Wrestling
JSZ Year in Review: Top Wrestling Matches of 2018
Jersey Sports Zone is about capturing great video highlights. As we get ready to turn the page towards the 2019-20 school year, we take one more look back at the top games captured by our cameras. Our series continues with wrestling. Plain and simple, New Jersey high school wrestling never disappoints. The state produces legit Division I talent year in and year out, and the 2018-2019 season was no different. Our list is a mix of the most viewed dual meets and state championship bouts from the season. #10: St. John Vianney’s Dean Peterson wins the 113-Pound State Championship It was a year to remember for Dean Peterson. The super sophomore rolled through his opponents all season long to a 39-0 record and his first state title. #9: Hunterdon Central’s Brett Ungar win the 106-Pound State Championship Brett Ungar and Tyler Klinksy each hadn’t lost a match all season long, but that would change when Ungar earned a major decision on his way to a state title. #8: Wall’s Rob Kanniard wins the 160-Pound State Championship Rob Kanniard might have had the most dominating season ever in New Jersey high school wrestling. He completed an undefeated 46-0 season, did not allow a single offensive point to be scored on him and won his first state. Kanniard now heads to Rutgers University to wrestle. #7: Howell 30 South Plainfeld 28 Howell and South Plainfield boast two of the most storied public school programs ever in New Jersey. The two powers clashed for bragging rights as the top public team in the Garden State. #6: Bergen Catholic’s Jacob Cardenas wins the 195-Pound State Championship Jacob Cardenas became the seventh wrestler in Bergen Catholic history to win multiple state championships after defeating Paramus’ Kyle Jacob, 6-3, in the state final. #5: Pope John’s JoJo Aragona wins the 138-Pound State Championship JoJo Aragona was ranked as the consensus No. 1 138-pound wrestler all season long and proved it once more by winning his first state championship. #4: Bergen Catholic 48 Delbarton 17 | Non-Public A North Sectional Final Bergen Catholic won 10 bouts and cruised through Delbarton to win its eighth-straight sectional crown. #3: Camden Catholic’s Lucas Revano wins the 145-Pound State Championship Anyone that’s seen Lucas Revano wrestle knows he has a thing for theatrics. Revano won his second consecutive state championship with an overtime pin. #2: St. Joseph (Mont.)’s Sammy Alvarez wins the 126-Pound State Championship It was the most heart-pounding, tense bout of the night in Atlantic City and it did not disappoint. In the first overtime period, Alvarez blocked, shrugged and spun for two against Robert Howard to win his first ever state championship. Alvarez, now committed to Rutgers University, also was named Most Outstanding Wrestler. #1: Blair Academy 45 Bergen Catholic 20 Bergen Catholic’s defeat of Blair Academy in 2018 was one of the most wild wins in all of America. The Bucs, however, used that loss as motivation to get revenge on Bergen Catholic at Lehigh University and secure their spot as the No. 1 high school team in America.
Robert Howard Hungry for Team USA Gold Medal
New Jersey wrestling aficionados know Robert Howard as a three-time state finalist, winning an NJSIAA championship in 2018. But casual wrestling fans might not know Howard holds a U.S. wrestling record — he’s the only American wrestler to ever make three Cadet freestyle world teams. Howard placed ninth in 2017 and fell short at 13th last summer, but those finishes are long by the wayside. Robert Howard, is totally geared up to win a 55 kg (121 pound) gold medal for Team USA in Sofia, Bulgaria from July 29 to August 4. JSZ sat down with Howard and his club coach, Rich Bitetto, as he prepares for the biggest tournament of his life: Stay tuned with Jersey Sports Zone throughout the summer as we bring you behind-the-scenes feature stories and highlight reels of the top athletes in the Garden State.
