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JSZ’s Year in Review Series: 2021-22 Wrestling Season
The 2021-2022 New Jersey high school sports season is officially over, but that doesn’t mean we can’t reminisce on what was an incredible year. Jersey Sports Zone’s team of multimedia journalists had boots on the ground from August 2021 through June 2022 and covered over 1,000 games in over a dozen different sports during that timeframe. So, before we turn the page on the past year, our team gets together and looks back on their favorite moments in each sport. The 2021-22 Wrestling Season Jay Cook | North Jersey: Bergen Catholic beats Delbarton on criteria; Feb. 12, 2022 “If you call yourself a wrestling fan, then this is the match you need to watch from the 2021-2022 season. Tied at 23-23 at the end of the match, both coaches, athletic directors and referees went into a back room for 15 minutes to decide the winner on criteria. It went all the way down to Criteria J, and Bergen Catholic emerged as sectional champs. The Crusaders would go on to win a Non-Public A state title days later.” Rich Chrampanis | North Jersey: Olivia Klein wins 100 lb. state championship; Feb. 21, 2022 “One year earlier, Klein lost a heartbreaker in the state finals. To see her climb the mountain once again and get redemption was inspirational. Her post-match interview was raw emotion and shows what it means to accomplish such a major goal.” Mike Frankel | South Jersey: Phillipsburg 27 Southern 25; February 11, 2022 “This was an absolute battle between two of the most decorated programs in New Jersey, with a trip to a state final on the line. The night came down to the final bout, where the Stateliners clinched the victory on the road.” James Mooney | North Jersey: Brian Soldano wins state title; March 6, 2022 “It was an emotional finale to a storied high school career as High Point’s Brian Soldano completed a dominant weekend in Atlantic City to bring home his third-straight state title and was named the tournament’s Most Outstanding Wrestler.”
The 2021-22 HS Sports Season Comes to a Close
After over 1,000 games and months of boots-on-the-ground reporting, the 2021-2022 high school sports season in New Jersey has come to a close for Jersey Sports Zone. This past scholastic year brought remarkable highs and moments that will live on for years to come. We also saw coaches, players and entire school communities battle through hardships and persevere despite tough times. So, in the best way we know how, we close out the year in our style. Check out the Top 10 Boys Plays of the Year and the Top 10 Girls Plays of the Year. Also, JSZ’s Jay Cook reviews the year in an impactful video essay that spans the highlights of this past year. 2021-22 In The Books: A Video Essay by Jay Cook Top 10 Boys Plays of the Year Top 10 Girls Plays of the Year Jersey Sports Zone is proudly sponsored by RWJ Barnabas Health!
Watch JSZ State Finals Wrestling Highlights
The wrestling season wrapped up with a bang at Boardwalk Hall in Atlantic City on Saturday. JSZ has highlights and interviews from all 14 boys state wrestling finals matches. Check back throughout the night as the videos are posted! 285 Pounds Jimmy Mullen, St. Joe’s (Mont.) p. (2:49) Dominick Brogna, Bergen Catholic 106 Pounds Adrian DeJesus, St. Peter’s Prep 3-2 dec. Patrick O’Keefe, St. John Vianney 113 Pounds Anthony Knox, St. John Vianney 7-2 dec. Jared Brunner, Eastern 120 Pounds Evan Tallmadge, Brick Memorial 7-3 dec. Luke Stanich, Roxbury 126 Pounds Evan Mougalian, Kinnelon 7-1 dec. Garrett Totten, CBA 132 Pounds Tyler Vazquez, Delbarton 2-1 dec. Anthony Santaniello, Brick Memorial 138 Pounds Joseph Cangro, Bergen Catholic p. (3:57) Julian George, CBA 144 Pounds Joe Fongaro, Boonton 10-9 dec. Ty Whalen, Clearview 150 Pounds Andrew Troczynski, Delbarton 5-2 dec. Laith Hamdeh, Passaic County Tech 157 Pounds Simon Ruiz, Delbarton 5-1 dec. Dakota Morris, Kingsway 165 Pounds Hunter Mays, Howell 5-4 dec. Nicholas Fea, Bergen Catholic 175 Pounds Harvey Ludington, Brick Memorial 5-2 dec. Jared Schoppe, Delsea 190 Pounds Brian Soldano, High Point 11-3 md Joshua Palacio, North Bergen 215 Pounds Martin Cosgrove, Camden Catholic 6-5 dec. P.J. Casale, Passaic Valley Jersey Sports Zone’s state championship wrestling coverage is made possible by RWJ Barnabas Health.
