The toughest region in the state - once again the WPIAL is loaded. Normally, top four here would be qualifying for Hershey, but this year it is the top 3 advancing to a Super Regional bloodbath with the top 3 from District 3 (South Central Region) and the top 2 from District 4/6/8/9/10 (Northwest Region). This will be the week that tons of state qualify kids get left home with the restricted postseason.
106
The favorite here is #2 Tyler Chappell (Seneca Valley), who won 25 matches and a sectional title as a freshman, but missed states after a brutal 106 class in the WPIAL. He’s back, finds himself in the back of the national rankings, and is on the shortlist of state title contenders in the lightest class. He finds himself in a tough quartile, and likely will see freshman #13 Andrew Binni (Canon-McMillan) in semis with a Super Regional berth on the line. Binni took third at jJunior High states as a 7th grader and is going to be heard from, but might be e year away from beating Chappell. The bottom half features #10 Antonio Walker (Plum), #12 Kyle Szewczyk (Waynesburg), and #23 Gio Schipani (North Hills), all freshmen to watch.
Predictions
1. Tyler Chappell, Seneca Valley (So.)
2. Ky Szewczyk, Waynesburg Central (Fr.)
3. Andrew Binni, Canon-McMillan (Fr.)
113
Returning state champion #1 Vinny Kilkeary (Greater Latrobe) is the favorite here by a mile. Kilkeary, ranked #3 nationally, is all excitement all the time – he loves to go upper body, scores a ton of points, and is amongst the strongest pound for pound wrestlers in the state. He should cruise through on the top half. On the tobbtom, #5 Troy Hohman (Penn-Trafford) and #10 Joe Simon (Waynesburg). Hohman was a state qualifier as a freshman, stealing that last spot at 106 out of the WPIAL. Simon has really strengthened the bottom of the Waynesburg lineup, and cements them as favorites to win the team state title. Best bet to to challenge for the third spot is #14 Anthony Ferraro (Pine-Richland), the fourth sectional champ.
1. Vinny Kilkeary, Greater Latrobe (So.)
2. Troy Hohman, Penn-Trafford (Jr.)
3. Joe Simon, Waynesburg (Fr.)
120
#1 Mac Church (Waynesburg) is the clear favorite here both in the region and state. Church took 3rd at 106 as a freshman, losing a controversial quarterfinal match up that denied him a chance to become Waynesburg’s first freshman champion since Jim Conklin won his first of four titles in 1940. His toughest competitors are both in the bottom half of the bracket in #7 Dylan Coy (North Allegheny) and #11 Jacob Houpt (Canon-McMillan). Coy was a state qualifier in 2020 and lost in the blood round, while Houpt missed Hershey by one match. Both should move on, with Coy a slight favorite in that semi. #21 Chad Ozias (Connellsville) and #18 Ethan Lebin (Hempfield Area) have a dogfight in the first round, with the winner in the best spot to get a crack at Houpt for a state bid after losing to Church in semis.
Predictions
1. Mac Church, Waynesburg (So.)
2. Dylan Coy, North Allegheny (Jr.)
3. Jacob Houpt, Canon-McMillan (Jr.)
126
This is where things get crazy. Three different state champs, three of the top five in the state, five of the top 11, and only three Super Regional spots to go around. Your top ranked wrestler is #1 Carter Dibert (Franklin Regional) an Arizona State commit and state champ in 2019 at 106. Dibert took third last year at 113, getting upset by Dante Frinzi (Bethlehem Catholic) in quarters before wrestling back for a bronze medal. Dibert uses the tightwaist tilt series as well as anybody in the state and racks up huge points on top. The state champ at 113 last year was #2 Ethan Berginc (Hempfield Area). Berginc was third at the WPIAL tournament, but caught fire in Hershey, knocking off three regional champions, sealed with a late takedown of Aiden Lewis (Cedar Cliff) to win it all. He’s a grinder, but certainly has a postseason track record. Berginc opens with Vincent Citrano (Plum) who he knocked out in the regional blood round last year. The toughest first round match is #5 Mason Prinkey (Conellsville) and #11 Blake Reihner (Trinity) – Prinkey was a state medalist at 106 in 2019, while Reihner is a highly regarded freshman who has won 25 matches already in his career. On the top half, Dibert will likely see #10 Zander Phaturos (Waynesburg) in semis. Phaturos won a state title in Arizona last year before moving to southwestern PA. Two of those wrestlers will go home - with Prinkey-Phaturos likely being the match for all the marbles.
