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State 3A Wrestling Tournament

R

RoverNation05

Well-Known Member
Aug 22, 2010
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The smallest field in Hershey since expanding from just four regional champions in the early 1970s. All wrestlers who have qualified for this weekend are state medalists, but we'll shake out champions on Saturday. The one day tournament certainly adds an element - yes, things are packed in, but one weigh in rather than three straight days may be a real advantage for guys who are bigger in their brackets, assuming they can get by that quarterfinal fresh off of the scale.

All rankings are provided by PaPower Wrestling. All references to national rankings are those from Willie Saylor, formerly of FloWrestling, now of MatScouts (and a state medalist for my Red Rovers on the #1 team in the country in 1996).

I feel like this year there are not tons of big favorites. Wyatt Henson and Jagger Condomitti are the only two I'd say you can mark down in ink. Just about every other class has at least two guys who are solid bets to win, meaning it's a terrible year to be making predictions! Part of this is an injury issue - Lenny Pinto (Stroudsburg) and Mac Stout (Mount Lebanon) are two of the best wrestlers in the country and would be solid favorites at 172 and 189, but both are out for the season with knee injuries. That was the state final at 170 last year, won by Pinto. He'll be at Nebraska next year, while Stout will be back for his senior year shooting for his first state title (and to become the third Stout brother with a state title). Other returning state medalist/finals threats out with injuries are Hayden Cunningham (State College - son of Penn State assistant Casey Cunningham), Braxton Appello (Easton), Nico Taddy (West Allegheny), and Ty Watters (West Allegheny). And of course, the big injury story is in 2A, where Ryan Crookham (Saucon Valley) will NOT become the next four time state champion, as he is out for the season with concussion issues and also transferred out of Notre Dame (GP) to Saucon Valley. Crookham, Pinto, and Stout all being out for the season is the biggest I can remember the injury bug hitting Pennsylvania.

Anyway, onto the previews starting with the little guys.

106
#1 Carson Wagner, Northampton (So.): State 6th
#5 Cael Nasdeo, Williamsport (So.)
#10 Tony Burke, Council Rock North (Jr.) – SQ
#4 Dominic Flatt, Solanco (Sr.) – SQ
-
#6 Luke Sirianni, Abington Heights (So.)
#3 Kaedyn Williams, Manheim Township (Fr.) – Junior High 3rd, Junior High 3rd,
#7 Josh Jasionowicz, Stroudsburg (Sr.) – SQ
#2 Tyler Chappell, Seneca Valley (So.)

Serious Title Threats
Carson Wagner, Northampton; Kaedyn Williams, Manheim Township, Tyler Chappell, Seneca Valley
It’s a pretty clear top three here with Wagner, Williams, and Chappell. Wagner, the lone returning medalist from 106 last year, has the best bracket placement at the top away from the other two. He looked sluggish last weekend, much less offense than we’re used to from him and he’s going to need to find that to win it al. Williams is a budding superstar – he’s really tall for the weight and has a risk-embracing style that makes him a fan favorite. Chappell was able to ride out Williams and slow him down (I also think the cut to 108 must be brutal) and that’ll be a really good semi to see how strategies change this week.

Bracket Buster: Josh Jasionowicz, Stroudsburg
Jasionowicz is the most experienced guy in the field – a four year starter for Sean Richmond at 106 who made a surprise trip to Hershey last year. He’s a really tough out, but he also could literally bust the bracket. He suffered a pretty serious ankle injury last week in the blood round – he was able to finish but defaulted out of his next match, and I’ve heard he’s being evaluated whether or not he can wrestle this weekend.

Semifinals: Carson Wagner vs. Dominic Flatt and Kaedyn Williams vs. Tyler Chappell
On the top half, Wagner should get by Nasdeo, while Flatt is a solid favorite over Burke. Flatt was 1-2 at states last year, with losses to state champ Vinny Kilkeary and Hayden Cunningham (out for the year with an ACL tear, but otherwise would be here). He’s the rare senior at 106, and that experience goes a long way in such a weird year. On the bottom, it’s a Williams/Chappell collision course.

Finals: Carson Wagner vs. Kaedyn Williams
Wagner is a solid favorite on top, particularly if we see the Wagner from Districts and Regionals, who just hammered the competition. On the bottom, Williams could not get out from underneath Chappell last week – but I think he’s got the better ability to score two from his feet in this one and the freshman takes the rematch.

State Champ: Carson Wagner, Northampton
I said back in the fall after Super 32 that Wagner was my pick to win a state title at 106 now that he was fully sized. Williams has an impressive toolkit and this match will be more entertaining than his semi with Chappell as both guys can really put the pedal on the floor. Wagner is a little more savvy and a little better on bottom, and that’s my difference. Or I’m just a D11 homer.

State Medal Picks
1. Carson Wagner, Northampton
2. Kaedyn Williams, Manheim Township
3. Tyler Chappell, Seneca Valley
4. Dominic Flatt, Solanco
5. Josh Jasionowicz, Stroudsburg
6. Cael Nasdeo, Williamsport
7. Luke Sirianni, Abington Heights
8. Tony Burke, Council Rock North
 
113
#7 Zach Jacaruso, Delaware Valley (So. – E1)
#4 Troy Hohman, Penn-Trafford (Jr. – W4) – SQ
#9 Mason Ziegler, Quakertown (Fr. – E3) – JHQ, Junior High 6th
#2 Vinny Kilkeary, Greater Latrobe (So. – W2) – State Champion
-
#8 Charlie Bunting, Nazareth (So. – E2)
#3 Jacob Van Dee, Erie Cathedral Prep (Jr. – W3) – State 2nd, SQ
#10 Cael McIntyre, Bethlehem Catholic (So. – E4)
#1 Kamdyn Williams, Manheim Township (Fr. – W1) – Junior High Champ, Junior High 2nd

Title Contenders: Vinny Kilkeary, Greater Latrobe; Zach Jacaruso, Delaware Valley; Charlie Bunting, Nazareth, Jacob Van Dee, Erie Catehdral Prep; Kamdyn Williams, Manheim Township
Really good weight that goes five deep, though it’ll take the right weekend to knock off the two nationally ranked guys. Vinny Kilkeary is a returning state champion and one of the best 113s in the country. Big moves, super strong, really fun to watch. Of course, he was knocked off of his perch last weekend by freshman phenom Kamdyn Williams – who actually beat a pair of returning finalists in Kilkeary and Aiden Lewis (who lost to Van Dee in a blood round match). Van Dee is also a returning finalist and took Kilkeary to overtime at 106 last year. Jacaruso and Bunting come out of the east after wrestling barnburners with each other the last two weeks. This is the first trip to Hershey for both, but they each own wins over major players at the state level from 2020 and are talented enough to win three on Saturday.

Bracket Buster: Charlie Bunting, Nazareth
Bunting is positioned in a really tough spot in the bracket but it gives him a shot to make some real headlines early. He draws a state finalist in Van Dee right off the bat, though Bunting was ranked ahead of Van Dee last year for most of the season before a broken hand cut short a potential trip to Hershey. He also has the horsepower to go with Williams if it gets to that semi.

Semifinals: Zach Jacaruso vs. Vinny Kilkeary and Charlie Bunting vs. Kamdyn Willams
Troy Hohman and Mason Ziegler certainly aren’t pushovers, but Jacaruso and Kilkeary are good bets to advance on the top. On the bottom, I’m really feeling a Bunting over Van Dee upset, more to remind the state how talented Charlie Bunting is. Williams should cruise over McIntyre, who has not quite broken out in the postseason the way I thought he would (though “not quite broken out” and “state medalist” is not a terrible combination if you’re McIntyre. Maybe if he was still in the Easton room…).