Watch JSZ Girls’ State Championship Wrestling Highlights
Jersey Sports Zone has wall-to-wall coverage from the 2022 NJSIAA Girls Wrestling State Championships from Phillipsburg High School. Stay tuned throughout the day as the updates and highlights come in from each of the finals. 100 Pound Final: Olivia Klein (Paramus) vs. Isabella Santos (Elizabeth) 107 Pound Final: Ahsia Torres (Perth Amboy) vs. Theresa Zapatelli (Bogota/Ridgefield) 114 Pound Final: Ava Rose (Princeton) vs. Riley Lerner (Cedar Creek) 120 Pound Final: Kira Pipkins (Bloomfield) vs. Kalli Roskos (Delran) 126 Pound Final: Maya Hemo (Cherry Hill East) vs. Julia Fongaro (Boonton) 132 Pound Final: Lexi Mazzella (Bordentown) vs. Olivia Palmer (Timber Creek) 138 Pound Final: Skyelar Smith (Jackson Memorial) vs. Jayla Hahn (Central Regional) 145 Pound Final: Gabby Miller (Old Bridge) vs. Taylor Peterson (Garfield) 152 Pound Final: Jenna Filieri (Lodi Immaculate) vs. Alexa Firestone (Kingsway) 165 Pound Final: Noelle Gaffney (High Point) vs. Jade Huerta (Brick Township) 185 Pound Final: Amanda Pace (North Bergen) vs. Shaelie Young (Gateway) 235 Pound Final: Gianna Faura (Bloomfield) vs. Kerly Borbor (New Brunswick) Jersey Sports Zone’s coverage of the girls wrestling state championships is brought to you by RWJ Barnabas Health!
Watch Friday 2.11 JSZ Wrestling Highlights
JSZ has coverage from a pair of thrilling non-public sectional finals, plus amazing action from two state semifinals on the public side. Check back throughout the night to watch the highlights! Bergen Catholic 24 Delbarton 23 | Non-Public A North Final Mark this down as the Match of the Year. The Crusaders and Green Wave went the distance and were tied 23-23 at the end of all 14 bouts. After 10 minutes of discussion, Bergen Catholic was dramatically named the Non-Public A North sectional champions. Criteria J – most near-fall points – was the deciding factor in one of the tightest, most thrilling matches you’ll see all year. Jay Cook has the highlights and reaction from Morristown: A special thanks to OceanFirst Bank for sponsoring JSZ’s coverage of sectional championship wrestling! Red Bank Catholic 39 Holy Spirit 30 | Non-Public B South Final Trailing 30-12, the Caseys scored back-to-back wins and got two forfeits to set the stage for Davin Brewton to clinch the school’s first-ever wrestling sectional championship with a second-period pinfall at 215 pounds. RBC will face Pope John in the Non-Public “B” state championship on Sunday morning at Franklin High School. JSZ’s Rich Chrampanis has the highlights and post-match reaction from Red Bank: A special thanks to OceanFirst Bank for sponsoring JSZ’s coverage of sectional championship wrestling! Phillipsburg 27 Southern 25 | Group 5 State Semifinal The Stateliners trailed 22-6, but battled back to stun the Rams and punch a ticket to the state final. Nate Zastowny won via tech fall for Phillipsburg, while David Pierson and John Wargo won key decisions down the stretch. Dawson McWilliams avoided a pin in the final match to clinch the win for the Stateliners. Cole Velardi won by fall, while Matt Henrich had a tech fall for Southern in the loss. P’burg will face Howell for the Group 5 championship on Sunday in Franklin. JSZ’s Mike Frankel has the highlights: Coverage of Phillipsburg is made possible by the Garnet Booster Club. Brick Memorial 38 North Hunterdon 27 | Group 4 State Semifinal The Mustangs of Brick Memorial won in dominant fashion over North Jersey sectional champions North Hunterdon. Brick won nine of 11 contested bouts to get out to a 38-9 lead before forfeiting the last three matches. Returning state champion Evan Tallmadge won by tech fall while Ryan Smith, Harvey Ludington and other returning state champion Anthony Santaniello won by pin for the Mustangs. Logan Wadle earned a pin for the Lions in the loss. Brick Memorial will wrestle for its tenth group title in program history on Sunday. JSZ’s Ken Bradley has the highlights from Annandale: Jersey Sports Zone’s coverage of Brick Memorial is brought to you by OceanFirst Bank.
