Friday marked the final stop on the road to the state finals at Rutgers University. JSZ brings you four state semifinal matchups, including an instant classic between Brick Memorial and Cranford. Check back as the highlights are posted throughout the night!
Brick Memorial 36 Cranford 35 | Group 3 State Semifinal
The Mustangs orchestrated a rally for the ages to secure a wild come-from-behind state semifinal win. Brick Memorial (14-4) won the final five bouts, including a pair of pins, to stun Cranford (20-4). Mikey Napolitano brought the heroics Friday night with a walk-off pin at 113 pounds. The Cougars and Mustangs each won seven bouts, but Cranford was deducted one team point for unsportsmanlike conduct in the 138-pound bout. The match of the night, and maybe the year, was the electric 190-pound showdown between Iowa commit Harvey Ludington and Rutgers commit Jordan Chapman – Ludington won 9-8 with a last-second takedown. Brick Memorial will face Delsea in the Group 3 state final Sunday at Rutgers University.
JSZ’s Jay Cook has the highlights + reaction from Brick:
Jersey Sports Zone’s coverage of Brick Memorial is made possible by Community Medical Center in Toms River.
Jersey Sports Zone’s coverage of Cranford is made possible by JAG Physical Therapy.
Delsea 50 Wayne Valley 21 | Group 3 State Semifinal
The Crusaders are heading back to Rutgers in search of a fourth consecutive state title. Amari Vann (126), Jamar Dixon (150), Joel Anderson (175), Sal Marchese (215) and Alex Grippo (285) all pinned to lead a bonus points bonanza for Delsea. Noah Zindaki (138) earned a technical fall for the Indians in the loss. Delsea will face Brick Memorial for the Group 3 championship at noon on Sunday.
JSZ’s Mike Frankel has the highlights from Franklinville:
RSouthern 64 Passaic Tech 12 | Group 5 State Semifinal
The two-time defending state champion Rams took care of business against the North 1 champion Bulldogs as they punched their ticket to their 15th state final. Hunter Borer trailed in his bout at 126 but turned the tables to score the decisive pin and clinch the victory. Cade Collins (106), Anthony Mason (113), Cody Byckiewicz (132), Scottie Sari (138), Vincent Esposito (144), and Attila Vigilante (150) delivered pins in the victory for Southern (19-3). Jason Dixon (285) and Talan Mangasi (120) earned pins in the loss for Passaic Tech (23-11). Southern will go for a three-peat on Sunday against Bridgewater-Raritan.
JSZ’s James Mooney has the highlights from Manahawkin:
Jersey Sports Zone’s coverage of Southern Regional is made possible by Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield of New Jersey.
Rumson-Fair Haven 57 Middle Township 24 | Group 2 Semifinal
The Bulldogs had four straight pins to break a 12-12 tie and recorded nine falls in a dominating performance at home. Rumson-Fair Haven will look for a second straight Group 2 state championship this Sunday at Rutgers when they face Caldwell.
JSZ’s Rich Chrampanis has the highlights from Rumson:
Jersey Sports Zone’s coverage of Rumson-Fair Haven is made possible by Monmouth Medical Center in Long Branch.