Predictions
1. Carter Dibert, Franklin Regional (Sr. – Arizona State)
2. Ethan Berginc, Hempfield Area (Sr. – Army)
3. Mason Prinkey, Connellsville (Sr.)
132
A fourth straight state #1 but a heavy favorite here in Dylan Chappell (Seneca Valley). Chappell is a two-time state finalist, losing to Carter Dibert at 106 in 2019 and Will Betancourt (Manheim Township – now at Lock Haven) on a late takedown last year at 126. Chappell is loaded for bear this season and is the favorite in a pretty open weight class. #6 Colton Stoneking (Waynesburg) should come out of the bottom of the bracket and he has really jumped a level since being a dependable but unspectacular starter as a sophomore. He’s got a fun semi with #7 Briar Priest (Hempfield Area), though both should safely advance to Super Regionals. #10 Nate Roth (Greater Latrobe) is the fourth top ten wrestler in the weight, he’ll get a crack at Chappell in semis. #15 Costa Moore (Canon-McMillan) is a former state qualifier, but opens with Chappell, then gets the Stoneking-Priest loser in a consolation match – he’ll need an upset to extend his season.
Predictions
1. Dylan Chappell, Seneca Valley (Sr.)
2. Colton Stoneking, Waynesburg (Jr.)
3. Briar Priest, Hempfield Area (Jr.)
138
Another ho-hum bracket with three of the top five wrestlers in the state. #2 Finn Solomon (Franklin Regional) was a state finalist as a freshman, but got pinned in wrestlebacks at regionals, ending his season before Hershey. He’s another hammer on top from Franklin Regional and is a match up problem in this weight class. #4 Cole Homet (Waynesburg) is a two-time state medalist whose onl postseason losses last year came to state champs Kenny Hermann (Bethlehem Catholic – now Harvard) and Alejandro Herrera-Rondon (Seneca Valley – see 152). Homet is the better wrestler from neutral should those two hit in finals. Also in the state top five is #5 Dylan Evans (Chartiers Valley), who Homet beat last weekend for a sectional crown. drops Evans into a semi with Solomon which gives some fireworks on that half of the bracket. Evans took 8th last year at 126 and like Homet is on track to be a four-time state medalist. The best bet to crash the part is #14 Lucas Kapusta (Hempfield Area), a sophomore who won the Section II championship last weekend.
Predictions
1. Cole Homet, Waynesburg (Jr.)
2. Finn Solomon, Franklin Regional (Jr.)
3. Dylan Evans, Chartiers Valley (So.)
145
Any time Iowa comes in and gets a kid from Pennsylvania, you know he’s a big deal. Returning state champion #1 Wyatt Henson (Waynesburg) is ranked #4 nationally and is one of the best college prospects in PA. The genes are great – his father is Sammy “The Bull” Henson, a Olympic silver medalist and two-time NCAA champion. Wyatt wrestlers like his dad – super physical, great in tie ups and in short offense. He beat two-time state champ Sammy Hillegas (North Hills – now at Virginia Tech) to win his title last year, and doesn’t have anybody of that caliber to push him on his way to a second. The top three guys at this weight stateweide are all in the WPIAL. #2 John Alteri (Norwin) was fourth in Hershey last year at 138, and pulled a mild upset last week with a sectional finals win over #3 Ty Linsenbigler (Hempfield Area). Linsenbigler dropped down from 152 to avoid the deepest weight in Pennsylvania, and is a two-time state medalist, fifth last year at 145 and fourth as a sophomore at 138. Those two will hit in semis on the bottom half, though Alteieri has a first round match up with Junior High state champion #25 Bodie Morgan (Trinity) and while I don’t think the freshman will win, he’ll push Altieri. Henson should see #9 Kelin Laffey (Pine-Richland) in his semi, who in a normal year would feel pretty good about going to Hershey, but he's got a tall order beating one of the top three guys in the state to get there.