Watch Wednesday 2.9 JSZ Wrestling Highlights
JSZ had cameras at five sectional championships on Wednesday night! Check back throughout the evening as the highlights + interviews roll in! Shawnee 48 Moorestown 19 | Group 4 South Final The Renegades rolled against the Quakers, capturing the first sectional championship in program history. Luke Sherlock, Nick Cottone, Jake Hastings, Chris Ahrens, Matt Quinn and Jay Stokes all won by fall for Shawnee (23-1). Grady Keebler pinned in the loss for Moorestown (15-9). JSZ’s Mike Frankel has the action from Medford: Coverage of Shawnee is made possible by Cooper University Health Care. Livingston 40 Passaic Tech 27 | North 1 Group 5 Final For the first time since 2003 – a time when wrestlers on the roster weren’t even born yet – the Lancers are sectional champions. Tied 16-16 after the 215-pound bout, Livingston (13-3) rattled off three consecutive pins from Eddie Padilla, Anthony Pellegrino and Aidan Carmody and would ultimately clinch the title win with another pin at 126 from Shaun Quirk. Sultan Seddik was the lone wrestler from Passaic Tech (15-6) to pin in the sectional final. Livingston is set to face Howell in the Group 5 semifinals on Friday. JSZ’s Jay Cook has the highlights from Essex County: Raritan 42 Rumson-Fair Haven 25 | Group 2 Central Final Braden Kmak’s pin with :01 second left in the third period at 132 pounds was the spark that propelled the Rockets to the fourth sectional championship in school history. Raritan had a 22-21 lead before Kmak and Zach Reilly’s back-to-back pins gave the Rockets the title. In all, Raritan had a total of five pins in the victory. JSZ’s Rich Chrampanis has the highlights from the Launching Pad in Hazlet: Jersey Sports Zone’s coverage of Rumson-Fair Haven is brought to you by Mario Venancio of Berkshire Hathaway Fox&Roach Realtors Southern 28 Kingsway 23 | Group 5 South Final The Rams got rolling right out of the gates, winning the first seven matches of the dual, on their way to their 15th sectional title. Conor Collins defeated Brendan Callahan by decision (9-3) as the Rams won nine of the twelve contested matches on the night. Dakota Morris scored a first-period technical fall in the loss for Kingsway (10-2). Southern (18-0) will now face Phillipsburg in the Group 5 semifinals on Friday. JSZ’s James Mooney has the highlights from Manahawkin: Howell 31 Hunterdon Central 26 | Group 5 Cental Final For a match of this caliber its only fitting that the Red Devils and Rebels split 7-7 on the mat as it came down to the last match to decide the sectional champion. Giovanni Scafidi secured the title for Howell with his second period pin at 138. Bonus points were the big difference between the Central Jersey foes, as Howell earned bonus points in four matches while Hunterdon Central had a pin at 106 from Peter Plesh and a tech fall from returning state medalist Tanner Peake at 157. Hunter Mays, Thomas Richards and Giovanni Scafidi won by pin as Michael Edmundson earned a major for the Rebels. JSZ’s Ken Bradley has the highlights from Farmingdale:
Blair Academy Outlasts Delbarton in Battle of NJ’s Best
A showdown between the top two teams in New Jersey – and two of the absolute best in the nation – did not disappoint. This dual came down to the final bout to decide the winner. Blair’s TJ Stewart eventually closed the book with a second period pinfall to clinch the win for the Bucs. Blair (3-1) also got key victories from Marc-Anthony McGowan, Daniel Wask and Isaac Schmidt in the win. Delbarton (10-1) wrestled tough and, at one point, held a 24-19 lead. Three consecutive victories from Andrew Troczynski, Simon Ruiz and Louis Cerchio put them in front with four bouts left. Blair (ranked No. 2 in the USA) and Delbarton (ranked No. 6 in the USA) will now head in separate directions as the team and individual tournament season quickly arrives. JSZ’s Jay Cook was on hand in Blairstown for a dual that met the hype: Thanks to our partnership with OceanFirst Bank, Jersey Sports Zone is able to highlight the best competition in the entire state. Our coverage of this match between two national powerhouse programs is made possible thanks to OceanFirst Bank’s commitment to supporting New Jersey high school sports!
Watch Wednesday 2.2 JSZ Wrestling Highlights
The playoffs begin next week. But first the regular season winds down with tremendous action as Shawnee faces Camden Catholic, and RFH tangles with RBC. Enjoy the highlights! Shawnee 41 Camden Catholic 33 The night came down to the final match at 113 pounds, and Ethan Staples delivered for the Renegades with a clutch pin in the third period to win it. Jake Hastings, Chris Ahrens, Matt Quinn and Jay Stokes also won by fall for Shawnee (17-1). Chase Casey, Jurius Clark, Martin Cosgrove and Jonathan Graham all pinned for the Irish (7-2) in the loss. JSZ’s Mike Frankel has the highlights and reaction from Medford: Coverage of Shawnee is brought to you by Cooper University Health Care. Rumson-Fair Haven 38 Red Bank Catholic 27 Freshman Orson de Carvalho scored a dramatic pin at 150 pounds while trailing 13-5 in the third period to score his first varsity win and give RFH a 22-21 lead on the way to a big dual win against their rival. RBC opened the match with three straight wins to take a 15-0 lead before RFH mounted its comeback. When RFH forfeited to RBC All-American Sabino Portella at 175 pounds, RFH state medalist Shay Addison bumped up to 190 pounds and clinched the match with a first-period pinfall. JSZ’s Rich Chrampanis has the highlights form an exciting senior night in Rumson: Thanks to Mario Venancio of Berkshire Hathaway, Fox&Roach Realtors for sponsoring JSZ’s coverage of Rumson-Fair Haven. Mario is the reason we were there to capture an incredible match!
Crown the Colts!
CBA 38 Howell 29 | Shore Conference Tournament Final Just 26 days ago the Colts suffered their sole loss of the season as they fell 32-31 against the Rebels of Howell. But, this time around was a different story as CBA won 8 of 14 bouts and beat Howell in the prestiged Shore Conference Wrestling Tournament. Tyler Venet, Tyler Barrett, Zander Silva and Julian George all won by pin for the Colts while Hunter Mays won by pin for Howell in the loss. Alex Nini (CBA) advanced in the rankings as he beat Sebastian Ortega (Howell). JSZ’s Ken Bradley has the highlights from Middletown: Coverage of the Shore Conference Wrestling tournament is sponsored by Ocean First Bank
Bergen Catholic Battles Back to Score Mat Win at St. Joe’s
The OceanFirst Bank Wrestling Match of the Week lived up to the hype. Watch all the highlights and post-match reaction from Bergen Catholic’s come from behind win at St. Joe-Montvale Bergen Catholic 28 St. Joe-Montvale 23 Remy Brancato scored a 5-1 win at 215 pounds to clinch a come from behind win over the Crusaders in front of an electric crowd at St. Joe-Montvale. St. Joe-Montvale raced out to a 13-0 lead starting with heavyweight Jimmy Mullen and Vincent Paino at 106 pounds. The big swing in the match came at 138 pounds when sophomore August Hibler stepped in for an injured Joe Cangro to score a 9-4 upset win over three-time state medalist Alex Almeyda. From there, BC got pins from Chris Bacchioni and Nick Fea on the way to building a 25-16 lead. Following a pair of wins by St. Joe’s, the dual came down to 215 pounds where Brancato delivered. JSZ’s Rich Chrampanis has the highlights from a great Friday night battle: Thanks to OceanFirst Bank for allowing us to showcase great high school wrestling each and every week!