Finals: Vinny Kilkeary vs. Kamdyn Williams
Kilkeary and Jacaruso will be a lot of fun. I commented last week during the Jacaruso-Bunting final that Jacaruso is just fantastic on bottom, one of the best I’ve seen over the last two years at getting away from good guys and scoring off reversals. He’s also a really good athlete, so he’ll push Kilkeary, but I think Kilkeary has more horsepower and can score off of ties. On the bottom, Kamdyn Williams is so damn impressive. He’s fearless for a freshman (as evidenced by him throwing Aiden Lewis twice in their D3 semi) and has such a variety of attacks (he’s clearly got good Greco training) that I think he kind of handles Bunting.

State Champ: Kamdyn Williams, Manheim Township
Why not just go all the way. He’s been on such a hot streak this postseason and has beaten such high quality competition, I think he can get Kilkeary again. This was 9-7 last week and I think you see another high scoring affair with the freshman winning his first state title (and denying the sophomore his second).


State Placers
1. Kamdyn Williams, Manheim Township
2. Vinny Kilkeary, Greater Latrobe
3. Zach Jacaruso, Delaware Valley
4. Charlie Bunting, Nazareth
5. Jacob Van Dee, Erie Cathedral Prep
6. Troy Hohman, Penn-Trafford
7. Cael McIntyre, Bethlehem Catholic
8. Mason Ziegler, Quakertown
 
120
#2 Dante Frinzi, Bethlehem Catholic (Jr. – E1) – State 5th, SQ
#6 Chad Ozias, Connellsville (Jr. – W4) -
#12 Gunnar Myers, Wallenpaupack (Fr. – E3) – Junior High 4th
#3 Karl Shindledecker, Chambersburg (Jr. – W2) – State 3rd
-
#7 Austin Fashouer, West Scranton (Sr. – E2)
#4 Mason Leiphart, Dover Area (Jr. – W3) – SQ, SQ
#13 Keanu Manuel, Downingtown East (Sr. – E4) – SQ, SQ
#1 Mac Church, Waynesburg (So. – W1) – State 3rd

Title Contenders: Mac Church, Waynesburg; Dante Frinzi, Bethlehem Catholic
This is a collision course weight. Church was one of the favorites at 106 last year, then lost a controversial overtime match in quarterfinals and had to settle for third. He’s been nationally ranked for most of his high school career, and is one of the poster boys of this excellent Waynesburg team. He’s great in short offense, physical on top, and one of the best bottom wrestlers in the state. Frinzi was a state qualifier at 106 and took fifth last year at 113, making waves when he beat returning state champ Carter Dibert in quarterfinals. I was stunned he went 120 this year, he’s one of the tallest 120s in the country (he's the same height as his brother, who was a 160) and spent the “regular season” up at 132. Frinzi is adequate on his feet, he’s a monster on top and has the best set of cradles in Pennsylvania.

Bracket Buster: Keanu Manuel, Downingtown East
We’ll see how healthy he is – Manuel advanced to states after Javien DeLeon was disqualified for a back-to-belly suplay and Manuel was in the concussion protocol after the slam. He’s a tough 4 seed for Church to draw – it’s his third trip to states and he took Kilkeary to overtime last year in quarters. This is the upset watch in the lower weights against a heavy favorite to make finals.

Semifinals: Dante Frinzi vs. Karl Shindledcker and Mac Church vs. Mason Liephart
Frinzi will have to be careful with Ozias but is my pick to advance. Shindledecker came out of nowhere to take third in the state as a freshman, then didn’t qualify for the state tournament last year. He’s looked more like his 9th grade self this postseason, and might be considered a third threat in the weight. On the bottom half, Leiphart and Fashouer is a tight semi, but Leiphart making his third trip to the Giant Center is my pick. Manuel-Church is a really tough quarter, but I think Church gets it done.

Finals: Dante Frinzi vs. Mac Church
Frinzi and Shindledecker are both really good mat wrestlers, which is where this will be decided. Shindledecker is really good there, but Frinzi is elite. Church and Leiphart met last week with Church getting a pretty comfortable 6-1 and I’d expect more of the same.

Champion: Mac Church, Waynesburg

I think Mac Church has more ways to win a match than Dante Frinzi does. Frinzi wins if he can put a saddle on Church, ride him out, and maybe get a turn. Church is better on their feet, and he’s so good with the Gizoni stuff to get out from underneath, I think he can make Frinzi have to win it on his feet.

State Placers
1. Mac Church, Waynesburg
2. Dante Frinzi, Bethlehem Catholic
3. Mason Leiphart, Dover Area
4. Karl Shindledecker, Chambersburg
5. Keanu Manuel, Downingtown East
6. Chad Ozias, Connellsville
7. Austin Fashouer, West Scranton
8. Gunnar Myers, Wallenpaupack
 
126
#2 Tyler Kasak, Bethlehem Catholic (So. – E1) – State 5th
#5 Matt Repos, Central Dauphin (So. – W4) – State 4th
#18 Patrick Snoke, Northampton (Sr. – E3)
#3 Luke Simcox, Central Mountain (Fr. – W2) – Junior High 2nd, Junior High 3rd
-
#7 Dominic Findora, Downingtown West (Jr. – E2) – SQ, SQ
#4 Ethan Berginc, Hempfield Area (Sr. – W3; Army) – State Champion, SQ
#19 Nate Shippey, Interboro (Jr. – E4) -
#1 Carter Dibert, Franklin Regional (Sr – W1; Arizona State) – State 3rd, State Champion, SQ

Title Contenders: Tyler Kasak, Bethlehem Catholic; Luke Simcox, Central Mountain; Ethan Berginc, Hempfield Area; Carter Dibert, Franklin Regional
Dibert and Berginc are both state champions – Dibert winning 106 in 2019 and Berginc winning 113 in 2020. Dibert is a load on top, scores tons of points with cross-wrist tilts, and has really grown on his feet this year. Berginc was a surprise champ last year, and is a grinder who can really scramble. Kasak has annihilated everything he’s touched so far this year. He was a title favorite at 106 last year before losing a wild 14-11 semifinal to eventual champ Vinny Kilkeary. Kasak has not left a lot to chance so far. He’s probably the most physical and most complete guy in the bracket. The last contender is the freshman Luke Simcox. Simcox beat Berginc and Repos last week to really announce his presence with authority. He’s a highly decorated junior high wrestler and was one of the most anticipated freshmen in the state (along with the Williams twins in 3A) and he’s delivered so far.

Bracket Buster: Matthew Repos, Central Dauphin
It’s hard to call a kid who took fourt in the state as a freshman, beating Mac Church and Tyler Kasak, a bracket buster, yet here we are with fourth place finisher Matthew Repos. He’s got another bout with Kasak, who he knocked out of consolation semis last year, and then could get a second chance at Simcox in semis. Repos has not looked as strong as a sophomore, but Central Dauphin tends to wrestle very well in their own backyard at the Giant Center, and a little of that magic could send him on a run.

Semifinals: Tyler Kasak vs. Luke Simcox and Ethan Berginc vs. Carter Dibert
Dibert and Simcox should win pretty handily, while Berginc and Kasak have tests. I think Kasak beats Repos this time around (he’s not coming off a shocking headlock loss that cost him a shot at four state titles) and Berginc should win a typical 5-3 match.

State Finals: Tyler Kasak vs. Carter Dibert
Kasak and Simcox will be a war. Both train with David Taylor at the M2 training center near State College, so I’m sure that they have rolled together plenty of times. Simcox is a little more xplosive, but I’m going to go with Kasak’s physicality and a little better work on the mat. In the bottom half, Dibert has beaten Berginc twice this year, and despite both being state champs, I think there is a gap.

State Champ: Tyler Kasak, Bethlehem Catholic
I don’t think Dibert can turn Kasak, which means I don’t think Dibert can beat Kasak. In a normal year, Kasak might look like a favorite after seeing how he performed at Ironman, Beast, and a state duals run where he’d at least get some of these guys on his schedule. Because of the weird season, it feels like he comes in way under the radar for how talented he is. I just think he’s so tough in all three phases, and the place where Dibert may have an advantage is the toughest one to exploit. This one might make more sense in hindsight when we have clearer evidence for how good Kasak is.