Predictions
1. Wyatt Henson, Wyanesburg (Sr. – Iowa)
2. Ty Linsenbigler, Hempfield Area (Sr. – Lock Haven)
3. John Altieri, Norwin (Sr. – Bucknell)
152
This is the best weight in Pennsylvania, with four nationally ranked wrestlers at the top, six Division I commits, six returning state medalists, and ten returning state qualifiers. Three of those nationally ranked kids are in the WPIAL, including #1 Alejandro Herrara-Rondon (Seneca Valley). AHR was a state champion as a freshman and sophomore, but took fourth last year, dropping his semifinal in ultimate tiebreakerHe owns wins over #2 Rocco Welsh (Waynesburg) this season, but the precocious sophomore certainly could knock him off in the next three weeks. Welsh was the state r runner up at 126 last year and is as physical as they come. #4 Jared Keslar (Connellsivlle) was another state semifinalist last year, who knocked out two regional champions on his way to a fourth lace finish at 145. Keslar is the most wide open wrestler in the weight class, who can really score from his feet and make people uncomfortable in scrambles. Keslar and Welsh in semis may be the best match of the weekend. AHR is ranked #3 nationally, Welsh #5 and Keslar #6. I’m going to go a little off the board here with Keslar winning, but this will be nuts all the way through, particularly when #3 Paniro Johnson (Erie Cathedral Prep) gets added to this mix next weekend at Super Regionals.
Predictions
1. Jared Keslar, Connellsville (Jr.)
2. Alejandro Herrera-Rondon, Senca Valley (Sr. – Oklahoma)
3. Rocco Welsh, Waynesburg (So.)
160
Football fans are quite familiar with the favorite here, #2 Cole Spencer (Pine-Richland). The 5A football player of the year and two-time state medalist is a solid favorite both to win the WPIAL and to make a state finals run. His biggest challenge this weekend comes from #6 Enzo Morlacci (Kiski Area) who finds himself in the back half of some national rankings and has come into his own as a junior. That should be the regional final. #8 Chase Kranitz (NOrwin) should give MOrlacci a push in semis and the returning state qualifier certainly has a shot to be Spencer’s finals opponent. #12 Nate Stephenson (Waynesburg) is in the top half with Spencer, and would be the fourth guy and has the best shot ot challenge Kranitz for the last spot.
Predictions
1. Cole Spencer, Pine-Richland (Sr. – Penn)
2. Enzo Morlacci, Kiski Area (Jr.)
3. Chase Kranitz, Norwin (Jr.)
172
Anther solid favorite here in #2 Luca Augustine (Waynesburg). Augustine tok 6th last year at 160 after spending a lot of the year in the national rankings after a red hot Ironman to start the season. Augustine is a bruiser who really embodies the physical style at Waynesburg. #5 Sammy Starr (Kiski Area) is the favorite in the bottom half of the bracket and finds himself ranked nationally in a couple publications. He’ll have to contend with #9 Brian Finnerty (Thomas Jefferson), who is looking for his first trip to states. With Augustine is rising star #10 Matthew Furman (canon-McMillan). Sophomores making a dent at 172 are usually future state champs, and Furman definitely has that label attached. I like him to knock out Finnerty for the final Super Regional spot. #21 Keith Brubach (Mars) is the other ranked wrestler at the weight, but with four of the top ten, not a lot of room here to qualify for Supers.