Delsea Dominates with Pin Party
Delsea 61 Williamstown 11 The Crusaders fell behind early, but earned bonus points on the final 11 matches of the night to beat the Braves going away. Riley Boos, Tyson Derenberger, Jared Shoppe, Danny DiGiovacchino, Luke Maxwell, Rocco Bennett and Zavier Stokes all pinned for Delsea (14-3). John Hildebrandt won by tech fall for Williamstown (10-4) in the loss. JSZ’s Mike Frankel has the highlights from this Tri-County Conference clash: Coverage of Williamstown is brought to you by Cooper University Health Care.
Southern handles South Plainfield in non-conference matchup
The Rams remain undefeated with a dominant win over the Tigers. Three pins in a row by the upper weights of Southern sealed the deal as Tyler Chase, Collin French and Riley O’Boyle earned falls in succession. Cole Velardi added a pin at 157 for the Rams and state number one ranked, Connor Collins controlled a close win against Jacob Delvecchio. Nick Irizarny won by pin for South Plainfield in the loss. JSZ’s Ken Bradley has the highlights from South Plainfield:
Watch Wednesday 1.19 JSZ Wrestling Highlights
JSZ has highlights from showdowns between Shawnee/Washington Township and Raritan/RFH. Enjoy the action! Shawnee 51 Washington Township 18 The Renegades rolled past the Minutemen to stay undefeated on the season. Jake Hastings, Maximilian Germain and Jay Stokes all won by fall for Shawnee (11-0). Ethan Wilson won by technical fall for Township (7-4) in the loss. JSZ’s Mike Frankel has the highlights: Coverage of both Shawnee and Washington Township is brought to you by Cooper University Health Care. Raritan 37 Rumson-Fair Haven 31 The Rockets extend their win streak to 11 as they down the Bulldogs. In an eight to five split, Raritan compiled four pins to get by Rumson. Logan Acevedo, Zach Reilley, Alex Auletta and Nicholas Burns all won by fall in the win as Julian Duque, Cole Pangborn, Ryan Boyer and Shay Addison earned pins for Rumson in the loss. JSZ’s Ken Bradley has the highlights from Rumson:
Two NJ Wrestlers Earn Titles at Escape the Rock
Jersey Sports Zone has Sunday wrestling coverage from one of the top in-season tournaments on the East Coast! Five NJ wrestlers reached the finals at Escape the Rock highlighted by two Garden State wins. Watch all the action now! Jersey Sports Zone brings you five matches from Escape the Rock at Council Rock South High School in Holland, Pennsylvania featuring New Jersey wrestlers reaching the finals. JSZ’s Rich Chrampanis and Jay Cook have all the action, including two nationally ranked #1 wrestlers going for titles. 113 pounds: Zachary Jacaruso (Delaware Valley, PA) defeats Anthony Knox (St. John Vianney), 6-4 Sudden Victory 126 pounds: Caedyn Ricciardi (St. Peter’s Prep) defeats Luke Poore (Caravel Academy, DE) 7-2 160 pounds: Dakota Morris (Kingsway) defeats Matt Colajezzi (Council Rock South, PA) 6-3 172 pounds: Rune Lawrence (Frazier, PA) defeats Michael Dellagatta (St. Joe-Montvale) 3-2 285 pounds: Nick Feldman (Malvern Prep, PA) defeats Jimmy Mullen (St. Joe-Montvale) 10-2 Jersey Sports Zone’s coverage from Escape the Rock is made possible by OceanFirst Bank
Blair Gets the Best of Bergen Catholic in Top 10 Wrestling Showdown
Since they started regularly wrestling each other in 2018, the Blair Academy/Bergen Catholic dual is one of the most anticipated matches on the national high school wrestling scene every season. Blair Academy proved they’re still among the very best in the country with a 38-22 romping of Bergen Catholic on Friday night in Blairstown. The Bucs were led by pin falls from Daniel Wask (170 pounds), Leo DeLuca (113) and Marc-Anthony McGowan (120) while Virginia Tech commit TJ Stewart won via major decision against an opponent nearly 70 pounds heavier than him. JSZ’s Jay Cook has the highlights and reaction from our OceanFirst Bank Game of the Week: Blair Academy vs. Bergen Catholic Match Results 165: Lorenzo Norman (Blair Academy) over Justin Onello (Bergen Catholic) (MD 16-7) 175: Daniel Wask (Blair Academy) over Pantaleo Varga (Bergen Catholic) (Fall 1:46) 190: AJ Fricchione (Bergen Catholic) over Roman Martinez (Blair Academy) (MD 13-5) 215: Isaac Schmidt (Blair Academy) over Remy Brancato (Bergen Catholic) (DEC 3-2) 285: TJ Stewart (Blair Academy) over Dominick Brogna (Bergen Catholic) (MD 11-3) 106: Brian Melamud (Bergen Catholic) Forfiet 113: Leo DeLuca (Blair Academy) over Christopher Nucifora (Bergen Catholic) (Fall 0:49) 120: Marc-Anthony McGowan (Blair