but he’s a pretty tough draw for those guys too.
Toughest First Round Match: Jay Maldonado vs. Javien DeLeon
Maldonado is certainly no slouch – the SE Region runner-up is a two-time state qualifier and medaled in 2019. His loss to Keanu Manuel in the regional finals puts him in the much tougher half of the bracket, and he’s going to need to scrap with DeLeon to get himself to semis.
Semifinals: Jay Maldonado vs. Dante Frinzi and Keanu Manuel vs. Austin Fashouer
Maldonado can get by DeLeon, but Frinzi is lurking in semifinals. He’s never defeated the Becahi wrestler in three tries, and has been pinned the last two times they’ve met. Frinzi should be a pretty safe bet to make the final. On the other side, Keanu Manuel might be the best wrestler in the state not to medal yet. Both losses last year in Hershey came in sudden victory – to Vinny Kilkeary and Carson Wagner. He’s had a long rivalry with Maldonado, and got the better of him last weekend to set himself up nicely for a finals trip here. Fashouer pinned DeLeon in a scramble last week in semis, and should get by Hershey but doesn’t match up well with Manuel.
Blood Round: Austin Fashouer vs. Javien DeLeon and Jay Maldonado vs. Cannon Hershey
A loss to Manuel drops Fashouer into a rematch with DeLeon (or a bout with Maldonado if DeLeon can pull the first round upset). I don’t think Fashouer can get DeLeon two weeks in a row. Maldonado will be a solid favorite over the Myers-Hershey winner.
Champ: Dante Frinzi, Bethlehem Catholic over Keanu Manuel, Downingtown East
Sneaky good final here that will have big ramifications for bracketing next week. Manuel is more of a powerhouse, maybe a little sharper on his feet, but he’ll have to contend with funk if he can get to Frinzi’s legs. And of course, Frinzi holds a big advantage on the mat – it may be in Manuel’s best interests to go neutral when he has choice, but that means he’ll need a takedown in regulation to win. This one feels close, but Frinzi can win it in more ways.
State Qualifier Picks
1. Dante Frinzi, Bethlehem Catholic
2. Keanu Manuel, Downingtown East
3. Javien DeLeon, Liberty
4. Jay Maldonado, Boyertown
126
#6 Dominic Findora, Downingtown West (Jr. – SE1)
Beck Hutchinson, Hazleton (Sr. – NE4)
#23 Zach Borzio, Quakertown (So. – SE3)
#18 Parrish McFarland, Pottsville (Fr.- NE2)
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#22 Nate Shippey, Interboro (Jr. – SE2)
#19 Patrick Snoke, Northampton (Sr. – NE3)
Billy Wilson, WC Henderson (Jr. – SE4)
#3 Tyler Kasak, Bethlehem Catholic (So. – NE1)
The Favorite: Tyler Kasak, Bethlehem Catholic
Kasak is a monster. High energy, brutally physical, and can finish matches on top. He’s been ranked behind Carter Dibert and Ethan Berginc all year after a disappointing trip to Hershey for Kasak, but on talent I think he’s the best guy in the weight class. He’s barely wrestled this year, most bouts are over well before the end of the second period. But there isn’t anybody here who can touch him.
The Sleeper: Parrish McFarland, Pottsville
McFarland has been awesome against everybody but Kasak. The freshman had some hype coming into the year, but has proven to be a really mature mat wrestler. He’s got a nice bracket placement here and should be able to make a run to Hershey as a 9th grader.
Toughest First Round Match: Zach Borzio vs. Parrish McFarland
Borzio has a ton of wins, though hasn’t wrestled a schedule that can really test him. McFarland has looked really good so far and should get a win to extend his season.
Semifinals: Dominic Findora vs. Parrish McFarland and Patrick Snoke vs. Tyler Kasak
Findora is a two-time state qualifier and rolled through the District 1 field last week. He should get by Hutchinson fairly easily. He’ll have more of a test in his semi against McFarland – he needs to be careful on bottom – but he should advance. Snoke is a good story – he’s toiled on junior high and JV and been a spot started when they’d shift their lineup and has broken through as a senior and wrestled well. Still, Kasak is a buzzsaw.
BloodRound: McFarland/Shippey and Snoke/Borzio
The District 11 kids will drop into the Shippy/Wilson loser and the Hutchinson/Borzio loser. While neither is on Kasak’s level, they’re both pretty good, and given the field should move onto Hershey.