Predictions
1. Luca Augustine, Waynesburg (Sr. – Pittsburgh)
2. Sammy Starr, Kiski Area (Sr.)
3. Matthew Furman, Canon-McMillan (So.)
189
This weight class has taken a major hit in the WPIAL. Mac Stout (Mount Lebanon) is a returning state finalist and a clear cut #1 in the state, but suffered a serious knee injury at PowerAde last month, ending the junior’s season. Donovan McMillan (Peters Township) is another state finalist who could be at this weight class, but the four star safety is an early enrollee for football at Florida and obviously will not wrestle. With those two gone, it’s wide open. #8 Brayden Roscosky (Kiski Area) was 6th in Hershey at 195 last year and spent most of the year in the top five, but was upset by #7 Justin Hart (Hampton) in last week’s sectional final. Hart is looking to be a four time state qualifier but has yet to medal in Hershey. Both are mobile for big guys and are good picks to see each other in another final this week. #13 Cooper Baxter (Butler) is looking to play spoiler on the bottom half with Roscosky, while #19 Logan Hoffman (Belle Vernon) and #18 Liam Volk-Kloss (Seneca Valley) will get their crack at Hart up top, depending on who surives their first round match up. The loser will likely see Baxter in the consy semi, while the winner will have to beat Baxter for third to get the Super spot.
Predictions
1. Brayden Roscosky, Kiski Area (Sr.)
2. Justin Hart, Hampton (Sr.)
3. Cooper Baxter, Butler (Jr.)
215
This weight class got a shot in the arm with the addition of #7 Logan Harmon (Armstrong), who moved up from 189 to avoid the logjam there. While this weight class is less deep, it does feature #2 Cole Weightman (Belle Vernon). Weightman medaled here as a sophomore, and is one of the best upper weight athletes in Pennsylvania. He’s certainly in the mix for a state title and is both a Division I recruit as a wrestler and as a football player, where he was an All State linebacker in 4A this season. . Harmon was a state qualifier last season and should come out of the bottom bracket to see Weightman in the final. #18 Ty Banco (Trinity) is Weightman’s challenger up top, the former Junior High state champ is maybe the future of heavyweight in PA, but isn’t quite there to beat Weightman. #15 Brady Leczo (North Allegheny) is the other big favorite to make Super Regionals and should see Harmon in the semifinals. It should be a fun bout between him and Banco for the Super Regional spot - the stronger, more experienced older guy versus a green but talented sophomore.
Predictions
1. Cole Weightman, Belle Vernon (Jr.)
2. Logan Harmon, Armstrong (Sr.)
3. Ty Banco, Trinity (So.)
285
The biggest upset of last weekend was at heavyweight, where #2 Billy McChesney (Greensburg-Salem) beat #2 Isaiah Vance (Hempfield Area) to take the Section II title. Vance was a state finalist in 2020 and is ranked #8 nationally at heavyweight after winning PowerAde and beating National Prep champion Coltin Deery (Malvern Prep). He had beaten McChesney ten straight times, including in the 2020 WPIAL finals. McChesney did not come out of nowhere though – he was 7th at heavyweight as a sophomore, no small feat for an underclassman. He’s got a handful of FCS offers as an defensive tackle, though could see his wrestling stock skyrocket depending on how he navigates a really good heavyweight class. #6 Dawson Dietz (Hampton) is another returning state qualifier who will see Vance in the bottom half semis. #13Ryan Howard (Waynesburg) is the major possibility to advance, he’s bulked up after a solid season at 220 and would put an exclamation mark on a big weekend from Waynesburg if he could upst Dietz for the third spot. #21 Tyson Brophy (Trinity), and Stone Joseph (Kiski Area) are other contenders for that final spot. Joseph has battled injuries but is amongst the most talented guys in the weight