Academy) over Noah Kochman (Bergen Catholic) (Fall 1:39) 126: Matthew Lopes (Blair Academy) over Aidan Wallace (Bergen Catholic) (SV-1 2-0) 132: Ryan Ford (Bergen Catholic) over Ibrahim Ahmed (Blair Academy) (SV-1 5-3) 138: Paul Ognissanti (Blair Academy) over Joseph Cangro (Bergen Catholic) (DEC 4-1) 144: William Henckel (Blair Academy) over Christopher Bacchioni (Bergen Catholic) (DEC 10-4) 150: Eric Broadie (Bergen Catholic) over Mason Stefanelli (Blair Academy) (DEC 6-4) 157: Nicholas Fea (Bergen Catholic) over Nicholas Kunstek (Blair Academy) (Fall 4:09) Thanks to our partnership with OceanFirst Bank, Jersey Sports Zone is able to spotlight some of the top games week in and week out around New Jersey. Thanks to OceanFirst Bank for their support of New Jersey high school sports!
Watch Thursday 1.6 JSZ Wrestling Highlights
The Garden State is littered with high profile wrestling programs and tonight JSZ was in attendance for a milestone victory! Phillipsburg 70 Watchung Hills 10 One of the most storied wrestling programs in New Jersey once again etched their name into wrestling history as the Stateliners won their 1000th team dual. Phillipsburg becomes just the fourth program in New Jersey to reach the century mark on the mat and they did it in overwhelming dominant fashion. Seven different Phillipsburg wrestlers earned pins on a night the entire community will remember. JSZ’s Ken Bradley has the highlights from Phillipsburg: Match of the Week coverage is made possible by Ocean First Bank
Watch Wednesday 1.5 Wrestling Highlights
JSZ caught the action of high profile Shore Conference wrestling match, as Howell and CBA battled for A-North. Get your JSZ All-Access pass to watch the highlights Howell 32 CBA 31 | Shore Conference Wrestling As Howell sought revenge from last years divisional loss, the late match heroics of Giovanni Scafidi secured the win for […] To access this post, you must purchase an All Access Pass. You can log in here or purchase an All Access Pass here. Become an All Access Pass Holder. You will be redirected to login or purchase page.
Blair, Delbarton Finish 1-2 at Beast of the East Wrestling
Jersey Sports Zone takes the road trip to Delaware for the Beast of the East, one of the top wrestling events in the country. New Jersey produces six individual champions led by Blair Academy’s five champs and overall team championship. Watch the highlights of ten championship matches involving New Jersey wrestlers Over 700 wrestlers from the East Coast came to the University of Delaware to compete in the 29th annual Beast of the East wrestling tournament, making it’s triumphant return after missing 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Blair Academy won five individual championships on the way to winning the overall team title. Delbarton was the runner-up, headlined by Tyler Vazquez getting a marquis win at 132 pounds. Jersey Sports Zone’s Rich Chrampanis and Jay Cook have breakdowns of ten matches that featured New Jersey wrestlers in championship bouts. 113 pounds: Leo DeLuca (Blair Academy) pins Tahir Perkins (Nazareth) 1:44 120 pounds: Marc-Anthony McGowan (Blair Academy) defeats Gabe Giampietro (Smyrna) 12-1 126 pounds: Matthew Lopes (Blair Academy) defeats Evan Mougalian (Kinnelon) 2-1 132 pounds: Tyler Vazquez (Delbarton) defeats Anthony Santaniello (Brick Memorial) 6-5 145 pounds: Ethan Mojena (Lake Highland Prep) defeats Cross Wasilewski (Delbarton) 6-3 (OT) 152 pounds: Joe Sealey (Wyoming Seminary) defeats Andy Troczynski (Delbarton) 13-5 160 pounds: Jonathan Ley (Lake Highland Prep) defeats Simon Ruiz (Delbarton) 5-4 170 pounds: Daniel Wask (Blair Academy) defeats Daniel Williams (Lake Highland Prep) 21-7 182 pounds: Kingsley Menifee (Fauqueir) defeats Vincent Lee (Delbarton) 7-5 (OT) 220 pounds: TJ Stewart (Blair Academy) defeats Max Shulaw (St. Francis Desales) 10-5 Jersey Sports Zone’s Beast of the East coverage is being brought to you by OceanFirst Bank
SJV’s Peterson signs to wrestle at Rutgers
The Scarlet Knights get one of the nation’s top wrestlers. Check out Dean Peterson’s best from his stellar high school career at St. John Vianney! Dean Peterson was a long-time commitment to Princeton University, but on Friday evening, Rutgers announced that the 2-time state champ from St. John Vianney has signed to wrestle in Piscataway with the Scarlet Knights. BOOM! We would like to officially welcome 2X NJSIAA state champion Dean Peterson to #RFamily!#RelentlessPursuit | #GoRU https://t.co/svzoJJjvCu— Rutgers Wrestling (@RUWrestling) August 13, 2021 Peterson won 72 straight matches as a sophomore and junior on the way to two straight state championships. He vaulted to #1 nationally at 126 pounds but didn’t wrestle in his senior season due to a injury. He was 108-2 in his high school career as he will be eligible immediately for Rutgers and could wrestle at 125 or 133 pounds. Check out Peterson’s big moments from his high school career:
Top 10 Wrestling Moments of the 2021 Season: JSZ Summer Recap Series
The 2021 wrestling season was certainly unique, with no team titles up for grabs and the state tournament relocating from Atlantic City to Phillipsburg. JSZ’s cameras were along for the ride as the state’s best wrestlers made it a season to remember. Our JSZ Summer Recap Series continues with the Top 10 wrestling moments of the year. No. 10: Kira Pipkins wins 2nd state title Bloomfield’s Kira Pipkins used a 2-0 decision victory to capture her second state crown, and puts her on pace to potentially be the first girl in NJ history to win four state titles. JSZ’s Jay Cook was on the call: No. 9: Kittatinny’s John Gill reaches 600 wins The Cougars pulled off an unforgettable upset victory over rival High Point, making coach John Gill the fifth coach in New Jersey history to reach 600 wins. JSZ’s Jay Cook was on the call: No. 8: Jayla Hahn adds to family legacy, wins first state title Lakewood’s Jayla Hahn made a thrilling comeback in the final 15 seconds of the 143-pound state final to win her first state title, adding more hardware to the storied Hahn family legacy in NJ wrestling. JSZ’s Rich Chrampanis was on the call: No. 7: Brian Soldano caps undefeated season with a state title High Point’s Brian Soldano left no doubt in Phillipsburg, capturing his second state title with a second-period pin in the 182-pound final. JSZ’s Jay Cook was on the call: No. 6: Delbarton edges Kingsway to remain undefeated There were no team titles on the line this season, but Delbarton showed it still had one of the best lineups in the state in 2021. The Green Wave knocked off Kingsway in a battle of top-ranked teams and proved to be one of the best duals of the season. JSZ’s Mike Frankel was on the call: No. 5: Santaniello Brothers bring a pair of state titles to Brick Memorial Vincent and Anthony Santaniello authored a special chapter in Brick Memorial wrestling history as the brothers each captured a state championship in Phillipsburg. JSZ’s Jay Cook and Kenneth Bradley were on the call: No. 4: Chloe Ayres and Jess Johnson make girls wrestling history History was made in Phillipsburg as Princeton’s Chloe Ayres and Manalapan’s Jess Johnson became the first girls in NJ history to win three state championships, capping off a pair of stellar high school careers. JSZ’s Rich Chrampanis and Kenneth Bradley were on the call: No. 3: Aaron Ayzerov wins state title on a torn meniscus Aaron Ayzerov gave one of the performances of the year, pushing through a serious knee injury to capture the 170-state title in Phillipsburg. JSZ’s Rich Chrampanis was on the call: No. 2: Joey Olivieri wins 3rd state title Hanover Park’s Joey Olivieri needed every second of the 138-pound final, denying Eddie Hummel in the UTB to bring home his third state championship. JSZ’s Jay Cook was on the call: No. 1: David Szuba’s electric move secures a state title Brick Memorial’s David Szuba provided one of the best moments of the state finals pinning Toms River North’s John O’Donnell to win the 285-pound title in a rubber match between two of the Shore Conference’s best wresters. JSZ’s Jay Cook was on the call:
JSZ All-Access: Jimmy Mullen’s Quest for International Gold
St. Joseph (Mont.) rising sophomore Jimmy Mullen is on the cusp of finishing off a dominant run in the summer of 2021. Mullen is New Jersey’s lone representative on Team USA’s 2021 Cadet World Team and will look to win gold medals in both Freestyle and Greco-Roman at the Cadet World Championships in Budapest, Hungary from July 19-25. The 2020 New Jersey heavyweight state champion will be wrestling in the 110 kg (242 lb.) weight class. Leading up to the championships, Mullen won gold in both styles at the Cadet World Trials in Wisconsin Dells and then won gold in both styles again at the Pan-American Games in Mexico earlier this summer. JSZ’s Jay Cook goes behind the with one of the USA’s top young wrestlers for his final day of practice before heading out to Europe.
Watch JSZ’s Day 2 NJSIAA Wrestling Finals Highlights!