Champ: Tyler Kasak over Dominic Findora
Findora is a solid wrestler and earns his first career medal in three tries, but Kasak might be the safest bet in the entire field to me. He’s solid everywhere, he’s really strong, and I’m excited to see how he matches up with Dibert, Repos, and Berginc when he gets to Hershey.
State Qualifier Picks
1. Tyler Kasak, Bethlehem Catholic
2. Dominic Findora, Downingtown West
3. Parrish McFarland, Pottsville
4. Patrick Snoke, Northampton
132
#2 Nathan Lucier, Coatesville (Sr. – SE1; Binghamton)
Austin Smith, Abington Heights (Fr. – NE4)
Eddie Galang, North Penn (Sr. – SE3)
#14 Dominic Wheatley, Nazareth (So. – NE2)
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#19 Kelly Kakos, Perkiomen Valley (So. – SE2)
#20 Nick Velde, Emmaus (Jr. – NE3)
Kelton Brunner, Strath Haven (Jr. – SE4)
#4 Matt Mayer, Bethlehem Catholic (Sr. – NE1; Duke)
The Favorite: Nathan Lucier (Coatesville)
Lucier took sixth at states last year – he made semifinals and lost a tight one to Dylan Chappell, then did the slide. He’s got a great bracket placement and is a virtual lock to make finals. It’s tough to get a feel for this weight – Chappell is the ostensible favorite, but there are four or five guys who I could see winning a state title and Lucier is absolutely in that mix.
The Sleeper: Dominic Wheatley (Nazareth)
I don’t think Wheatley can beat Lucier, but I also didn’t see that he would be within a point of Matt Mayer in a regional final. Wheatley is part of a really good crop of sophomores at Nazareth that is going to be the foundation of some good teams in the next few years. Dave Crowell develops guys as well as anybody and Wheatley if nothing else is going to have a good gameplan for Lucier when they hit. He’ll win those matches a year from now.
Toughest First Round Match: Kelly Kakos vs. Nick Velde
The only ranked matchup in the first round here. Velde has been a couple points behind Wheatley the last few weeks, while Kakos got majored by Lucier last weekend. They’ll grind one out for a crack at Matt Mayer.
Semifinals: Nathan Lucier vs. Dominic Wheatley and Nick Velde vs. Matt Mayer
Wheatley has the tools to push Lucier but he’s not going to win the match. On the other side, Velde has not hit Mayer this season yet, as he’s run into Wheatley in semifinals both weeks. He’ll get his chance, but it is a tall order. Mayer took fourth at states as a freshman and sophomore, but a shoulder surgery last season limited him to a late January start and a brutal bracket placement had him without a medal following losses to Dylan Chappell and Kyle Hauserman. He’s funky, great defensively, and is the clear favorite to get a crack at Lucier.
BloodRound: Dominic Wheatley vs. Kelly Kakos and Nick Velde vs. Eddie Galang
Wheatley and Velde both drop to see District 1 guys who I think they’re favored against. It would be a real coup for Emmaus to get a state medalist in back-to-back years for the first time since 2004-2005.
Finals: Nathan Lucier over Matt Mayer
Lucier and Mayer is an intriguing final and I like the Coatesville senior. As said early, Mayer is funky, likes to scramble, and can win bizarre positions. But, his fundamentals can go out the window in exchange for flash, which has always hurt him against the top of his weight classes. Lucier is too sound to fall into some of the rolls and leg passes that Mayer will throw at him, and I think he takes the title.
State Qualifier Picks
1. Nathan Lucier, Coatesville
2. Matt Mayer, Bethlehem Catholic
3. Dominic Wheatley, Nazareth
4. Nick Velde, Emmaus
138
#1 Kyle Hauserman, Council Rock North (Sr. – SE1; Penn) vs.
Trey Zabroski, Crestwood (Sr. – NE4)
#15 Trent Kochersperger, Kennett (Sr. – SE3) vs.
#18 CJ Fritz, Northampton (Jr.- NE2)
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#13 Chance Babb, Boyertown (Jr. – SE2) vs.
#20 Connor Bevan, Freedom (Jr. – NE3)
#16 Dom DeFalco, Quakertown (Sr. – SE4; Campbell) vs.