State Medal Predictions
1. Tyler Kasak, Bethlehem Catholic
2. Carter Dibert, Franklin Regional
3. Luke Simcox, Central Mountain
4. Ethan Berginc, Hempfield Area
5. Matt Repos, Central Dauphin
6. Dominic Findora, Downingtown West
7. Patrick Snoke, Northampton
8. Nate Shippey, Interboro
 
132
#2 Nathan Lucier, Coatesville (Sr. – E1; Binghamton) – State 6th, State Qualifier
#6 Colton Stoneking, Waynesburg (Jr. – W4)
#10 Kelly Kakos, Perkiomen Valley (So. – E3)
#5 Briar Priest, Hempfield Area (Jr. – S2)
-
#4 Matt Mayer, Bethlehem Catholic (Sr. – E2; Duke) – State Qualifier, State 4th, State 4th
#3 Jude Swisher, Bellefonte (Jr. – W3) – State 4th, State Qualifier
#13 Dominic Wheatley, Nazareth (So. – E4)
#1 Dylan Chappell, Seneca Valley (Sr. – W1; Bucknell) – State 2nd, State 2nd,

Title Contenders: Nathan Lucier, Coatesville; Matt Mayer, Bethlehem Catholic; Jude Swisher, Bellefonte; Dylan Chappell, Seneca Valley
Another weight that has a favorite but wouldn’t be a shocker to produce a number of different champs if we wrestled it ten times. Dylan Chappell is the safe money pick – he’s a two-time state finalist who has been within striking distance of both titles. He’s a pretty complete wrestler and has the motivation of being painfully close two different times. Nathan Lucier showed his toughness last week with his storm from behind win over Matt Mayer. Lucier lost to Chappell in semis last year at 120 and is the go-er in the bracket. He owns wins over Swisher and Mayer. Speaking of Mayer, he’s a two-time fourth place finisher and battled a knee surgery and a brutal draw last year. He’s the funkiest wrestler in the bunch, but can struggle with gas tank. He has split with Chappell in his career, and owns a win over Swisher. Speaking of, Swisher has really blossomed as a junior after a fourth place finish in Hershey last year (a quarters loss to Rocco Welsh, then stormed through the back side). He’s another scrambler, and owns the best win this season – a regional final win over star freshman Pierson Manville (State College).

Bracket Buster: Colton Stoneking, Waynesburg
Stoneking knocked off Swisher last week in the first round of the Super Regional, setting himself up for a run to the state tournament. He’s in one of the best rooms in the state and grinding with Mac Church, Wyatt Henson, and Rocco Welsh every day goes a long way in this year of abbreviated schedules. He’s Lucier’s first round draw, and nothing about that will be easy. Then he’s VERY capable of winning a semi if he pulls that first upset.

Semifinals: Nathan Lucier vs. Briar Priest and Jude Swisher vs. Dylan Chappell
Lucier and Stoneking will be a tough match for Lucier, but I think he advances. Priest should beat Kakos to set up either a third straight match with Stoneking (he’s won the last two after getting pinned in the regular season) or a shot at Lucier. On the bottom half, Swisher and Mayer is one of the best quarterfinals in the entire tournament. It should be high scoring and tons of scrambles and backpoint opportunities in neutral – the only time they’ve met, Mayer won 18-12 (though Swisher was just a freshman). I think Swisher is a little more well rounded and a better bet to put together a full match. Chappell will beat Wheatley without much trouble.

Finals: Nathan Lucier vs. Dylan Chappell
Lucier matches up really well with Briar Priest and I think is a pretty safe bet to make finals. The bottom half semi is where the fireworks are, Chappell will have a great match with either Swisher or Mayer. Stylistically, Mayer might be the tougher match up, but Swisher is my pick to move on, and I think Chappell can ride him enough to keep the match in a Chappell range score. But whoever wins that would be my pick to win the title.

State Champion: Dylan Chappell, Seneca Valley
Chappell is going to avoid being a three-time bridesmaid. Again, I think he matches up well with Lucier – Chappell is so good defensively and is a really good mat wrestler, and that “all three positions” stuff tends to work well in the state tournament.

State Medal Picks
1. Dylan Chappell, Seneca Valley
2. Nathan Lucier, Coatesville
3. Jude Swisher, Bellefonte
4. Matt Mayer, Bethlehem Catholic
5. Briar Priest, Hempfield Area
6. Colton Stoneking, Waynesburg
7. Kelly Kakos, Perkiomen Valley
8. Dominic Wheatley, Nazareth

138
#1 Kyle Hauserman, Council Rock North (Sr. – E1; Penn) – State 4th, State 3rd, State Qualifier
#5 Dylan Evans, CHariters Valley (So. – W4) – State 8th
#13 Chance Babb, Boyertown (Jr. – E3) – State Qualifier
#3 Cole HOmet, Waynesburg (Jr. – W2) – State 5th, State 7th
-
#8 Andrew Harmon, Bethlehem Catholic (So. – E2) – State Qualifier
#4 Chandler Ho, DuBois (Sr. – W3) – State 8th, State Qualifier
#15 Trent Kochersperger, Kennett (Sr. – E4) – State Qualifier
#2 Finn Solomon, Franklin Regional (Jr. – W1; NC State) – State 2nd

Title Contenders: Kyle Hauserman, Council Rock North, Cole Homet, Waynesburg; Finn Solomon, Franklin Regional
Hauserman has been the number one kid in the state all year and is the nominal favorite. He has two high medals at 106 and 120, so he’s up a lot in weight but seems to be physically ready for 138. He’s probably the best all around guy in the bracket. Cole Homet has a pair of state medals through two seasons and is the strongest guy in the bracket. He beat Solomon two weeks ago before getting hammered by him in Super Regional finals, which was kind of a head scratcher to me. He’s the scrambler, and can do the most damage from his feet. Solomon was a state finalist as a freshman, but got decked twice at regionals last year and missed the state tournament. He’s looked more like the state finalist Solomon this year, and when he’s going he’s a hammer on top.

Bracket Buster: Andrew Harmon, Bethlehem Catholic
I like Harmon more than everybody else around the state does, it seems. He probably should have been Bethlehem Catholic’s 113 last year, but Dante Frinzi and Matt Mayer occupied 113 and 120 come the postseason, so Harmon bumped all the way to 126 for his freshman season. Up two weight classes, he was a state qualifier. This year, he’s put on 25 pounds and is a full sized 138. He’s also improved a ton from his feet, and has the Ciasulli-trained background of being a great leg rider. He also didn’t come out of nowhere – he was a junior high state finalist (losing to Tyler Kasak) – but he’s got state champ ability as a tenth grader and could blow up this bracket.

Semifinals: Kyle Hauserman vs. Cole Homet and Andrew Harmon vs. Finn Solomon
Hauserman and Homet both are good picks on the top, though Dylan Evans will push Hauserman. On the bottom, I’m sticking with my guns on Harmon to upset Chandler Ho, though Ho really looked tough last week at Supers. Solomon should be able to handle Kochersperger.

Finals: Cole Homet vs. Finn Solomon
When in doubt, bet the athlete. Hauserman is a more polished wrestler, but Homet is in the ballpark and is just a little more explosive. The higher the score, the better Homet’s chance to win. Hauserman is the pick if it’s a one takedown and ride kind of match, but I think Homet can make it more of a track meet. Solomon and Harmon are very similar wrestlers – gimme Solomon’s extra year of experience, the full season, and a little more slickness on his feet.

