Express Times Area Rankings

 

Tuesday, January 06, 2009

 

 

103 Pounds

1. So. Anthony Cabrera (12-1) Liberty

 

2. Fr. Randy Cruz (20-0) Bethlehem Catholic

 

3. So. Trey Daubert (12-5) Northampton

 

4. So. Josh Fritz (9-2) Emmaus

 

5. Jr. Anthony Bilotta (14-1) Pius X

 

Honorable mention: So. Cody Barbiche (7-3) Delaware Valley; Fr. Pat Boyle (6-4) North Hunterdon; Fr. Chris Greenwald (9-2) Warren Hills; So. Lucas Dice (11-4) Northwestern; Fr. James Elphick (9-5) Pen Argyl; Fr. Nate Gimbar (10-4) Saucon Valley; So. Brandon Hartrum (10-8) Wilson; So. Ryan Ticotra (8-2) Hackettstown; Fr. Matt Silva (4-5) Phillipsburg; Fr. Peter Stanley (7-6) Easton; So. Dave Volyn (4-1) Hunterdon Central.

 

Comments: Anthony Cabrera or Randy Cruz? No. 1 spot goes to Cabrera based on experience and competition. Trey Daubert, son of Northampton coach Terry Daubert, has started strong. Josh Fritz defeated Peter Stanley of Easton 4-0 in dual meet and Anthony Bilotta's record is impressive.

 

112 pounds

 

1. So. Zach Horan (16-3) Nazareth

 

2. So. Jamie Welsh (13-4) Pen Argyl

 

3. Jr. Justin Mazza (8-1) Pius X

 

4. So. Rylan Watson (6-3) Phillipsburg

 

5. So. Mike Fleck (12-3) Easton

 

Honorable mention: So. Mike Fake (7-3) Parkland; Fr. Zane Heller (9-5) Northern Lehigh; Jr. Dylan Long (9-6) Northwestern; So. Jaydon Rice (18-2) Bethlehem Catholic; Jr. Greg Rinker (2-1) Northampton; Fr. Alex Shaffer (9-0) Hunterdon Central; Fr. Dylan Thorsen (7-2) Belvidere; Sr. Eric Waldron (8-3) North Hunterdon.

 

Comments: No. 1 Zach Horan, PIAA state runner-up last season, has been tested with tough competition early. Jamie Welsh beat Justin Mazza twice a season ago at 103 and gets higher ranking. Rylan Watson and Mike Fleck both went 3-2 in Reno but Watson gets nod based on 6-5 last season.

 

119 pounds

 

1. Jr. Anthony Marino (12-0) Liberty

 

2. Fr. Mitch Minotti (18-3) Easton

 

3. So. Franco Ferraina (14-3) Nazareth

 

4. Fr. Jason Stephen (14-5) Northampton

 

5. Fr. Rich Cruz (14-1) Bethlehem Catholic

 

Honorable mention: Jr. Doug Cowley (8-1) Belvidere; Jr. Constantine Filipos (10-3) Central Catholic; So. Josh LaBar (13-3) Pius X; Jr. Pat Levandowski (8-3) North Hunterdon; So. Rex Lutz (10-5) Pen Argyl; So. Rob Napolitano (7-3) Hackettstown; Jr. Spencer Parcel (6-2) Hunterdon Central; Jr. Adam Phillippi (13-4) Saucon Valley; So. Tony Stanell (8-3) Palisades.

 

Comments: Anthony Marino looked outstanding at Bethlehem Holiday Classic and is No. 1 in weight class and overall in region. Mitch Minotti has lived up to hype as freshman phenom. Franco Ferraina was reserve as freshman but is enjoying breakout sophomore season. Jason Stephen and Rich Cruz round out fab five.

 

125 pounds

 

1. Sr. Evan Yenolevich (13-1) Northwestern

 

2. So. Matt Lane (10-1) Phillipsburg

 

3. So. Greg Noll (11-9) Nazareth

 

4. Jr. Jordan Glykas (12-5) Northampton

 

5. Sr. D.J. Hartrum (13-3) Wilson

 

Honorable mention: Sr. Derek Beckage (11-6) Pen Argyl; Jr. Brian Bistis (7-1) Hunterdon Central; Sr. Ryan Brouhard (4-1) Warren Hills; Jr. Lee Coleman (12-3) Bangor; Sr. Bob Detweiler (10-4) Freedom; Jr. Tyrone Deschler (12-6) Saucon Valley; Sr. Richie Drey (13-5) Easton; Fr. Dylan Hofmann (8-4) Northern Lehigh; Jr. Michael Ramos (12-4) Allen; Jr. Bobby Stevely (8-3) Delaware Valley.

 

Comments: No. 1 Evan Yenolevich is two-time Class AA state runner-up with only loss to Blair Academy's Sean Boyle in Bethlehem final. Matt Lane was top Stateliner in Reno with third-place finish. Greg Noll is third based on win over D.J. Hartrum at Bethlehem tourney and higher finish than Jordan Glykas.