Predictions
1. Isaiah Vance, Hempfield Area (Sr. – Army)
2. Billy McChesney, Greensburg-Salem (Jr.)
3. Dawson Dietz, Hampton (Sr.)
106
The favorite here is #2 Tyler Chappell (Seneca Valley), who won 25 matches and a sectional title as a freshman, but missed states after a brutal 106 class in the WPIAL. He’s back, finds himself in the back of the national rankings, and is on the shortlist of state title contenders in the lightest class. He finds himself in a tough quartile, and likely will see freshman #13 Andrew Binni (Canon-McMillan) in semis with a Super Regional berth on the line. Binni took third at jJunior High states as a 7th grader and is going to be heard from, but might be e year away from beating Chappell. The bottom half features #10 Antonio Walker (Plum), #12 Kyle Szewczyk (Waynesburg), and #23 Gio Schipani (North Hills), all freshmen to watch.
Predictions
1. Tyler Chappell, Seneca Valley (So.)
2. Ky Szewczyk, Waynesburg Central (Fr.)
3. Andrew Binni, Canon-McMillan (Fr.)
113
Returning state champion #1 Vinny Kilkeary (Greater Latrobe) is the favorite here by a mile. Kilkeary, ranked #3 nationally, is all excitement all the time – he loves to go upper body, scores a ton of points, and is amongst the strongest pound for pound wrestlers in the state. He should cruise through on the top half. On the tobbtom, #5 Troy Hohman (Penn-Trafford) and #10 Joe Simon (Waynesburg). Hohman was a state qualifier as a freshman, stealing that last spot at 106 out of the WPIAL. Simon has really strengthened the bottom of the Waynesburg lineup, and cements them as favorites to win the team state title. Best bet to to challenge for the third spot is #14 Anthony Ferraro (Pine-Richland), the fourth sectional champ.
1. Vinny Kilkeary, Greater Latrobe (So.)
2. Troy Hohman, Penn-Trafford (Jr.)
3. Joe Simon, Waynesburg (Fr.)
120
#1 Mac Church (Waynesburg) is the clear favorite here both in the region and state. Church took 3rd at 106 as a freshman, losing a controversial quarterfinal match up that denied him a chance to become Waynesburg’s first freshman champion since Jim Conklin won his first of four titles in 1940. His toughest competitors are both in the bottom half of the bracket in #7 Dylan Coy (North Allegheny) and #11 Jacob Houpt (Canon-McMillan). Coy was a state qualifier in 2020 and lost in the blood round, while Houpt missed Hershey by one match. Both should move on, with Coy a slight favorite in that semi. #21 Chad Ozias (Connellsville) and #18 Ethan Lebin (Hempfield Area) have a dogfight in the first round, with the winner in the best spot to get a crack at Houpt for a state bid after losing to Church in semis.
Predictions
1. Mac Church, Waynesburg (So.)
2. Dylan Coy, North Allegheny (Jr.)
3. Jacob Houpt, Canon-McMillan (Jr.)
126
This is where things get crazy. Three different state champs, three of the top five in the state, five of the top 11, and only three Super Regional spots to go around. Your top ranked wrestler is #1 Carter Dibert (Franklin Regional) an Arizona State commit and state champ in 2019 at 106. Dibert took third last year at 113, getting upset by Dante Frinzi (Bethlehem Catholic) in quarters before wrestling back for a bronze medal. Dibert uses the tightwaist tilt series as well as anybody in the state and racks up huge points on top. The state champ at 113 last year was #2 Ethan Berginc (Hempfield Area). Berginc was third at the WPIAL tournament, but caught fire in Hershey, knocking off three regional champions, sealed with a late takedown of Aiden Lewis (Cedar Cliff) to win it all. He’s a grinder, but certainly has a postseason track record. Berginc opens with Vincent Citrano (Plum) who he knocked out in the regional blood round last year. The toughest first round match is #5 Mason Prinkey (Conellsville) and #11 Blake Reihner (Trinity) – Prinkey was a state medalist at 106 in 2019, while Reihner is a highly regarded freshman who has won 25 matches already in his career. On the top half, Dibert will likely see #10 Zander Phaturos (Waynesburg) in semis. Phaturos won a state title in Arizona last year before moving to southwestern PA. Two of those wrestlers will go home - with Prinkey-Phaturos likely being the match for all the marbles.