State Champ: Cole Homet
Should I not pick a guy to win who got majored 12-2 by his potential finals opponent? Probably not. But I’ve been high on Homet and think that the difference between Homet and Solomon is closer to Homet’s 4-2 in in the WPIAL finals than whatever happened at Super Regionals. Given a rubber match, I think Homet gets it done and gets the bad taste out of his mouth after supers.

State Medal Predictions
1. Cole Homet, Waynesburg
2. Finn Solomon, Franklin Regional
3. Kyle Hauserman, Council Rock North
4. Dylan Evans, Chartiers Valley
5. Andrew Harmon, Bethlehem Catholic
6. Chandler Ho, DuBois
7. Chance Babb, Boyertown
8. Trent Kochersperger, Kennett
 
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145
#5 Sam McMonagle, West Chester Henderson (Sr. – E1; Brown) – State 7th, State Qualifier, State Qualifier
#4 Ty LInsenbigler, Hempfield Area (Sr. – W4; Lock Haven) – State 5th, State 4th, State Qualifier
#6 Dagen Condomitti, Northampton (So. – E3) – State Qualifier
#1 Wyatt Henson, Waynesburg (Sr. – W2; Iowa) – State Champ, State Champ (MO), State 5th
-
#7 Connor Eck, Bensalem (Sr. – E2) – State Qualifier
#3 Riley Bower, Williamsport (Jr. – W3; Bucknell) – State Qualifier
#12 William Morrow, North Penn (Jr. – E4) – State Qualifier
#2 John Altieri, Norwin (Sr. – W1; Clarion) – State 4th

Title Contender: Wyatt Henson, Waynesburg
The biggest favorite in the field is Wyatt Henson. Henson rolled to a state title last year, capped by a win over nationally ranked two-time state champ Sammy Hillegas (North Hills – now Virginia Tech) in both the WPIAL and state finals. Henson is a bully; great in short offense, college level handfighter, and is an embodiment of Iowa style that we’ll get to see when he wrestlers for the Hawkeyes. He’s going to cruise here. Also, it blows the bracket up because he is in the West 2nd spot after getting disqualified from the Super Regional final after an illegal slam. Not to say it wasn’t warranted, but it way overloads Henson’s half.

Bracket Buster: Connor Eck, Bensalem
The strength of the bracket is west, where the top four Super Regional finishers are also the top four ranked wrestlers in the state. Eck has the best bracket placement of the three contenders from the East – he’s away from Henson. And while he’s not favored against either Riley Bower (one of the more underrated wrestlers in PA) or John Altieri (a returning state semifinalist and has met Henson in the finals the last two weeks), he’s certainly got the tools to be one or both of them. If the East crashes the party in finals, he’s the one to do it.

Semifinals: Ty Linsenbigler vs. Wyatt Henson and Riley Bower vs. John Altieri
Linsenbigler is now a three-time state medalist and has been a top performer in really tough weight classes the last two years. He’s got a really fun first round match with McMonagle. Henson should handle Condomitti, who was really hurt by a subpar Super Regional performance and the Henson slam. He’s the young buck in the bracket and will be back, but Henson is a brutal opening draw. On the bottom, Bower and Eck is another worth the price of admission match. Bower is a breakout candidate here, Williamsport is kind of in no-man’s land as the only 3A school in District 4, so it’s a weird schedule, but he’s as good as anybody here save for Henson. Altieri’s only question is health – he was taken out on a stretcher after the Henson slam last weekend, but I’ve heard that was just precautionary. If he’s good to go, he beats Morrow.

State Finals: Wyatt Henson vs. Riley Bower, Williamsport
Henson and Linsenbigler have amazingly never faced each other, but Henson is a solid bet in the top half semi to get to another state final. On the bottom half, Bower and Altieri have wrestled overtime bouts both times they’ve locked horns, with Altieri pinning Bower in sudden victory at states lat year and Altieri winning in tiebreakers last week. It’s really close, and it’s really hard to beat a good guy three times in a row in bouts like that, so I like Bower to flip it.

State Champ: Wyatt Henson, Waynesburg
Henson is a top five 145 pounder in the country and will make that statement here. Iowa is getting a really good one and Waynesburg gets their third champion of the evening, making them the first school since Bethlehem Catholic in 2016 to crown three champs in the tournament, and only the third WPIAL school with three champs – joining Canon-McMillan in 2013 and North Allegheny in 1989. Waynesburg, of course, is one of six schools that has won four titles in a tournament (in 1943) and could match that depending on what happens at 152 and 172.

State Medal Picks
1. Wyatt Henson, Waynesburg
2. Riley Bower, Williamsport
3. John Altieri, Norwin
4. Ty Linsenbigler, Hemfield Area
5. Sam McMonagle, West Chester Henderson
6. Conor Eck, Bensalem
7. Dagen Condomitti, Northampton
8. William Morrow, North Penn


152
#5 Evan Gleason, Bethlehem Catholic (Sr. – E1; Harvard) – State 5th, SQ
#4 Jared Keslar, Connellsville (Jr. – W4) – State 4th, SQ
#9 Chase Barlow, Strath Haven (Jr. – E3) – SQ, SQ
#2 Rocco Welsh, Waynesburg (So. – W2) – State 2nd
-
#6 Zac Martin, Neshaminy (Sr. – E2; Lehigh) – State 6th, SQ, SQ
#3 Paniro Johnson, Erie Cathedral Prep (Sr. – W3; Iowa State) – State 3rd, State 5th, State 8th
#10 Dom D’Agostino, Interboro (Jr. – E4) – SQ
#1 Alejandro Herrera-Rondon, Seneca Valley (Sr. – W1; Oklahoma) – State 4th, State Champ, State Champ

Title Contenders: Jared Keslar, Connellsville, Rocco Welsh, Waynesburg, Paniro Johnson, Erie Catheral Prep, Alejandro Herrera-Rondon, Seneca Valley
The western top four is excellent here and represents probably the best top set of a weight class in Hershey. Alejandro Herrera-Rondon is the favorite and comes in undefeated and has a pair of state championships to his name already. AHR is suffocating on top and one of the hardest wrestlers in the country to score on. He owns three wins this year over Rocco Welsh, who is also ranked nationally in the top ten. Welsh is a bulldog and in the conversation for best sophomore in the country. He was a state finalist last year as a freshman at 126. Keslar is the third WPIAL representative, a wide open and fun kid to watch who took fourth last year at 145. Welsh needed a last second takedown to beat him in WPIAL semifinals and a rematch would be a ton of fun. Finally, Paniro Johnson joins Herrera-Rondon as a four-time state medalist and future Big 12 wrestler. Johnson is a powerhouse, with a beautiful blast double and speed to go with his massive strength advantage. He’s also a national top ten guy, but seeking his first state final after back-to-back semifinal appearances.

Bracket Buster: Evan Gleason, Bethlehem Catholic
If somebody from the east breaks through, it’ll be Gleason. The Harvard recruit cruised by a very good Zac Martin last week in the Super Regional final and while he’s probably a half step down from the top four, if he wrestles his best match he can catch a guy. Another Easton product at Bethlehem Catholic, Gleason was fifth in the state last year after sitting out his sophomore year as an athletic transfer. He was a state qualifier as a freshman for the Red Rovers.

Semifinals; Jared Keslar vs. Rocco Welsh and Paniro Johnson vs. Alejandro Herrera-Rondon
Gleason and Keslar is the best first round match – Keslar has had great matches with Jagger Condomitti and is very familiar to the District 11 set. He can score points in bunches, and is good enough on bottom not to get beaten in Gleason’s best position. Welsh, Johnson, and Herrera-Rondon should all roll.

Finals: Jared Keslar vs. Alejandro Herrera-Rondon
Keslar and Welsh was a classic the last time they wrestled, and I tend to favor the loser in a rematch when it comes down to the last five seconds like that. It’ll be entertaining as both are go for broke style wrestlers. On the bottom half, I really wanted to pick Paniro Johnson to win the whole thing (I did at Super Regionals last week), but the ease with which Welsh handled him in semis had me rethink that. He dominates Keslar (he’s 4-0 in their careers and none are that close), but the slow down, brutal ride style of AHR poses problems for Johnson.