 

130 pounds

 

1. Sr. Josh Yurasits (16-4) Northampton

 

2. Jr. John Horak (9-2) Phillipsburg

 

3. So. Joey Rizzolino (13-5) Easton

 

4. So. Matt Schuebel (10-0) Warren Hills

 

5. So. Nikko Stevens (10-3) Northern Lehigh

 

Honorable mention: Jr. Owen Boyle (9-3) North Hunterdon; Jr. A.J. Chernasky (10-6) Saucon Valley; Jr. Dan Hong (9-3) Liberty; Jr. Matt Klacik (11-6) Freedom; Jr. Vinny Peoni (11-3) Voorhees; Sr. Kevin Ritchie (8-2) North Warren; Jr. Trevor Stiefken (6-2) Delaware Valley.

 

Taking injury time: Sr. Andrew Duckworth (9-1) Bethlehem Catholic.

 

Comments: Josh Yurasits claims No. 1 spot but bout against John Horak would be interesting. In fact, Northampton AD Mike Schneider and Phillipsburg AD Tom Fisher, let's schedule the K-Kids vs. Stateliners dual right now. Back to rankings, Joey Rizzolino, Matt Schuebel and Nikko Stevens round out weight class.

 

135 pounds

 

1. Sr. Austin Williams (14-2) Pen Argyl

 

2. Jr. Austin Sommer (16-4) Northampton

 

3. Sr. Bryan Smith (20-1) Bethlehem Catholic

 

4. Sr. Bob Moyer (7-2) Phillipsburg

 

5. Sr. Ricky Williams (8-3) Northwestern

 

Honorable mention: Sr. Victor Alpizar (11-3) Whitehall; Sr. Patrick Corpora (11-6) Easton; Jr. Dan Costenbader (11-5) Palmerton; Jr. Benjamin Diorio (12-3) Pius X; Sr. Joe Grammes (10-3) Northern Lehigh; Jr. Garret Henning (9-4) Liberty; Jr. Kyle Mease (10-2) Delaware Valley; Jr. Erik Mitchell (7-3) Hackettstown; Jr. Andrew Moore (8-3) Parkland; Sr. Nick Parsons (9-4) Saucon Valley; Jr. Tanner Simmons (13-7) Catasauqua.

 

Comments: This one is tough and could probably be a tie at No. 1 but that's a cop-out. Slightest edge to Austin Williams over Austin Sommer at 135. They split one-point decisions at Bethlehem tournament with Williams prevailing in third-place bout. Bryan Smith is strong at third. Bob Moyer and Ricky Williams round out solid group at 135.

 

140 pounds

 

1. Jr. Oliver Brukardt (9-3) Phillipsburg

 

2. So. Ryan Krecker (17-3) Nazareth

 

3. Jr. Mark Hartenstine (19-1) Easton

 

4. So. Mike Ottinger (10-4) Parkland

 

5. Jr. Jake Giovannini (12-2) Pius X

 

Honorable mention: Sr. Mike Calantoni (12-4) Wilson; Sr. Brandon Johnson (15-7) Bethlehem Catholic.

 

Taking injury time: Sr. Phil Marano (2-1) Northampton

 

Comments: Another tough call among top three. Oliver Brukardt gets nod based on win over Mark Hartenstine in Reno. Ryan Krecker is second based on two one-point wins over Hartenstine last season. This decision could be re-visited soon. Mike Ottinger is solid and Jake Giovannini sports strong record.

 

145 pounds

 

1. Sr. Kris Krawchuk (12-0) Northern Lehigh

 

2. Sr. Shane Fenningham (11-5) Northampton

 

3. Sr. Nick Pare (7-4) Phillipsburg

 

4. So. Kyle Dehaut (18-1) Bethlehem Catholic

 

5. Sr. Austin Warman (18-1) Wilson

 

Honorable mention: Sr. Richard Clark (11-7) Bangor; Jr. Ryan Gelvar (7-4) Delaware Valley; Sr. Ricky Graff (9-1) Warren Hills; Jr. Ryan Kisslinger (10-4) Liberty; Sr. Mike LaPorta (9-5) Saucon Valley; Sr. Kenny Maciborski (10-5) Nazareth; So. Mason McIntyre (11-4) Freedom; Jr. Phil Racciato (9-5) Pen Argyl.

 

Comments: Kris Krawchuk prevailed at Bethlehem Holiday Classic and is undefeated, so he earns No. 1. Shane Fenningham was second at Bethlehem, forfeiting in final with knee injury. Nick Pare is accomplished veteran. Kyle Dehaut and Austin Warman both are capable of moving up.

 

152 pounds

 

1. Jr. Kevin Brown (8-1) North Warren

 

2. Jr. Greg Chrin (8-1) Notre Dame

 

3. Jr. Craemer Hedash (12-1) Northern Lehigh

 

4. Sr. Tyler Cozzubbo (15-1) Pius X

 

5. Jr. Jerry Somma (5-2) Hunterdon Central

 

Honorable mention: So. Chris Cancelliere (7-3) North Hunterdon; Jr. Mike Englert (11-4) Palmerton; Sr. Ian Heist (4-1) Parkland; Sr. Matt Hunter (11-3) Wilson; Jr. Seth Guth (9-5) Whitehall; So. John Lambert (10-8) Northampton.