Watch NJSIAA Girls Wrestling State Championship Finals
Jersey Sports Zone is excited to bring you full highlights and interviews of every match during the inaugural 2019 girls wrestling state championships from Atlantic City’s Boardwalk Hall. Stay tuned throughout the night for extensive coverage of all 10 finals. 100 pounds: Sydney Petzinger, Parsippany, major decision vs. Jasmine Aizley, Allentown, 10-0 105 pounds: Chloë Ayres, Princeton, major decision vs. Randi Miley, High Point, 13-2 111 pounds: Bella Serrano, Manasquan, defeats Daniela Tacuri, West Orange, 6-4 (Sudden Victory) 118 pounds: Cristine Gavasheli, Raritan, pins Angelina Romero, Notre Dame, 2:31 127 pounds: Stephanie Andrade, Hunterdon Central, pins Kayla Gregory, Jackson Memorial, 1:48 136 pounds: Jesse Johnson, Manalapan, pins Jaala Williams, Montclair, 1:39 147 pounds: Gabby Miller, Monroe, defeats Amanda Pace, North Bergen, 6-3 161 pounds: Jewel Gonzalez, Phillipsburg, pins Diane Johnson, Millville, 0:53 Gonzalez named Most Outstanding Wrestler 185 pounds: Erin Emery, Teaneck, pins Mia Lazaurs, Raritan, 2:47 235 pounds: Kaila Mungo, Rancocas Valley, defeats Kiera Hubmaster, Kittatinny, 2-1 (tie-breaker)
Watch NJSIAA Boys Wrestling State Championship Finals
For the second straight year, Jersey Sports Zone is excited to bring you full highlights and interviews of every single 2019 state championship final from Atlantic City’s Boardwalk Hall. Stay tuned throughout the night for extensive coverage of all 14 finals. 106: Brett Ungar (Hunterdon Central) d. Tyler Klinsky (Middletown North), 13-6 113: Dean Peterson (St. John Vianney) d. Nick Babin (Emerson/Park Ridge), 3-2 120: Eddie Ventresca (Pope John) d. Anthony Clark (Delbarton), 7-3 126: Sammy Alvarez (St. Joseph Mont.) d. Robert Howard (Bergen Catholic), 5-3 (SV) Sammy Alvarez was named Most Outstanding Wrestler 132: Nicholas Raimo (Hanover Park) d. Luke Mazzeo (Emerson/Park Ridge), 8-4 138: Joseph Aragona (Pope John) d. Jacob Perez-Eli (Paulsboro), 7-1 145: Lucas Revano (Camden Catholic) p. Ricky Cabanillas (DePaul), 6:37 152: Robert Garcia (Pope John) md. Nicholas O’Connell (Southern), 13-5 160: Robert Kanniard (Wall) d. Connor O’Neil (DePaul), 9-4 170: Brandon Green (Paulsboro) d. Shane Reitsma (Howell), 13-9 182: Christopher Foca (Bergen Catholic) d. John Poznanski (Colonia), 7-4 195: Jacob Cardenas (Bergen Catholic), d. Kyle Jacob (Paramus), 6-3 220: Zach DelVecchio (South Plainfield) d. Michael Filieri (Garfield,) 8-2 HWT: Lewis Fernandes (Voorhees) p. Bardhyl Gashi (West Essex), 0:46
Woodstown’s Prendergast gets 100th win to highlight Region 8 Quarterfinals
The road to Atlantic City culminates this weekend with the 8 regions across the state. The top four from this weekend’s competition punches their ticket to Boardwalk Hall and the opportunity to wrestle for an individual state championship. The Region 8 quarterfinals were highlighted by the 100th career win by Woodstown’s Jack Prendergast at 145 pounds. Mike Frankel brings us the action from Friday night in Egg Harbor Township. Jersey Sports Zone is excited to bring wrestling fans coverage from the state championship finals at Boardwalk Hall in Atlantic City. JSZ will bring highlights and post-match reaction from every state final from both the girls and the boys. We’re ready to bring the excitement of A.C. to wrestling fans around the state!
Red Bank Regional Hosts First Ever NJSIAA Girls Wrestling Region Championships
Female wrestlers from all over the state of New Jersey came together at Red Bank Regional on Sunday night, competing in the first ever Girls Wrestling Region Champs. Each one of these wrestlers went down in New Jersey High School Athletics history, as they each represented their high schools at this brand new Championship. The girls who wrestle for their high school teams are used to being surrounded by mostly boys. However, Sunday night was the first time that female wrestlers in the state of New Jersey wrestled only against other females. The wrestlers who won their matches from the North and South Jersey Finals on Sunday night, will also be competing at the NJSIAA State Championships in Atlantic City at the end of February in just under two weeks. JSZ’s Madison Bess has the North Jersey Finals highlights and post-match reaction from Red Bank: Sponsor! Thank you to the Garnet Booster Club for sponsoring Jersey Sports Zone’s coverage of Phillipsburg High School! Thank you to Ryser’s Landscape Supply for sponsoring Jersey Sports Zone’s coverage of Phillipsburg High School! JSZ’s Madison Bess has the South Jersey Finals highlights from Red Bank: Sponsor! Jersey Sports Zone’s coverage of Princeton, Allentown and Notre Dame is made possible by Princeton Orthopaedic Associates!