State Champion: Alejandro Herrera-Rondon, Seneca Valley

I’ve long been accused of being an AHR “detractor” because I think he wins too many matches 1-0 or 3-1. It bit him last year in semis, but I think he’s grown enough on his feet and remains an absolute leech with a claw ride, that he can beat what is a really good field here. Keslar will want a track meet, but scoring on AHR is no easy feet, and Keslar’s wide open nature opens him up for counter attacks. Third state title for the Oklahoma bound Herrera-Rondon.

State Medal Picks
1. Alejandro Herrera-Rondon, Seneca Valley
2. Jared Keslar, Connellsville
3. Rocco Welsh, Waynesburg
4. Paniro Johnson, Erie Cathedral Prep
5. Evan Gleason, Bethlehem Catholic
6. Zac Martin, Neshaminy
7. Chase Barlow, Strath Haven
8. Dom D’Agostino, Interboro
 
Thanks Rover, appreciate your efforts. I can only hope your prediction at 138 will be different 😀
 
160
#1 Jagger Condomitti, Northampton (Sr. – E1; Nebraska) – State 2nd, State 4th, SQ
#6 Chase Kranitz, Norwin (Jr. – W4) – SQ
#13 Matt Colajezzi, Council Rock South (Jr. – E3) – SQ, SQ
#4 Ethan Richner, Bellefonte (Sr. – W2) – SQ, State 6th
-
#3 Jack McGill, Spring-Ford (Sr. – E2; Columbia) – State 7th, SQ, SQ
#5 Ryan Fry, Red Lion (Sr. – W3)
#16 Landon Muth, Bethlehem Catholic (So. – E4)
#2 Cole Spencer, Pine-Richland (Sr. – W1; Penn) – State 4th, State 8th


Title Contenders: Jagger Condomitti, Northampton; Cole Spencer, Pine-Richland
Condomitti was a state qualifier as a freshman, but really burst onto the scene when he beat national #1 Ryan Anderson (Bethlehem Catholic) at state duals in his sophomore year. Condomitti took fourth that season, then was the state runner-up last year – splitting matches with eventual champ Cole Handlovic (Bethlehem Catholic – now Cornell), beating him for the D11 title but losing the NE Regional and PIAA finals, the last an agonizing 1-0 loss. He’s wide open and creative, and is one of the most fun guys to watch in the field. He’ll spend next year at the Olympic Training Center in Colorado Springs before heading to Nebraska to wrestle for fellow Lehigh Valley alum Bryan Snyder. Spencer is the best multi-sport guy in the field and will look to become the ultra-rare team state champ/individual state champ in different sports. We know his football exploits, but he’s also a three-time state medalist and ranked in the top ten nationally.

Bracket Buster: Ryan Fry, Red Lion
Fry was under .500 in his career before blowing up this season, taking third last weekend and finding himself in the state tournament. He’s a fun story that we tend to get this time of year (though have been obviously reduced with COVID) and it will be fun to see how high he can climb the medal stand from out of nowhere.

Semifinals: Jagger Condomitti vs. Ethan Richner and Jack McGill vs. Cole Spencer
Condomitti should roll in the first round over a solid Kranitz, while Richner has a tough one with Matt Colajezzi, who can really slow a match down and make it a grind. McGill and Spencer are big favorites on the bottom half, Fry we said is the Cinderella, while Muth is a year away from being able to go with the Spencers of the world.

State Finals: Jagger Condomitti vs. Cole Spencer
Condomitti should handle Richner, though last week at the Super Regional guys had success just playing defense against him for five and a half minutes and trying to sneak a late takedown (which Condomitti was clearly frustrated by and complained to the local media about). But if Richner really tries to wrestle him, Condomitti puts a big number on the board. The other half is interesting – McGill is also nationally ranked and is in his fourth state tournament. He kept it very close with Condomitti last week, trailing 4-3 late before giving up a five point reversal in the waning momoents while trying to get a desperation turn (he’s also getting flack on social media with a video clip of a very illegal cutback that didn’t get called and is lucky didn’t tear Condomitti’s ACL). McGill and Spencer will be one of the highlight semis, but I think Spencer is a little better in neutral.

State Champ: Jagger Condomitti, Northampton
Condomitti finally gets his title. He’s been right on the door for three years, but has always had some big obstacle in his way. This year, he’s the obstacle, and he gives the Konkrete Kids their 24th state champion.

State Medal Predictions
1. Jagger Condomitti, Northampton
2. Cole Spencer, Pine-Richland
3. Jack McGill, Spring-Ford
4. Ethan Richner, Bellefonte
5. Chase Kranitz, Norwin
6. Landon Muth, Bethlehem Catholic
7. Matt Colajezzi, Council Rock South
8. Ryan Fry, Red Lion


172
#3 Dominic Falcone, Easton (Sr. – E1; Army) – State 7th, State 8th, State Qualifier
#5 Lance Urbas, State College (Sr. – W4; Penn) – State Qualifier
#11 Sonny Sasso, Nazareth (So. – E3)
#2 Luca Augustine, Waynesburg (Sr. – W2; Pittsburgh) – State 6th, State Qualifier
-
#12 Reagan Loughney, LaSalle (Sr. – E4)
#4 Sammy Starr, Kiski Area (Sr. – W3) – State Qualifier
#13 Matt Romanelli, Downingtown East (Sr. – E4) – State Qualifier
#1 Trey Kibe, Mifflin County (Sr. – W1) – State 4th, State Champ, State Qualifier

Title Contenders: Trey Kibe, Mifflin County; Luca Augustine, Waynesburg; Dom Falcone, Easton; Sammy Starr, Kiski Area
Trey Kibe is the favorite here and with good reason. He was a state champion as a sophomore, winning a great match over Clayton Ulrey (Lower Dauphin – now Virginia Tech). Kibe fell last year in ultimate tiebreaker to Mac Stout (Mount Lebanon) in semifinals of the bracket of death at 172 to end his repeat bid. Kibe is exceptional defensively, and converts his opponent’s leg attacks to takedowns a shocking amount of the time. He’s also excellent from top. Augustine burst onto the scene last year at Ironman which had him planted in the national rankings. He was sixth at 160 last year, dropping a tight match to Ulrey in semis then falling to Connor Herceg (Nazareth – now Lehigh) on the backside. He’s super physical, really fits the Waynesburg style, and is the favorite in the top half. Falcone was also a bracket of death participant last year at 172, taking 7th after a 4-2 loss to Stout in quarters one round before Stout upset Kibe. Falcone has not given up a takedown this year and is an explosive finisher from his feet. He’s a little muscle hamster compared to some of the long, lean guys in the field like Kibe and Sonny Sasso. Starr is nationally ranked after a hot summer and a Super 32 medal. He took Kibe to overtime last week and certainly can set up a rematch.

Bracket Buster: Sonny Sasso, Nazareth
The name is a familiar one given the exploits of his older brother, who is the top seed at the NCAA Tournament at 149 pounds and won two state titles for Nazareth. Sasso is a huge 172 – he’s 6’4 and uses his incredible length and leverage to his advantage. He’s also a scrambler and can make good guys really uncomfortable. He got bit last week trying to go big move in his first round match and got put on his back for five, but the risk taking also could help him pick somebody off. He has Augustine in the first round and certainly won’t be baking down.

Semifinals: Dominic Falcone vs. Luca Augustine and Trey Kibe vs. Sammy Starr
Falcone and Lance Urbas is another great first round match - both are Division I recruits who will see each other going forward in the EIWA. Falcone should win a 3-2, 5-3 kind of match. Sasso and Augustine will be worth the price of admission, I think it could be an upset, but Augustine is a little too seasoned for the sophomore. On the bottom half, Kibe and Starr are both solid favorites.