#8 Andrew Harmon, Bethlehem Catholic (So. – NE1)
The Favorite: Kyle Hauserman (Council Rock South)
Hauserman is the top ranked wrestler in the state and the best bet in another wide open weight class statewide. He hasn’t really wrestled anybody this year after opening with Connor Eck, but he also hasn’t given up an offensive point this season. He’s a three-time state qualifier and took 3rd as a sophomore and 4th as a junior. Pretty full skillset and he’s the clear favorite here before getting thrown in with the western contingent.
The Sleeper: Connor Bevan (Freedom)
I mean, why not? Bevan is playing with house money here – he took 4th in the D11 tournament and his season was over, but an injury scratch meant he got a call on Thursday that he was a fill-in for the regional tournament. Bevan got down to weight, then went out and placed top four to extend his season another weekend. He’ll throw everything he has out there again.
Toughest First Round Match: Dom DeFalco vs. Andrew Harmon
A battle of state qualifiers in the first round, as a result of DeFalco falling down to fourth at SE Regionals. He’s a three-time state qualifier and was knocked out in the blood round last year. Tough kid, but he hits Andrew Harmon who is wrestling really well. Harmon was a two-time Junior High state finalist and qualified for states last year clearly up a weight class (or two) to get into the Bethlehem Catholic lineup. He’s where he fits now (according to Jeff Karam he put on about 20 pounds of muscle in the offseason – so rather than a 113 wrestling 126 he cut down to 138 for the postseason) and has really improved from neutral, which is a separator. This might be the best first round match here this weekend.
Semifinals: Kyle Hauserman vs. CJ Fritz and Andrew Harmon vs. Connor Bevan
Hauserman should roll, while Fritz is a slight upset pick over Kochersperger. Fritz scored the first takedown of Harmon last weekend before Harmon got rolling and won comfortably. Fritz can go for a period, but Hauserman will pull away. On the other side, taking Beven because why the heck not, but Harmon is too good.
Blood Round: Dom DeFalco vs. CJ Fritz and Connor Bevan vs. Trent Kochersperger
If DeFalco loses to Harmon in the first round, he’ll need to go through the Babb-Bevan loser, then catch whoever falls down from Kochersperger/Fritz from semis. Not an easy path, but I think he gets it done. Bevan would get the Kochersperger/Fritz loser if he drops from semis. That’s probably his best shot, but I think the road ends here.
Champ: Kyle Hauserman, Council Rock North over Andrew Harmon, Bethlehem Catholic
This is a really good bout for Harmon, who certainly looks good as a sophomore but hasn’t really been pushed yet. We’ll see where he measures up in a bout with Hauserman, who is more polished on his feet, and you have to score from neutral to win big matches like this.
State Qualifier Picks
1. Kyle Hauserman, Council Rock North
2. Andrew Harmon, Bethlehem Catholic
3. Dom DeFalco, Quakertown
4. Trent Kochersperger, Kennett
145
#5 Connor Eck, Bensalem (Sr – SE1; Lock Haven) vs.
#20 Preston Machado, Delaware Valley (Sr. – NE4)
#12 William Morrow, North Penn (Jr. – SE3) vs.
#17 Xavier Arner, Whitehall (Jr. – NE2)
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#6 Sam McMonagle, WC Henderson (Sr. – SE2; Brown) vs.
#19 Trey Miletics, Bethlehem Catholic (Jr. – NE3)
Andrew Luke, WC East (Sr. – SE4) vs.
#4 Dagen Condomitti, Northampton (So. – NE1)
The Favorite: Dagen Condomitti (Northampton)
Despite McMonagle being a returning medalist and Eck being a Division I commit with a win over McMonagle last weekend, Condomitti is my favorite here. He went to sudden victory with McMonagle last year in the first round of states, but he’s grown by leaps and bounds as a sophomore. Having one of the best wrestlers in the country at home to beat him up in their basement certainly helps, but Condomitti has turned into a dynamo on his feet. He scored 60 points in three matches last week, and somebody is going to have to score with him here.
The Sleeper: William Morrow (North Penn)
Third place in the southeast gives you a lot of tough draws in this bracket, but Morrow is in a pretty good position to move on. Arner is one of the more beatable D11 finalists, then he can get dropped into a Miletics/Luke loser, both of whom he’d be favored against. Really good shot to make him a two-time qualifier.