Predictions
1. Carter Dibert, Franklin Regional (Sr. – Arizona State)
2. Ethan Berginc, Hempfield Area (Sr. – Army)
3. Mason Prinkey, Connellsville (Sr.)
132
A fourth straight state #1 but a heavy favorite here in Dylan Chappell (Seneca Valley). Chappell is a two-time state finalist, losing to Carter Dibert at 106 in 2019 and Will Betancourt (Manheim Township – now at Lock Haven) on a late takedown last year at 126. Chappell is loaded for bear this season and is the favorite in a pretty open weight class. #6 Colton Stoneking (Waynesburg) should come out of the bottom of the bracket and he has really jumped a level since being a dependable but unspectacular starter as a sophomore. He’s got a fun semi with #7 Briar Priest (Hempfield Area), though both should safely advance to Super Regionals. #10 Nate Roth (Greater Latrobe) is the fourth top ten wrestler in the weight, he’ll get a crack at Chappell in semis. #15 Costa Moore (Canon-McMillan) is a former state qualifier, but opens with Chappell, then gets the Stoneking-Priest loser in a consolation match – he’ll need an upset to extend his season.
Predictions
1. Dylan Chappell, Seneca Valley (Sr.)
2. Colton Stoneking, Waynesburg (Jr.)
3. Briar Priest, Hempfield Area (Jr.)
138
Another ho-hum bracket with three of the top five wrestlers in the state. #2 Finn Solomon (Franklin Regional) was a state finalist as a freshman, but got pinned in wrestlebacks at regionals, ending his season before Hershey. He’s another hammer on top from Franklin Regional and is a match up problem in this weight class. #4 Cole Homet (Waynesburg) is a two-time state medalist whose onl postseason losses last year came to state champs Kenny Hermann (Bethlehem Catholic – now Harvard) and Alejandro Herrera-Rondon (Seneca Valley – see 152). Homet is the better wrestler from neutral should those two hit in finals. Also in the state top five is #5 Dylan Evans (Chartiers Valley), who Homet beat last weekend for a sectional crown. drops Evans into a semi with Solomon which gives some fireworks on that half of the bracket. Evans took 8th last year at 126 and like Homet is on track to be a four-time state medalist. The best bet to crash the part is #14 Lucas Kapusta (Hempfield Area), a sophomore who won the Section II championship last weekend.
Predictions
1. Cole Homet, Waynesburg (Jr.)
2. Finn Solomon, Franklin Regional (Jr.)
3. Dylan Evans, Chartiers Valley (So.)
145
Any time Iowa comes in and gets a kid from Pennsylvania, you know he’s a big deal. Returning state champion #1 Wyatt Henson (Waynesburg) is ranked #4 nationally and is one of the best college prospects in PA. The genes are great – his father is Sammy “The Bull” Henson, a Olympic silver medalist and two-time NCAA champion. Wyatt wrestlers like his dad – super physical, great in tie ups and in short offense. He beat two-time state champ Sammy Hillegas (North Hills – now at Virginia Tech) to win his title last year, and doesn’t have anybody of that caliber to push him on his way to a second. The top three guys at this weight stateweide are all in the WPIAL. #2 John Alteri (Norwin) was fourth in Hershey last year at 138, and pulled a mild upset last week with a sectional finals win over #3 Ty Linsenbigler (Hempfield Area). Linsenbigler dropped down from 152 to avoid the deepest weight in Pennsylvania, and is a two-time state medalist, fifth last year at 145 and fourth as a sophomore at 138. Those two will hit in semis on the bottom half, though Alteieri has a first round match up with Junior High state champion #25 Bodie Morgan (Trinity) and while I don’t think the freshman will win, he’ll push Altieri. Henson should see #9 Kelin Laffey (Pine-Richland) in his semi, who in a normal year would feel pretty good about going to Hershey, but he's got a tall order beating one of the top three guys in the state to get there.