Finals: Dominic Falcone vs. Trey Kibe
So here’s where I go homer and pick the D11 kid to beat Augustine. Falcone and Connor Herceg wrestled great matches last year during the season before Herceg dropped, then he hammered Augustine at states. Falcone has had close matches with elite guys – his 3-2 D11 final with Lenny Pinto last year comes to mind, but doesn’t have that signature win yet. I think he gets it - this isn’t as far apart as it’s being made out to be, and I like Falcone to give Jody Karam his first finalist as the head coach at his alma mater. On the bottom half, Starr and Kibe will be close again, but Kibe is the best guy in the field.

State Champ: Trey Kibe, Mifflin County
I’d love it if Falcone won a state title, but Kibe is too good. Falcone will have to finish on legs quickly if he gets there, otherwise Kibe sits the corner and hooks as well as anybody in America and can put Falcone on his back. Kibe, who originally committed to Penn State before signing with Virginia Tech, is a top five kid nationally and ends his career with a second state title.

State Medal Picks
1. Trey Kibe, Mifflin County
2. Dominic Falcone, Easton
3. Luca Augustine, Waynesburg
4. Sammy Starr, Kiski Area
5. Sonny Sasso, Nazareth
6. Matt Romanelli, Downingtown East
7. Lance Urbas, State College
8. Reagan Loughney, LaSalle
 
Relayer said:
Thanks Rover, appreciate your efforts. I can only hope your prediction at 138 will be different 😀
Click to expand...

It very well might be! I can't pick all favorites, that's no fun. I think any of the top three could win that - it's one of the most even brackets in Hershey. Hauserman has been right there the last couple years, certainly would be nice from a narrative standpoint to break through. I do think whoever comes out of the top, whether it be him or Homet, wins the title.
 
189
#1 Joey Milano, Spring-Ford (Sr. – E1; Nc State) – State 4th, State 4th
#9 Colt Barley, Penn Manor (Sr. – W4) – SQ
#3 Drew Clearie, Nazareth (Sr. – E3; Brown) – State 3rd, State 6th
#5 Brooks Gable, Dallastown (Sr. – W2; Air Force) – SQ, SQ
-
#2 Isaiah Reinert, Easton (Sr. – E2; Lock Haven) – State 7th, SQ
#6 Justin Hart, Hampton (Sr. – W3) – SQ, SQ, SQ
#8 Bryce Molinaro, Hazleton (Jr. – E4) - SQ
#4 Ethan Rossman, Bellefonte (Sr. – W1; Lock Haven) – SQ, SQ

Title Contenders: Joey Milano, Spring-Ford; Isaiah Reinert, Easton; Drew Clearie, Nazareth
Joey Milano is the favorite here after a pair of fourth place finishes in his career (he was injured as a freshman, otherwise would be a four-time medalist). Milano is one of the best upper weights in the country, certainly stands out as a rider, and has all the makings of Spring-Ford’s first state champion. He’s a combined 7-1 agains the other two contenders, though the make-up of those matches is very different. Drew Clearie and Milano have had great bouts with each other. Milano beat Clearie last week, 5-2 in the Super Regional semifinals, Clearie beat Milano for 3rd place last year at 182, Milano beat Clearie on a last second takedown in the Hurricane Classic finals last December, and by a takedown in the Cumberland Valley Kickoff finals. Clearie is a good athlete who is a clean finisher on his feet, handfights like a college kid, and is Dave Crowell’s best bet at starting a new finalist streak. The wildcard is Isaiah Reinert, who is on the other half of the bracket from Milano and Clearie. Reinert is a long, lanky wrestler who is a risk/reward guy on his feet and attacks constantly (sometimes to his deteriment). He’s also really become good in cross-body ride and turn stuff, no doubt picked up from Jody Karam. Reinert is 4-2 lifetime against Clearie, but 0-4 agastin Milano and has been bonused everytime by the future NC State wrestler. He can win if Clearie upsets Milano in the semi (not out of the realm of possibilities), but isn’t going to suddnely work a miracle against Milano if that is his finals opponent.

Bracket Buster: Brooks Gable, Dallastown
It is Gable’s third trip to the dance and first time on the medal stand. His brother Clay is a former state champion and his dad is the longtime Dallastown head coach (Dave Gable seems like a wrestling name you’d use when you can’t quite get licensing for the real thing). He’s tough and experienced, and is a tricky draw for Clearie and will get his own crack at Milano if he can pull the quarterfinal upset.

Semifinals: Joey Milano vs. Drew Clearie and Isaiah Reinert vs. Ethan Rossman
Milano and Clearie both should get by, albeit Clearie needs to be careful with Gable. On the bottom half, Reinert and Justin Hart was a sudden victory match last year at states, won by Reinert. He blew kind of a big lead, then rallied back for a takedown in OT to clinch a medeal, I think he can put together a cleaner six minutes in a win here. Rossman will get by Molinaro, who has been running behind Clearie and Reinert the last two weeks.

State Finals: Joey Milano vs. Isaiah Reinert
Milano’s win over Clearie last week was his cleanest match since the first time the two wrestled way back in last year’s season opener. Clearie is so technically sound that he can really push Milano, but Milano is just a little more explosive and a little better. He gets to finals. Reinert and Rossman is a battle between future college teammates, so we’ll see how they initially stack up headed into Josh Moore’s room. Both are really tall, wiry strong guys, so it’ll be kind of a mirror image match. Reinert has looked so good this year against everybody but Joey Milano, we think that trend continues.

State Champ: Joey Milano, Spring-Ford
The other trend we think continues is that Milano gets backpoints against Reinert and blows the match open. Reinert’s go for broke style puts him at risk against guys who are just as athletic, which Milano is.

State Medal Picks
1. Joey Milano, Spring-Ford
2. Isaiah Reinert, Easton
3. Drew Clearie, Nazareth
4. Ethan Rossman, Bellefonte
5. Justin Hart, Hampton
6. Brooks Gable, Dallastown
7. Bryce Molinaro, Hazleton
8. Colt Barley, Penn Manor
 
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215
#1 Ryan Catka, Sun Valley (Sr. – E1; Navy) – State 3rd,
#5 Cole Weightman, Belle Vernon (Jr. – W4) – State 6th
#7 Quinn Collins, CB East (Jr. – E3) – SQ
#4 Jacob Lucas, Cumberland Valley (Sr. – W2; Navy) – State 4th, SQ
-
#2 Jason Henderson, Delaware Valley (Sr. – E2; Old Dominion – FB) – State 5th, SQ
#6 Logan Harmon, Armstrong (Sr. – W3) – SQ
#8 Carl DiGiorgio, CB West (Jr. – E4) – SQ
#3 Josh Harkless, Wilson West Lawn (Sr. – W1) – SQ

Title Contenders: Ryan Catka, Sun Valley; Cole Weightman, Belle Vernon; Jacob Lucas, Cumberland Valley; Jason Henderson, Delaware Valley; Josh Harkless, Wilson West Lawn
Our biggest tier of potential champs, 215 is entirely up in the air in my eyes. The ostensible favorite is Ryan Catka, who has been #1 all year after a 3rd place finish at 195 last year. The Navy recruit isn’t quite the monster his older brother is, but certainly holds his own in the strength department and has the all around skills to win the weight. He beat Jacob Lucas last year in sudden victory in the 3rd/4th match, and I think that’s about the difference between the two. I’ve long been a Lucas fan (who will be a teammate of Catka’s at Navy next year) and think he’s well rounded enough to win the weight. Weightman is the third contender up top and is the best athlete of the lot. He’s an All State linebacker and three star recruit with a bunch of FBS offers. He was 6th last year at 220 – he was a semifinalist and lost a tight match to eventual champ Dorian Crosby (Erie Cathedral Prep – now Bucknell) but did the slide after the loss. On the bottom half, Jason Henderson is the other elite athlete here. He took 5th at 195 last year and is also an All State linebacker and FBS football recruit. He had a thriller with Catka last week and is clearly right there with the #1 guy in the state. Finally, Harkless has looked awesome this year – his only loss was in the District 3 final to Lucas, and last week at Supers he beat Weightman in semis and Lucas in finals to really put himself into the conversation this weekend.