Toughest First Round Match: Connor Eck vs. Preston Machado
Machado was a match away from states last year and is a sneaky four seed after Trey Miletics flipped their first round match in the consolation finals at NE Regionals. Eck is still a favorite, but it is a tougher match than the other top seeds here.
Semifinal Predictions: Connor Eck vs. William Morrow and Sam McMonagle vs. Dagen Condomitti
Eck and Morrow both should get by in our first weight really dominated by District 1. Eck beat up Morrow in their sectional final and I’d expect more of the same to give Bensalem a state qualifier for the fifth year in a row. McMonagle and Condomitti is what I expected for the final here but we’ll have to settle for it as a semi. This was an overtime match at states last year, and I think that Codomitti has grown a ton and can flip it. But either is a high medalist threat in Hershey.
Blood Round Predictions: Sam McMonagle vs. Xavier Arner and William Morrow vs. Trey Miletics
McMonagle and Morrow will drop to the two District 11 guys in the field. Again, outside of Condomitti there aren’t high end D11 guys here, and McMonagle in particular should win pretty easily.
Finals: Dagen Condomitti vs. Connor Eck
District 1 is going to get three berths here, but I don’t think they get the top spot. This is really the coming out party for the Northampton sophomore and a chance to win a regional title with his brother. This feels like a “need two takedowns to win” bout, and Condomitti has a little more jazz on his feet.
State Qualifier Predictions
1. Dagen Condomitti, Northampton
2. Connor Eck, Bensalem
3. Sam McMonagle, WC Henderson
4. William Morrow, North Penn
152
#6 Zac Martin, Neshaminy (Sr. – SE1; Lehigh) vs.
CJ Denmark, Pittston (Sr. – NE4)
#13 Chase Barlow, Strath Haven (Jr. – SE3) vs.
#20 Noah Okamoto, Nazareth (So. – NE2)
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#9 Dom D’Agostino, Interboro (Jr.- SE2) vs.
#21 Kordell Waiters, Emmaus (Sr. – NE3)
#14 Zach Needles, Spring-Ford (Sr. – SE4) vs.
#5 Evan Gleason, Bethlehem Catholic (Sr. – NE1; Harvard)
The Favorite: Evan Gleason (Bethlehem Catholic)
Gleason was a D11 champ, state semifinalist, and 5th place finisher in 2020 after sitting out his sophomore season after transferring to Bethlehem Catholic and losing eligibility. He was a state qualifier as a freshman for Easton, and I think his skills were pretty clear early on. Gleason is great on top – he’s tall for a 152 and is really good at using strength and leverage, particularly as a leg rider. He’s the cap to a loaded stretch in the Becahi lineup.
The Sleeper: Zach Needles (Spring-Ford)
Needles wrestles a great schedule at Spring-Ford and has a next level workout partner in the room. He fought through a very good SE Regional and certainly won’t be intimidated by a first round match with Gleason.
Toughest First Round Match: Evan Gleason vs. Zach Needles
Not a bad little opening match here. Gleason is the favorite, but this might be the first offensive points he gives up this postseason.
Semifinals: Zac Martin vs. Chase Barlow and Dom D’Agostino vs. Evan Gleason
Zac Martin is a returning state medalist and definitely on a tier with Gleason and Barlow that sits just behind the monster four from out west. After Dom D’Agostino spoiled a Barlow-Martin match in the D1 finals, we’ll get it in semis here. Take Martin. On the bottom, D’Agostino’s Cinderella run ends with a loss to Waiters, who hasn’t had a shot at Gleason yet, but should be dispatched by the Golden Hawk in the other semi.
BloodRound: Chase Barlow vs. Zach Needles and Dom D’Agostino vs. Noah Okamoto
Needles has a pair of losses to Barlow this year and Barlow has stretched the gap. I think he’ll push it a little further to punch a bid to states. Similarly on the other side, Noah Okamoto has a chance to really make a name for himself as a sophomore. D’Agostino is a state qualifier and looked really strong last weekend in the D1 tournament. Nazareth always has somebody break out, I think it’s Okamoto.
Finals: Evan Gleason over Zac Martin
This is in the mix for the best finals bout of the night. A really good bout between two high state medalists candidates who have never met before. Gleason is such a good mat wrestler that I think he can shorten the bout and wear on Martin enough to edge him in a 3-1, 4-2 sort of bout. It’s also a bout we may see a lot of in the EIWA in years to come with Gleason at Harvard and Martin at Lehigh.