Predictions
1. Wyatt Henson, Wyanesburg (Sr. – Iowa)
2. Ty Linsenbigler, Hempfield Area (Sr. – Lock Haven)
3. John Altieri, Norwin (Sr. – Bucknell)
152
This is the best weight in Pennsylvania, with four nationally ranked wrestlers at the top, six Division I commits, six returning state medalists, and ten returning state qualifiers. Three of those nationally ranked kids are in the WPIAL, including #1 Alejandro Herrara-Rondon (Seneca Valley). AHR was a state champion as a freshman and sophomore, but took fourth last year, dropping his semifinal in ultimate tiebreakerHe owns wins over #2 Rocco Welsh (Waynesburg) this season, but the precocious sophomore certainly could knock him off in the next three weeks. Welsh was the state r runner up at 126 last year and is as physical as they come. #4 Jared Keslar (Connellsivlle) was another state semifinalist last year, who knocked out two regional champions on his way to a fourth lace finish at 145. Keslar is the most wide open wrestler in the weight class, who can really score from his feet and make people uncomfortable in scrambles. Keslar and Welsh in semis may be the best match of the weekend. AHR is ranked #3 nationally, Welsh #5 and Keslar #6. I’m going to go a little off the board here with Keslar winning, but this will be nuts all the way through, particularly when #3 Paniro Johnson (Erie Cathedral Prep) gets added to this mix next weekend at Super Regionals.
Predictions
1. Jared Keslar, Connellsville (Jr.)
2. Alejandro Herrera-Rondon, Senca Valley (Sr. – Oklahoma)
3. Rocco Welsh, Waynesburg (So.)
160
Football fans are quite familiar with the favorite here, #2 Cole Spencer (Pine-Richland). The 5A football player of the year and two-time state medalist is a solid favorite both to win the WPIAL and to make a state finals run. His biggest challenge this weekend comes from #6 Enzo Morlacci (Kiski Area) who finds himself in the back half of some national rankings and has come into his own as a junior. That should be the regional final. #8 Chase Kranitz (NOrwin) should give MOrlacci a push in semis and the returning state qualifier certainly has a shot to be Spencer’s finals opponent. #12 Nate Stephenson (Waynesburg) is in the top half with Spencer, and would be the fourth guy and has the best shot ot challenge Kranitz for the last spot.
Predictions
1. Cole Spencer, Pine-Richland (Sr. – Penn)
2. Enzo Morlacci, Kiski Area (Jr.)
3. Chase Kranitz, Norwin (Jr.)
172
Anther solid favorite here in #2 Luca Augustine (Waynesburg). Augustine tok 6th last year at 160 after spending a lot of the year in the national rankings after a red hot Ironman to start the season. Augustine is a bruiser who really embodies the physical style at Waynesburg. #5 Sammy Starr (Kiski Area) is the favorite in the bottom half of the bracket and finds himself ranked nationally in a couple publications. He’ll have to contend with #9 Brian Finnerty (Thomas Jefferson), who is looking for his first trip to states. With Augustine is rising star #10 Matthew Furman (canon-McMillan). Sophomores making a dent at 172 are usually future state champs, and Furman definitely has that label attached. I like him to knock out Finnerty for the final Super Regional spot. #21 Keith Brubach (Mars) is the other ranked wrestler at the weight, but with four of the top ten, not a lot of room here to qualify for Supers.