Bracket Buster: Logan Harmon, Armstrong
Harmon made the decision to bump up from 189 to wrestle 215 where he thought he had a better shot at Hershey. That’s come to fruition so far with a third place finish at Supers, a state medal, and a ticket to the dance. He’s slightly undersized but can really move and will go with the big guns at this weight.

Semifinals: Ryan Catka vs. Jacob Lucas and Jason Henderson vs. Josh Harkless
Catka and Weightman is a state final that is happening in quarters – Catka is a little better of a wrestler than Weightman is, but if things get crazy, Weightman can take advantage. Lucas and Harkless should give District 3 a pair in semis, while Harmon will push, but ultimately fall, to Henderson – the undersized guy doesn’t want Henderson or Catka in this bracket.

Finals: Jacob Lucas vs. Jason Henderson
Catka and Lucas is going to be a lot of practice battles in Cary Kolat’s room in the near future and we’ll get an early look here. This was razor thin last year at states – Lucas has always impressed, and I think he can finaly get to a Saturday night match by flipping the result here. On the bottom half, Henderson is the best combination of athleticism and wrestler in the weight, and while Harkless has had a fun run in the postseason, Henderson and that jackhammer double can end it.

State Champ: Jacob Lucas, Cumberland Valley
Lucas and Henderson haven’t met since when both were sophomores (won by Lucas) despite being staples in the upperweights since being 10th graders. Henderson has impressed me a lot the last two years – he’s really become a good wrestler instead of a great football player wrestling – but Lucas has both the physicality and slickness to go with him. It’ll be fun, but I think he gets Cumberland Valley their first champ since TC Warner in 2014.

State Medal Picks
1. Jacob Lucas, Cumberland Valley
2. Jason Henderson, Delaware Valley
3. Ryan Catka, Sun Valley
4. Cole Weightman, Belle Vernon
5. Josh Harkless, Wilson West Lawn
6. Logan Harmon, Armstrong
7. Quinn Collins, CB East
8. Carl DiGiorgio, CB West
 
285
#9 Cameron Butka, West Scranton (Sr. – E1)
#4 Billy McChesney, Greensburg-Salem (Jr. – W4) – State 7th
#11 Matthew Cruise, Easton (Jr. – E3) – State Qualifier
#2 Nate Schon, Selinsgrove (Sr. – W2; Iowa State) -State 2nd, State Champ, State 8th
-
#10 Sean Kinney, Nazareth (Fr. – E2): Junior High Champ, Junior High 2nd
#3 Dawson Dietz, Hampton (Sr. – W3) – State Qualifier
#12 Julien Laventure, Upper Darby (Jr. – E4) – State Qualifier
#1 Isaiah Vance, Hempfield Area (Sr. – W1; Army) – State 2nd, State 4th, State Qualifier

Title Contenders: Nate Schon, Selinsgrove; Isaiah Vance, Hempfield Area
Schon was the state champ at 220 pounds as a sophomore, rolling through a really tough bracket by bonusing his way through the tournament. Last season, he got knocked off by Dorian Crosby in the Northwest Region and PIAA finals. He moved up to heavyweight to prep for where he’ll wrestle at Iowa State, and he’s a slightly undersized, but incredibly mobile and skilled heavyweight. Isaiah Vance was the state runner up last year at heavyweight to Hunter Catka after finishing fourth as a sophomore. Vance, ranked in the top ten nationally like Schon, is a full sized heavyweight and kind of handled Schon last week in the Super Region final. He’s a bear to try and move, but is light on his feet for his size and can crush mistakes. He also owns a win over National Prep champ Colt Deery (Malvern Prep), which really turned heads on the national level.

Bracket Buster: Sean Kinney, Nazareth
It is not very often you see a freshman in the 3A heavyweight bracket. Kinney is a future star here – he’s huge, he really has a command on riding, and he’s got the mobility and leg defense to really give guys problems. This is a really deep heavyweight field, but this will be a good chance to see how the future of the weight stacks up with the present.

Semifinals: Billy McChesney vs. Nate Schon and Sean Kinney vs. Isaiah Vance
McChesney made news two weeks ago by beating Vance and I think he’ll give Butka problems. McChesney, a state medalist as a sophomore, is an FBS recruit as a defensive tackle and is a huge heavyweight and not a good match up for the undersized Butka. Cruise qualified at 220 as a sophomore and is a nimble, athletic heavyweight, but Schon is just a much better version of him. On the bottom, Dietz and Kinney is a heck of a first round match. Dietz beat McChesney last week in a match that really turned heads and puts him in the conversation with the top four. But I like the freshman – Kinney has a major size advantage on Dietz and is good enough on top to win a “big” heavyweight match. Vance should have no problem with Laventure.

Finals: Nate Schon vs. Isaiah Vance
This one is a collision course. Schon and McChesney was over quickly last week, with Schon pinning McChesney in the first minute. I don’t necessarily think that happens again, but McChesney isn’t going to completely close that gap in a week. Vance is what Kinney is going to be in a year or two, but he’s not now, and I think he puts the freshman in his place.

State Champ: Nate Schon, Selinsgrove
Vance won pretty handily last week, but I do this this is a case where Schon can make the adjustments and close the gap. Schon got in trouble when he got stuck under the much heavier Vance in leg attacks – I think we see more upper body attacks, hadnfighting, and short drags from Schon, who has that skillset and is also enough of an athlete to keep Vance moving and uncomfortable on his feet. He’s also just too good to only be a one time champ, and I think he gets back to the top of the podium here.

State Medal Picks
1. Nate Schon, Selinsgrove
2. Isaiah Vance, Hempfield Area
3. Billy McChesney, Greensburg-Salem
4. Matthew Cruise, Easton
5. Sean Kinney, Nazareth
6. Dawson Dietz, Hampton
7. Julien Laventure, Upper Darby
8. Cameron Butka, West Scranton
 
Big news from Hershey - Kamdyn Williams missed weight this morning and will not be in the 113 pound field. I mentioned it was a big pull for his brother to get to 106, but it apparently was too much for him at 113 too. Not an ideal start to my picks to lose one of my champs to the scale !

Cael McIntyre automatically advances to semis. Give me a Bunting-Kilkeary final with Kilkeary winning his second title.
 
“Hauserman and Homet both are good picks on the top, though Dylan Evans will push Hauserman.”

well, he more than pushed him. Evans medaled as a freshman and is certainly really good, butwinning the match outright was a surprise to me too.
 
RoverNation05 said:
I cannot remember District 11 having a worse session at states. Holy hell.
Click to expand...

Carson Wagner loses to Carl Nasdeo (Williamsport) on a second period takedown

Josh Jasionowicz gets turns in the third period by Tyler Chappell

Charlie Bunting gets reversed and ridden out by Jacob Van Dee (ECP) after getting a pair of one counts on a tilt.

Frinzi and Kasak win, though Kasak scraped by without an offensive point.

Matt Mayer gets pinned in a 2-2 match during a scramble with Jude Swisher (State College).