State Qualifier Predictions
1. Evan Gleason, Bethlehem Catholic
2. Zac Martin, Neshaminy
3. Chase Barlow, Strath Haven
4. Noah Okamoto, Nazareth
160
#3 Jack McGill, Spring-Ford (Sr. – SE1; Columbia) vs.
James Spindler, Pittston (So. – NE4)
#21 Mason Stein, CB East (Jr. – SE3) vs.
#16 Landon Muth, Bethlehem Catholic (So.- NE2)
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#11 Matt Colajezzi, Council Rock South (Jr.) vs.
#18 Ryan Fairchild, Nazareth (Jr.)
#22 Bo Horvath, Downingtown East (So.) vs.
#1 Jagger Condomitti, Northampton (Sr.)
The Favorite: Jagger Condomitti, Northampton
Probably the biggest favorite in the field, Condomitti is ranked fourth nationally and is the clear #1 in the state. Condomitti is a returning state runner-up, losing a tight match to Cole Handlovic (Bethlehem Catholic – now Cornell) in the finals when both were ranked in the top 8 nationally – he split with Handlovic at Districts and Regionals before losing the rubber match. Condomitti is a risk taker and can beat you in a million ways. Lots of offense to both sides, not afraid to go upper body, and while he’s not a rider per se, he’s got some really good and physical turns from top. He’s ranked fourth nationally and is a top 20 overall recruit in his class, regardless of weight class. If you’re going to watch one wrestler this weekend, Condomitti is the pick.
The Sleeper: Matt Colajezzi (Council Rock South)
Colajezzi is on track to be a four time state qualifier and is the standard bearer for Council Rock South this season. Brad Silimperi’s bunch don’t have as many qualifiers as in years past, but Colajezzi is a threat to the top two here.
Toughest First Round Match: Matt Colajezzi vs. Ryan Fairchild
Colajezzi will have to prove it right out of the gate though. Fairchild has come into his own throughout the year and is part of a big Nazareth contingent of state qualifiers through the middle.
Semifinals: Jack McGill vs. Landon Muth and Matt Colajezzi vs. Jagger Condomitti
Jack McGill is a three-time state qualifier and took 7th last year at 152. The Columbia bound senior has been a lynchpin of the Spring-Ford lineup with Joey Milano since there freshman year that has vaulted them to the top of District 1. He’s a decided favorite in the top half – I think Landon Muth will be a state caliber wrestler next season, but he’s still a little green. On the bottom half, Colajezzi runs into the Condomitti buzz saw.
Blood Round: Landon Muth vs. Ryan Fairchild and Matt Colajezzi vs. James Spindler
A loss to McGill drops Muth into the Fairchild-Horvath winner where I think he’s a favorite against either. Colajezzi gets the Spinderl-Stein winner where he is a clear favorite too.
Finals: Jagger Condomitti vs. Jack McGill
Jack McGill is really good. A Division I recruit, ranked 20ish or so in the country at this weight class. If it were football, he’d be a solid four star. Jagger Condomitti is as five star as they come. He’ll win here.
State Qualifier Predictions
1. Jagger Condomitti, Northampton
2. Jack McGill, Spring-Ford
3. Matt Colajezzi, Council Rock South
4. Landon Muth, Bethlehem Catholic
172
#12 Jack Lledo, Lower Merion (Jr. – SE1) vs.
#22 Regan Loughney, LaSalle (Sr. – NE4)
#21 Matt Romanelli, Downingtown East (Sr. – SE3; Columbia) vs.
#11 Sonny Sasso, Nazareth (So – NE2.)
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Darrale Barrett, Kennett (Jr. – SE2) vs.
#13 Wayne McIntyre, East Stroudsburg North (Jr. – NE3)
Marke Seaman, WC Rustin (So. – SE4) vs.
#3 Dominic Falcone, Easton (Sr. – NE1; Army)
The Favorite: Dominic Falcone (Easton)
The Easton bunch has pegged Falcone as a potential state champ since his eight grade year. He’s a brick shithouse who is an excellent hand fighter who controls ties – he lives in a Russian or underhooks and creates tons of leg offense from there. He’s also one of the best athletes in the field – he’s an all conference linebacker despite being 5’7 175 pounds – just very explosive in short space, so he finishes really well. He was a freshman state qualifier at 170, and has medaled the last two years – including taking 7th in last years bracket of death at 170.