What a weekend! New Jersey has officially crowned all 14 state champions for the 2021 season, a feat that looked rather bleak six months ago. Our team of MMJ’s provided wall-to-wall coverage of each state final this weekend at Phillipsburg High School. Don’t miss our coverage of Saturday’s action which featured top notch names and wrestlers whom secured titles. Here’s are the highlights of the final state final bouts! 152 Pound State Champion: Andrew Troczynski, Delbarton JSZ’s Ken Bradley has the highlights and interview with the Green Wave’s state champ: 160 Pound State Champion: Hunter Mays, Howell JSZ’s Jay Cook has the story of the Rebels’ fourth state champion in program history: 170 Pound State Champion: Aaron Ayzerov, Paramus JSZ’s Rich Chrampanis breaks down how Ayzerov won states with a painful injury: 182 Pound State Champion: Brian Soldano, High Point JSZ’s Jay Cook has the story of Soldano and the dominant run he took to win his second state title: 195 Pound State Champion: Nick Lodato, Pope John JSZ’s Ken Bradley has everything from Lodato’s run to win states: 220 Pound State Champion: Mike Misita, Williamstown JSZ’s Rich Chrampanis has the highlights and postgame reaction from Williamstown’s newest state champ: Jersey Sports Zone’s coverage of Williamstown is brought to you by Cooper University Health Care. 285 Pound State Champion: David Szuba, Brick Memorial JSZ’s Jay Cook has the highlights from one of the most wild matches of the night:
Watch JSZ’s Day 1 NJSIAA Wrestling Finals Highlights!
The Road to Phillipsburg is officially over. Hundreds of wrestlers from all reaches of the state have reached the state tournament and are wrestling to achieve glory in a shortened, unforgiving 2021 season. JSZ’s team of MMJ’s has highlights from Day 1 of the NJSIAA State wrestling tournament with results from 106 through 145. 106-Pound State Champion: Daniel Jones, Delbarton JSZ’s Ken Bradley has the highlights and reaction! 113-Pound State Champion: Evan Tallmadge, Brick Memorial JSZ’s Rich Chrampanis has the highlights and reaction: 120-Pound State Champion: Anthony Santaniello, Brick Memorial JSZ’s Jay Cook has the highlights and reaction: 126-Pound State Champion: Vincent Santaniello JSZ’s Ken Bradley has the highlights and reaction ! 132-Pound State Champion: Ty Whelan, Clearview JSZ’s Rich Chrampanis has the highlights and reaction: 138-Pound State Champion: Joey Olivieri, Hanover Park JSZ’s Jay Cook has the highlights and post-match reaction. 145-Pound State Champion: Anthony White, South Plainfield JSZ’s Rich Chrampanis has the highlights and champion interview:
Watch Sunday 4.18 Super Regional Wrestling Coverage
JSZ continues its wall-to-wall weekend wrestling coverage with video highlights from all four Super Regional sites. Sunday saw weight classes 152 through 285 battle at four different sites to earn spots in next weekend’s individual state championships. JSZ brings you team coverage from all four sites with features and highlights. Check back throughout the evening for all of our videos. The top four finishers in each region secured spots in Phillipsburg next weekend. South Region – Cherry Hill East JSZ’s Mike Frankel has highlights and reaction from the afternoon session: 152 pounds 1st -Cooper Pontelandolfo, Kingsway | 2nd – Matt Hoelke, Highland | 3rd – Greg Croce, Paulsboro | 4th – Jake Slotnick, St. Augustine 160 pounds 1st – Dakota Morris, Kingsway | 2nd – Jurius Clark, Camden Catholic | 3rd – Brock Zurawski, St. Augustine | 4th – Shawn Williams, Paulsboro 170 pounds 1st – Jared Schoppe, Delsea | 2nd – DJ DiPietro, Kingsway | 3rd – Alex Marshall, St. Augustine | 4th – Ray Weed, Absegami 182 pounds 1st – Isaac Dean, Shawnee | 2nd – George Rhodes, Absegami | 3rd – Alex Giordano, Camden Catholic | 4th – Michael Gregg, Collingswood JSZ’s James Mooney has the highlights and reaction from the evening session: 195 pounds 1st – Cody Thurston, West Deptford | 2nd – Kevin Pandorf, Kingsway | 3rd – Marcus Hebron, Lower Cape May | 4th – Vincent Ceglie, Lacey Twp. 220 pounds 1st – Mike Misita, Williamstown | 2nd – Shane Whitney, Lower Cape May | Dominic Petracci, Washington Twp. | 4th – Liam Spahn, Deptford 285 pounds 1st – Jeffery Jordan, Audubon | 2nd – Terrance Salami, Holy Cross | 3rd – Jacob Clark, Cinnaminson | 4th – Tino Savaiinaea, Paulsboro Coverage of Delsea is made possible by NJM Insurance. Shawnee and Williamstown coverage is made possible by Cooper University Health Care. Central Region – Hunterdon Central RFH Gets Two More Region Titles For the second straight