Andrew Harmon gets beaten soundly by Chandler Ho (DuBois). Oof
 
District 11's day continues to degrade - Isaiah Reinert misses weight at 189 and is out of the tournament, the second top 2 wrestler in the state to miss weight today. That will end his career
 
Finalists from this morning
106: Kaedyn Williams, Manheim Township vs. Carl Nasdeo, Williamsport
113: Jacob Van Dee, Erie Cathedral Prep vs. Zach Jacaruso, Delaware Valley
120: Mac Church, Waynesburg vs. Karl Shindledecker, Chambersburg
126: Tyler Kasak, Bethlehem Catholic vs. Carter Dibert, Franklin Regional
132: Dylan Chappell, Seneca Valley vs. Briar Priest, Hempfield
138: Cole Homet, Waynesburg vs. Finn Solomon, Franklin Regional
 
Upper weight semis highlights
-Wyatt Henson trailed Dagen Condomitti 7-1 going into the third, which would have been the upset of the tournament, but Henson stormed back in the third to tie and won 11-9 in sudden victory. He’ll defend his title tonight against John Altieri.
-Rocco Welsh looked like he scored the winning takedown in regulation, but Jared Keslar reversed him and nearly put him on his back to force overtime. But Welsh scored in sudden victory to go to his second state final, where he’ll see AHR.
-Jack McGill got a late takedown to beat Cole Spencer and get a rematch with Jagger Condomitti in finals.
-Luca Augustine got a third period stalling point on Dom Falcone (warranted) to give Waynesburg five state finalists. He’ll take on Trey Kibe.
-Joey Milano controlled Drew Clearie
-Ryan Harkless got an overtime takedown to beat Logan Harmon. Jake Lucas looked great in a 5-2 win over Catka
-Surprise of the day was freshmen Sean Kinney becoming the third 9th grader ever to make a heavyweight final with a 6-3 win over returning state finalist and national #10 Isaiah Vance. He’ll see Nate Schon in finals.
 
Yes - LoPiccolo in 2000 and Tony Koontz from Delong Catholic in 1981.

Incredibly, LoPiccolo never won a state title. He lost to future NFL lineman Jon Condo as a freshman, lost to 2x All American Matt Feast as a sophomore, moved down to 189 as a junior, but lost in semis to eventual champ Matt Cassidy in semis (then beat future NCAA champ Phil Davis for3rd), then went 215 in the first year of the weight class and lost to Jon Oplinger (on a grabbing the singlet point in overtime).
 
I’m happy for Tyler Kasak. When he was 6 and 7 years old he wrestled with my sons junior high club team. He was kinda everyone’s little brother. They nicknamed him Beast. He was all muscle back then too.
 
Naturally Hauserman wins the rematch with Evans for 3rd place. Hopefully Milano can save face for D1 tonight.
 
16th&Georgetown said:
I’m happy for Tyler Kasak. When he was 6 and 7 years old he wrestled with my sons junior high club team. He was kinda everyone’s little brother. They nicknamed him Beast. He was all muscle back then too.
Click to expand...

He won that match the hard way too, beating one of the best top wrestlers in the country almost entirely on the mat. I thought he was the best guy at 106 last year, so glad to see him get a title. Gives Bethlehem Catholic ten straight years with at least one champ - after having one total from 1989-2010
 
16th&Georgetown said:
Amazing. Is 10 in a row a record?
Click to expand...

Through a quick look,I think Clearfield has the record with 13 from 1941-1953. Clearfield has had a long stranglehold on most champs ever due to their absolute dominance in the ‘40s.

Bethlehem Catholic isn’t going away either.Of their seven medalists, it’s two seniors, a junior, and four sophomores including their champ Kasak. They also have at least three kids coming in who were junior high state finalists as 7th graders in Nathan Desmond, Kollin Rath, and Shane McFillin. Charlie Scanlan from Freedom’s program was a JH Super 32 champ and is choosing between Becahi and Notre Dame.

Bethlehem Catholic has really benefitted from club partnerships. They set up Weaver Elite which is where the Cruz’s, Elliott Riddick, Zeke Moisey crew all came up from that was their feeder club for a long time. The current ND coach was running that, and it kind of dissolved when he left Bethlehem Catholic (first to go to Liberty, them when he took the ND job). But Becahi made the move to partner with Red Hawk wresting and made that their official club, and hired Seth Ciasulli as a “volunteer assistant” (but who gets the club fees from all of the Becahi kids and kids Becahi wants) wrestling for him in private lessons. That’s where all of the big sophomore class came from plus the kids coming in.

Seth’s dad ran Red Hawk in the late ‘90s and ‘00s and had a bunch of state champs (Matt Ciasulli, Tim Darling, Nick Guida, Mike Rogers, HudsonTaylor and Kellen Russell at Blair, Mike McMullen at Sem, Ricky Frondorf in NJ), but didn’t have an affiliation with a school. Since Seth has taken it over and brought it back, they were initially funneling kids to Notre Dake (Andrew Cerniglia, Brandan Chletsos being the big ones) but that relationships deteriorated and set up the partnership with Bethlehem Catholic. Dark Knights up in the Poconos is the “you can go to high school wherever you’d like” club that puts kids on the state podium, and it’s definitely a weird dynamic up here.
 
Condomitti made that one interesting! Takedown with four seconds left to tie, then a TD in the final ten seconds of sudden victory. He’s been fun to watch for four years, I’m very glad he ended it with a state title - talent wise he deserves a couple. Seth Lisa is a great guy and glad to see him get another champ, he’s got the Konkrete Kids back on track.

McGill had a really nice game plan and dominates the first 4 minutes there.Jagger made the adjustment to get some space for for that sweep single rather than trying to wrestle in a phone booth.
 
Luca Augustine with the upset of Trey Kibe!! Gives Waynesburg three state champs and cracks the 100 point barrier. Kibe missed on a headlock on the edge with about 13 seconds left and Augustine came around and scored. Kibe finishes “only” a one time champ with his title as a sophomore. Augustine was definitely the aggressor, and while Kibe is a wizard defensively, his lack of a go-to leg attack hurt him.

Dom Falcone finished third, making him the 13th Red Rover with three State medals. He was a 1 point match in semis with the eventual champ away for getting a shot at a title, but those can be the breaks. He’s been a great representative of the program for four years and will be missed. West Point is getting a good one (as they tend to do). Also will be funny if he ends up with former Easton state medalist Marcus Millen as a professor.
 
One of the best heavyweight finals I’ve seen. Nate Schon beats Sean Kinney in overtime, denying Kinney’s bid to become the first freshman ever to win heavyweight and wi
his second state title. Kinney took Schon down with 12 seconds left to force OT, then nearly put Schon on his back in a wild scramble before Schon stepped over and got a takedown and pin to win. Schon gets the ultra rare 4 career medals at 220 and up, going 8-1-2-1 in his career.

Kinney certainly proved the hype and has the makings of the #1 kid in the country at some point in his career. The only thing stopping him may be if he keeps growing and can’t make 285, because he’s already huge (their football roster listed him at 6’4 290). He may have to pivot to being a full time left tackle if he keeps getting bigger (he started there this fall for their D11 champs football team).

 
The Big Red W (Waynesburg) looked to be the class of the weekend. My first football coaching job was there and we had this RB Josh Koshceck who was a pretty good wrestler.
 
sammyk said:
The Big Red W (Waynesburg) looked to be the class of the weekend. My first football coaching job was there and we had this RB Josh Koshceck who was a pretty good wrestler.
Click to expand...

If you think an NCAA champion and UFC champ is a good wrestler, then I guess. It's a shame Edinboro doesn't seem to get talent like that anymore, it was fun when they were really humming. He also was in a stretch of some really good Pennsylvania wrestlers who didn't win state titles, but won NCAA's (Phil Davis and Keith Gavin being the others)

This Waynesburg team was pretty set up to be great. They went to state dual finals last year, then brought back every starter in their lineup - they were runaway favorites coming into the year. Plus they had a very good freshman at 106 and a kid move in from Arizona who was a 2x state champ out there (he lost in the Super Regional). They graduate Henson and Augustine, but bring back their other four medalists, plus five other starters. Bethlehem Catholic will be really good next year, but it seems like a two-horse race.
 
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