The Sleeper: Matt Romanelli, Downingtown East
Romanelli was a state qualifier last year in the aforementioned bracket of death and gave Falcone a tough first round matchup. He’s a bigger 170 and his semifinal loss in the D1 tournament actually drops him into a pretty favorable bracket placement.
Toughest First Round Match: Matt Romanelli vs. Sonny Sasso
Of course, that placement means he has to get by Sonny Sasso first. Sasso is a good 6’4 and a weird height match up at this weight class. He’s ultra funky and not an easy guy to wrestle for the first time. His older brother, Sammy, is the #2 ranked wrestler at 149 in the NCAA for Ohio State, and won two state titles at Nazareth.
Semifinals: Jack Lledo vs. Sonny Sasso and Wayne McIntyre vs. Dominic Falcone
Lledo was kind of a surprise winner to me at the D1 tournament with a semifinal win over Romanelli. He should handle Loughney in the first round. But Sasso is a really tough match up – he’s so hard to score on and if you get stuck underneath, look out. I think we’re in the middle of a star turn for the Nazareth sophomore and he gets to finals. On the other side, McIntyre is trying to become East Stroudsburg North’s first state qualifier. He hasn’t hit Falcone yet, he’s lost to Sasso in semis by fall the last two weekends, but he gets his shot here.
Blood Round: Jack Lledo vs. Darrale Barrett and Wayne McIntyre vs. Matt Romanelli
Lledo drops into a rematch of the D1 finals against Barrett where he’d be the favorite. On the other side is a great match between Romaneli and McIntyre. McIntyre has been a great story from a non-traditional program, but I think the Cinderella run ends here.
Finals: Dominic Falcone vs. Sonny Sasso
Falcone has won this 3-2 and 5-2 the last two weeks. His biggest improvement last week was getting out so quickly from bottom. I think Sasso’s path to victory involves riding Falcone to shorten the match or even getting a turn. On their feet, Falcone hasn’t scored a lot, but he dictates position and capitalizes on every Sasso mistake.
State Qualifier Predictions
1. Dom Falcone, Easton
2. Sonny Sasso, Nazareth
3. Matt Romanelli, Downingtown East
4. Jack Lledo, Lower Merion
189
#1 Joey Milano, Spring-Ford (Sr. – SE1; NC State) vs.
#23 AJ DeRosa, Bethlehem Catholic (Sr. – NE4)
#24 Koh Bauman, WC Henderson (Sr. – SE3) vs.
#3 Drew Clearie, Nazareth (Sr. – NE2; Brown)
-
#14 Sam DiTrolio, Garnet Valley (Jr. – SE2) vs.
#9 Bryce Molinaro, Hazleton (Jr. – NE3)
Blake Silber, Council Rock North (Sr. – SE4) vs.
#2 Isaiah Reinert, Easton (Sr. – NE1; Lock Haven)
The Favorite: Joey Milano (Spring-Ford)
Milano takes over as the #1 ranked wrestler in the state after Clearie’s loss last week in the NE Regional final. Milano misses his freshman postseason with an injury, then took 4th the last two seasons at 182. He’s vicious on top, with one of the best cross-wrist series in the state. He’s wrestled a ton with the other contenders here – he beat Clearie twice during the regular season, but lost the state 3rd/4th place match and beat Reinert three times, including a tech-fall in the state tournament. Again, if he gets a wrist trapped, its pretty much over.
The Sleeper: Bryce Molinaro (Hazleton)
Molinaro is a state qualifier and the solid #4 here. I’ve said, Milano, Reinert, and Clearie in some combination could be the state final, but Molinaro is in that next group that could finish high on the medal stand. He struggled with Reinert last week, but will get a second crack here.
Toughest First Round Match: Joey Milano vs. AJ DeRosa
Milano does have a tough first assignment. DeRosa was a state qualifier in New Jersey as a sophomore, then had to sit out last postseason as an athletic transfer to Bethlehem Catholic. He’s big (he wrestled up at 215 most of the year) and has sharpened in the Becahi room, so Milano will have to earn his first win.