 

Comments: Kevin Brown was state placewinner last season and is off to another strong start at No. 1. Greg Chrin was state qualifier. (Chrin's record is incomplete; ND individual records were unavailable on NWCA Web site and coach did not respond to phone calls.) Craemer Hedash and Tyler Cozzubbo are once-beaten at three and four, respectively. Jerry Somma rounds out top five.

 

160 pounds

 

1. Sr. Jimmy Sheptock (19-2) Northampton

 

2. So. Colin Hedash (12-1) Northwestern

 

3. Sr. Alex Depew (16-3) Wilson

 

4. Sr. Aaron Ross (20-1) Bethlehem Catholic

 

5. Jr. Mike Hafke (12-1) Voorhees

 

Honorable mention: Jr. Matt Artigliere (8-2) Warren Hills; Jr. Mike Brown (9-4) Liberty; Sr. Justin Quaye (8-5) Allen; Jr. Wade Rivera (13-2) Parkland; Jr. Josh Rodriguez (9-5) Whitehall; Sr. Mike Simon (7-2) Phillipsburg.

 

Comments: No. 1 Jimmy Sheptock is steady and strong atop this weight class. Colin Hedash edged Alex Depew 5-4 in Bethlehem tournament; Hedash is second and Depew third. Aaron Ross, like many Bethlehem Catholic wrestlers, owns outstanding record. Mike Hafke is solid returner who rates fifth.

 

171 pounds

 

1. Jr. Tate Klidonas (10-0) Emmaus

 

2. Sr. Seth Csaszar (13-5) Northampton

 

3. Sr. Dan Shust (8-2) North Hunterdon

 

4. Jr. Cameron Kroemelbein (8-2) Belvidere

 

5. Sr. Kevin Keim (18-3) Bethlehem Catholic

 

Honorable mention: Jr. Luke DeLuise (12-4) Pius X; Sr. Josh Heft (8-4) Parkland; Jr. Chris Pintado (9-3) Liberty.

 

Comments: Tate Klidonas earns top spot with Seth Csaszar close behind in one of weaker overall weight classes. Dan Shust and Cameron Kroemelbein are third and fourth with identical 8-2 records. Kevin Keim is another Becahi wrestler with a sparkling record.

 

189 pounds

 

1. Sr. Joe Piro (15-4) Northampton

 

2. Sr. Jared Crouse (7-3) Phillipsburg

 

3. Sr. Danny Boyle (11-2) Northern Lehigh

 

4. Jr. Taray Carey (11-4) Whitehall

 

5. So. Andrew Labanz (8-2) Liberty

 

Honorable mention: None.

 

Comments: Joe Piro is deserving No. 1 and Jared Crouse is strong No. 2. Danny Boyle, Taray Carey and Andrew Labanz round out top five. An aside: if you're in high school, if you weigh in around 189 pounds and you want to see your name in the newspaper, join the wrestling team. You could be ranked here.

 

215 pounds

 

1. Sr. Brandon Palik (13-1) Saucon Valley

 

2. Sr. Daryl Klotz (1-0) Liberty

 

3. Sr. Matt Santini (9-2) Phillipsburg

 

4. Sr. Chris Wilson (14-4) Easton

 

5. Sr. Tim Murphy (12-6) Nazareth

 

Honorable mention: Sr. Kevin Booth (12-3) Palmerton; Sr. Aaron Chamberlain (14-4) Northampton; Sr. Carl Kreidler (10-4) Whitehall; Sr. Richie Maguire (6-3) Warren Hills; Sr. Troy Silfies (9-4) Northern Lehigh; Sr. Brandon Strohl (15-4) Catasauqua; Jr. Khalid Zubaydi (6-2) Hackettstown.

 

Comments: No. 1 Brandon Palik is state champion candidate with lone loss coming to Warwick's Antonio Giorgio 4-3 in Bethlehem finals. Daryl Klotz is back from long football season and figures to be top performer. Matt Santini and Chris Wilson are three-four but could flip-flop, pending possible bout. Tim Murphy could get shot at Wilson in Wednesday's Easton-Nazareth match.

 

285 pounds

 

1. Sr. Will Fletcher (3-0) Palisades

 

2. Sr. Erik Schaffer (18-3) Northampton

 

3. Jr. Brad Bormann (8-1) Hunterdon Central

 

4. Sr. Justin Grant (14-4) Easton

 

5. Sr. Sean Searfass (5-3) Freedom

 

Honorable mention: So. Jack Delia (11-1) North Hunterdon; Jr. Curtis Garner (14-3) Catasauqua; Jr. D.J. King (10-6) Nazareth; Jr. Greg Ritter (8-2) Belvidere; Jr. Jon Slack (6-4) Warren Hills; Sr. Jim Tersigni (6-5) Phillipsburg.

 

Comments: No. 1 Will Fletcher figures to be Pennsylvania force in Class AA. Erik Schaffer is one of most-improved wrestlers and Justin Grant has burst onto scene. Brad Bormann slots in between Schaffer and Grant. District 11 Class AAA silver medalist Sean Searfass has potential to make move upward.