Predictions
1. Luca Augustine, Waynesburg (Sr. – Pittsburgh)
2. Sammy Starr, Kiski Area (Sr.)
3. Matthew Furman, Canon-McMillan (So.)
189
This weight class has taken a major hit in the WPIAL. Mac Stout (Mount Lebanon) is a returning state finalist and a clear cut #1 in the state, but suffered a serious knee injury at PowerAde last month, ending the junior’s season. Donovan McMillan (Peters Township) is another state finalist who could be at this weight class, but the four star safety is an early enrollee for football at Florida and obviously will not wrestle. With those two gone, it’s wide open. #8 Brayden Roscosky (Kiski Area) was 6th in Hershey at 195 last year and spent most of the year in the top five, but was upset by #7 Justin Hart (Hampton) in last week’s sectional final. Hart is looking to be a four time state qualifier but has yet to medal in Hershey. Both are mobile for big guys and are good picks to see each other in another final this week. #13 Cooper Baxter (Butler) is looking to play spoiler on the bottom half with Roscosky, while #19 Logan Hoffman (Belle Vernon) and #18 Liam Volk-Kloss (Seneca Valley) will get their crack at Hart up top, depending on who surives their first round match up. The loser will likely see Baxter in the consy semi, while the winner will have to beat Baxter for third to get the Super spot.
Predictions
1. Brayden Roscosky, Kiski Area (Sr.)
2. Justin Hart, Hampton (Sr.)
3. Cooper Baxter, Butler (Jr.)
215
This weight class got a shot in the arm with the addition of #7 Logan Harmon (Armstrong), who moved up from 189 to avoid the logjam there. While this weight class is less deep, it does feature #2 Cole Weightman (Belle Vernon). Weightman medaled here as a sophomore, and is one of the best upper weight athletes in Pennsylvania. He’s certainly in the mix for a state title and is both a Division I recruit as a wrestler and as a football player, where he was an All State linebacker in 4A this season. . Harmon was a state qualifier last season and should come out of the bottom bracket to see Weightman in the final. #18 Ty Banco (Trinity) is Weightman’s challenger up top, the former Junior High state champ is maybe the future of heavyweight in PA, but isn’t quite there to beat Weightman. #15 Brady Leczo (North Allegheny) is the other big favorite to make Super Regionals and should see Harmon in the semifinals. It should be a fun bout between him and Banco for the Super Regional spot - the stronger, more experienced older guy versus a green but talented sophomore.
Predictions
1. Cole Weightman, Belle Vernon (Jr.)
2. Logan Harmon, Armstrong (Sr.)
3. Ty Banco, Trinity (So.)
285
The biggest upset of last weekend was at heavyweight, where #2 Billy McChesney (Greensburg-Salem) beat #2 Isaiah Vance (Hempfield Area) to take the Section II title. Vance was a state finalist in 2020 and is ranked #8 nationally at heavyweight after winning PowerAde and beating National Prep champion Coltin Deery (Malvern Prep). He had beaten McChesney ten straight times, including in the 2020 WPIAL finals. McChesney did not come out of nowhere though – he was 7th at heavyweight as a sophomore, no small feat for an underclassman. He’s got a handful of FCS offers as an defensive tackle, though could see his wrestling stock skyrocket depending on how he navigates a really good heavyweight class. #6 Dawson Dietz (Hampton) is another returning state qualifier who will see Vance in the bottom half semis. #13Ryan Howard (Waynesburg) is the major possibility to advance, he’s bulked up after a solid season at 220 and would put an exclamation mark on a big weekend from Waynesburg if he could upst Dietz for the third spot. #21 Tyson Brophy (Trinity), and Stone Joseph (Kiski Area) are other contenders for that final spot. Joseph has battled injuries but is amongst the most talented guys in the weight
Predictions
1. Isaiah Vance, Hempfield Area (Sr. – Army)
2. Billy McChesney, Greensburg-Salem (Jr.)
3. Dawson Dietz, Hampton (Sr.)
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