Semifinals: Joey Milano vs. Drew Clearie and Bryce Molinaro vs. Isaiah Reinert
Milano and Clearie have met three times, with Clearie’s performance progressively improving. Milano handled him 8-3 in the opening weekend last year, then Clearie held a 3-2 lead late into their finals match at the Hurricane Classic before Milano got a takedown on the edge with seconds to spare to win 4-3. Then Clearie flipped the result at states with a comfortable 5-2 match to take third. Milano is a little more fluid of an athlete, Clearie is more polished in neutral, while Milano is the better mat wrestler. It’s going to be close, this is a very possible state final, but I think Milano can get this round. On the other side, Reinert beat Molinaro 9-2 last weekend and it wasn’t that close. I think he can stretch it to a major if he spends a little less time trying to pin him.
Blood Round: Bryce Molinaro vs. AJ DeRosa and Drew Clearie vs. Sam DiTrolio
Molinaro beat DeRosa last week in the regional quarterfinals and I’d expect a similar 5-3ish result here. Clearie should storm back for third after losing to Milano (and Milano would do the same)
Finals: Joey Milano vs. Isaiah Reinert
While the Milano-Clearie matches have been close, Reinert has really struggled with Milano – losing 11-0, 19-3, and getting pinned. Styles make fights – Reinert is a scrambler who fires off a ton of attacks then wrestlers through weird positions, and a cross body rider with some unorthodox turns. Milano is slick enough that he really limits scrambles and Reinert really has struggled from bottom against top tier guys. Milano is talented enough to beat Reinert in a track meet, and is just on another level from top.
State Qualifier Predictions
1. Joey Milano, Spring-Ford
2. Isaiah Reinert, Easton
3. Drew Clearie, Nazareth
4. Bryce Molinaro, Hazleton
215
#1 Ryan Catka, Sun Valley (Sr. – SE1; Navy)
Dante Burns, LaSalle (Fr.- NE4)
#9 Carl DiGiorgio, CB West (Jr. – SE3)
#6 Seth Hunsinger, Hazleton (Sr. – NE2)
-
#8 Quinn Collins, CB East (Jr. – SE2)
#10 Chase Levey, Nazareth (Jr. – NE3)
#21 Lucas Doyle, Council Rock South (Jr. – SE4)
#4 Jason Henderson, Delawrae Valley (Sr. – NE1; Old Dominion - football)
The Favorite: Ryan Catka (Sun Valley)
Catka was the third place finisher at 195 last year in Hershey and is the lone nationally ranked wrestler in the field. Catka’s older brother Hunter was a two-time state champion, Cadet Wolrd Team member, and is Virginia Tech’s heavyweight as a true freshman. The younger Catka isn’t quite the physical specimen of his brother, but he’s the most physical guy in the weight and is the favorite to win the state title.
The Sleeper: Chase Levey (Nazareth)
Levey was a regional qualifier as a freshman – no easy feat at 195 pounds. But he missed all of last year with a football injury, and he seems to have fallen off of the radar despite being really talented. Levey won the D11 title by fall, then lost a track meet with Seth Hunsinger last week in semifinals. He’s not quite on Catka or Henderson’s level, but might be the third best guy in the weight.
Toughest First Round Match: Carl DiGiorgio vs. Hunsinger
A pair of top ten wretlers here in DiGiorgio and Hunsinger. This was a 6-2 match at states last year with Hunsinger winning. It’ll be a scrap to see who gets a crack at Catka.
Semifinals: Ryan Catka vs. Seth Hunsinger and Chase Levey vs. Jason Henderson
Catka is a solid favorite on the top – he beat Hunsinger 10-3 last year in state quarters and there is no reason to believe that he’s fallen off since that match up. Levey gets a shot at Henderson, who might be the best athlete in the gym. He’s a two-time All State middle lienbacker who led Pennsylvania 6A in tackles as a junior and is going to play linebacker at Old Dominion. He’s a tank from his feet and a solid favorite over Levey.
Blood Round: Carl DiGiorgio vs. Chase Levey and Quinn Collins vs. Seth Hunsinger
Levey likely drops into the Hunsinger/DeGiorgio loser. I think he can get by either if he puts together a little more solid six minutes. Quinn Collins has a great rivalrywith DiGiorgio and I’d like to see them lock horns at least one more time, but Hunsinger is at the top of their tier.