year, Rumson-Fair Haven has a pair of region champions. Max Brignola (152 pounds) and Jack Kelly (182 pounds) captured Super Region titles in their senior year. Brignola had a 5-0 decision over Shore’s Mike McGhee and Kelly had four first-period pins on Sunday at Hunterdon Central. JSZ’s Rich Chrampanis talks with the RFH contingent that will send four total wrestlers to Phillipsburg: 152 pounds 1st – Max Brignola, Rumson-Fair Haven | 2nd – Michael McGhee, Shore | 3rd – Tanner Peake, Hunterdon Central | Paul Jakub, Howell Mays Knocks Off Top Seed 2nd seed Hunter Mays scored 11 points in the first period on the way to a 14-3 win over #1 seed Colton Washleski in the 160 pound final. The Pennsylvania transfer gives Howell a region title and now sets his sights on Phillipsburg. JSZ’s Rich Chrampanis has the story on one of the best performances of the weekend: 160 pounds 1st – Hunter Mays, Howell | 2nd – Colton Washleski, Hunterdon Central | 3rd – Adam Coleman, Matawan | 4th – Zander Silva, CBA Portella Makes History RBC’s Sabino Portella scored a two point takedown with 10 seconds remaining to earn a 3-1 win over #1 seed Shay Addison. The 3rd seed becomes the Caseys first back to back region champ since 1974. JSZ’s Rich Chrampanis talks with the super sophomore in Flemington: 170 pounds 1st – Sabino Portella, Red Bank Catholic | 2nd – Shay Addison, Rumson-Fair Haven | 3rd – DJ Henry, Howell 182 pounds 1st – Jack Kelly, Rumson-Fair Haven | 2nd – Brendan Newberry, Wall | 3rd – Josh Beigman, Hopewell Valley | 4th – Jared Tracey, Ocean Twp. 195 pounds 1st – Blake Clayton, St. John Vianney | 2nd – Hunter Skove, Rumson-Fair Haven | 3rd – Gavin Claro, Manalapan | 4th – Brian LaCross, Hopewell Valley 220 pounds 1st – Bryan Bonilla, Hightstown | 2nd – Chimdindu Molokwu, Jackson Liberty | 3rd – Raymond Santiago, Colts Neck | 4th – Nico Cerbo, Middletown North 285 pounds 1st – John O’Donnell, Toms River North | 2nd – David Szuba, Brick Memorial | 3rd – Joseph Teresi, Ocean Township | 4th – Matthew Jannucci, Colts Neck North 1 Region – Mount Olive JSZ’s Jay Cook has coverage, highlights and interviews from the morning session: 152 Pounds 1st – Nate Camiscioli, Bergen Catholic | 2nd – Tyler Pizzi, Pascack Valley | 3rd – Steven Dalling, Kittatinny | 4th – Nicolino Berlingieri, Northern Highlands 160 Pounds 1st – Eric Freeman, Paramus | 2nd – Nicholas Franco, Paramus Catholic | 3rd – Roberto Padilla, St. Joe’s (Mont.) | 4th – Luke Ciampa, Jefferson 170 Pounds 1st – Michael Dellagatta, St. Joe’s (Mont.) | 2nd – Aaron Ayzerov, Paramus | 3rd – Justin Onello, Bergen Catholic | 4th – Hunter Perez, Mount Olive 182 Pounds 1st – Brian Soldano, High Point | 2nd – Justin Chrostowski, Butler | 3rd – Jack Farinaro, St. Joe’s (Mont.) | 4th – Casey Allen, Emerson Boro 195 Pounds 1st – Nick Lodato, Pope John XXIII | 2nd – Alex Kostantas, Pascack Hills | 3rd – AJ Fricchione, St. Joe’s (Mont.) | 4th – Darin Donellan, Paramus Catholic 220 Pounds 1st – Michael Toranzo, St. Joe’s (Mont.) | 2nd – Remy Brancato, Bergen Catholic | 3rd – Jackson Crawn, Kittatinny | 4th – Jack Stoll, Pope John XXIII 285 Pounds 1st – Max Acciardi, Paramus Catholic | 2nd – Dominick Brogna, Bergen Catholic | 3rd – Robby Chetirkin, Wayne Valley | 4th – Joseph Abill, Clifton Jersey Sports Zone’s coverage of both Bergen Catholic and St. Joe’s (Mont.) is brought to you by Rothman Orthopaedics. North 2 Region – Union JSZ’s Ken Bradley has highlights and reaction from the morning session: 152 Pounds 1st – Andrew Troczynski, Delbarton | 2nd – Colę Carroll, Seton Hall Prep | 3rd – Ówen Disbrow, St. Thomas Aquinas | 4th – Michael Murphy, Westfield 160 Pounds 1st – Blake Bahna, Watchung Hills | 2nd – Louis Cerchio, Delbarton | 3rd – Dylan Weaver, Lyndhurst | 4th – Joshua Palacio, North Bergen 170 Pounds 1st – Colin Calvetti, Delbarton | 2nd – James Holder, North Hunterdon | 3rd – Brett Miller, Bound Brook | 4th – Stratos Kantanas, Livingston 182 Pounds 1st – Zachary Andruchowitz, Bloomfield | 2nd – Conner Decker, Seton Hall Prep | 3rd – Alex Uryniak, North Hunterdon | 4th – Nicholas Olivieri, Delbarton 195 Pounds 1st – Jack Wilt, Seton Hall Prep | 2nd – Thomas Renna, South Plainfield | 3rd – Shane Kanterman, Cranford | 4th – Robert Lerner, Scotch Plains-Fanwood 220 Pounds 1st – David Pierson, Phillipsburg | 2nd – Andrew Franklin, North Hunterdon | 3rd – Jarett Pantuso, Warren Hills | 4th – Jacob Leiva, Cliffside Park 285 Pounds 1st – Liam Akers, North Hunterdon | 2nd – Hunter Seubert, Watchung Hills | 3rd – Tyler McCartharn, Warren Hills | 4th – Ricky Perez, North Bergen