Finals: Jason Henderson vs. Ryan Catka
This is going to be really fun. Two big, athletic upperweights who can score points from their feet. I think Henderson gets slept on because he’s a football player first, but despite how I’ve framed him, he’s not just an athlete wrestling – he’s got real skills. But he does have an athleticism advantage on Catka, and he’s probably the only kid in the state I would say that about in this weight. I like the upset.
State Qualifier Predictions
1. Jason Henderson, Delaware Valley
2. Ryan Catka, Sun Valley
3. Seth Hunsinger, Hazleton
4. Chase Levey, Nazareth
285
#6 Julien Laventure, Upper Darby (Jr.)
#16 Sebastian Khamis, Stroudsburg (Sr.)
#21 Frederick Retter, Quakertown (Jr.)
#14 Cameron Butka, West Scranton (Sr.)
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#7 Max Harar, Council Rock North (Sr.)
#10 Matthew Cruise, Easton (Jr.)
Daetrel Jerome, Radnor (Sr.)
#9 Sean Kinney, Nazareth (Fr.)
The Favorite: Sean Kinney (Nazareth)
The freshman phenom has to be the pick to win it. Kinney has a D11 and NE Regional title, both by fall, and has definitely shown himself as the future of Pennsylvania heavyweights. Kinney is huge – during football season he was listed at 6’4 295 and didn’t compete early in the season while he was getting down to heavyweight. He’s not dynamic yet from his feet, he stays in good position, handfights, and is a great counter wrestler. But he’s really good on the mat – he knows how to use pressure, stays on his feet and makes guys carry his weight, and knows how to turn and finish. He’s not complete yet, but he’s really good.
The Sleeper: Cameron Butka (West Scranton)
Butka is a smaller heavyweight – he spent most of 2020 at 195, but makes up for his lack of size with a real motor and motion. West Scranton has had a good run of upper weights, and Butka is a guy they’ve really developed. He’s also got a nice bracket spot where he isn’t going to see any match up problems.
Toughest First Round Match: Max Harar vs. Matthew Cruise
Harar and Cruise both have spent most of the year ranked in the top 5 in the state, but took losses at regionals that drop them into a first round match with each other. Harar was a state qualifier last year at heavyweight and has the best track record of any of the District 1 guys. Cruise was sophomore qualifier at 220 and has grown into heavyweight but kept his light feet and gas tank as he’s moved up.
Semifinals: Matthew Cruise vs. Sean Kinney and Julien Laventure vs. Cameron Butka
I’m probably a homer and have Cruise getting by Harar to set up a third match with Kinney. IN the D11 semis, Kinney completely outwrestled him – using a second period reversal then riding Cruise out for the rest of the match. Last week, Cruise had a ton of scoring opportunities and was able to find a way out from bottom. If he can escape, he makes it a one takedown match. Kinney got the score in OT when Cruise bailed a little too late on a shot, but Kinney hasn’t shown the ability to get to legs the same way Cruise has. The more they wrestle, the better the chance Cruise gets those scores. On the other side, Julien Laventure is a huge heavyweight – he’s listed at 280 on their football roster, and he’s opened up his offense after qualifying for states last year and is at a different level. Butka will have to beat him with speed and wear his conditioning down, which is certainly in his skillset, but Laventures size means one mistake probably costs him the match.
Blood Round: Sean Kinney vs. Sebastian Khamis and Cameron Butka vs. Max Harar
Kinney has pinned Khamis twice and this week should be no different. Khamis is a big heavyweight, but doesn’t have a strength or skill advantage with Kinney. On the other side, Butka drops into a really tough match – either with Harar or Matthew Cruise. From a style standpoint, he’d probably rather see Cruise as a slightly smaller heavyweight, but he’s an underdog against both.
Champ: Matthew Cruise over Julien Laventure
Matthew Cruise has been building as a state contender – he missed regionals by a match as a freshman 195, then was a D11 and NE Regional finalist last year at 220 and missed medaling by a match. He’s filled out – listed at 240 on their football roster – but is really active from his feet and is great on top. He has good wins on his resume – he beat 2A finalist Kolby Flank and Ohio state champ Max Fausnaugh last season – and was ranked as high as #5 in the state before his losses to Kinney. I think if he gets by Kinney he can and will win the weight class, though he has the toughest path to do it.
State Qualifer Predictions
1. Matthew Cruise, Easton
2. Julien Laventure, Upper Darby
3. Sean Kinney, Nazareth
4. Max Harar, Council Rock North