Saint Augustine wins seven bouts at District 31 wrestling
The road to Atlantic City is underway. Williamstown High School hosted the District 31 wrestling championships. Saint Augustine Prep won the team title with an impressive seven district champions and four additional Hermits reached the finals. Williamstown’s Taylor Robinson won most outstanding wrestler after his come from behind 6-5 win in the third period over top seed Tyler McLeer of Saint Augustine at 120 pounds. Mike Frankel has the highlights: District 31 Team Results 1 St. Augustine Prep – 2552 Williamstown – 170.5 3 Clayton/Glassboro – 136.5 4 Gateway/Woodbury – 135.0 5 Middle Township – 97.0 6 Millville – 45.0 7 Mainland Regional – 32.0 8 Vineland – 15.0 District 31 Individual Finals 106—Ryan Defoney Saint Augustine defeats John Hildebrand Williamstown 10-4 113—Mark Johnson Clayton/Glassboro defeats D’Amani Almodovar Saint Augustine 7-4 120—Taylor Robinson Williamstown defeats Trey McLeer Saint Augustine 6-5 126—Romeo Rodriguez Middle Township defeats Gianni Danze Saint Augustine 6-4 132—Michael Albergo Saint AAugustinetech falls Brody Colbert Williamstown 5:29 138—Kodi Petroski Gateway/Woodbury defeats Connor Forand Millville 7-3 145—Brett Bodnar Saint Augustine defeats Chad Tracy Williamstown 3-2 152—Connor Kraus Saint Augustine pins Joseph Racobaldi Williamstown 3:02 160—Salvatore Manera Saint Augustine defeats Jacob Rodriguez Clayton/Glassboro 7-5 170—Joseph Colon Saint Augustine defeats Jesse Bishop Mainland 8-6 182—Mike Misita Saint Augustine majority decision Tommy Watson Clayton/Glassboro 11-0 195—Noah Putney Clayton/Glassboro defeats Nick Marshall Saint Augustine 7-3 220—Thomas Sherlock Williamstown pins Matt Goetz Gateway/Woodbury 5:15 285—Tom Goetz Gateway/Woodbury d Roy Buhrman Clayton/Glassboro 5-0.
Watch Sunday 2.10 JSZ State Wrestling Finals Highlights!
It’s state championship Sunday in Toms River. JSZ brings you highlights from five state title matches including a Kingsway upset, West Essex scoring their first state championship, an historic milestone for Paulsboro and their legendary head coach, plus Southern Regional wins on back to back pins and Camden Catholic gets things started with a Sunday morning state championship. Southern Regional 34 Hunterdon Central 27 – Group 5 State Final Ben LoParo and JT Cornelius scored back to back pins at 195 and 220 pounds to secure a third state championship for Southern Regional. Last second scoring was the key to Southern’s victory. John High scored a fall at 3:59 of his match at 170 pounds. That was the same time for LoParo, who had 12 seconds to go in the second period before his move set the stage for his pin 11 seconds later. An exciting finale to the duals portion of the New Jersey wrestling state championships. JSZ has all the action from Toms River: Paulsboro 63 Kittatinny 3 – Group 1 State Final What a run it’s been for Paul Morina. On a day where Paulsboro captures its 32nd team state title, the South Jersey coaching legend collected his 700th win. Paulsboro was paced by seven pins by Georgio Mazzeo, Jacob Perez-Eli, Gabe Onorato, George Worthy, Shawn Williams, Brandon Green and Santino Morina. JSZ’s Jay Cook has the highlights and post-match reaction from a legendary coach’s historic day: Kingsway 26 Phillipsburg 20 – Group 4 State Final It all came down to Cheney Kinner. The junior 138-pounder stepped on the mat with Kingsway leading 23-20 heading into the final bout and “Chainsaw” ripped through his competition to clinch Kingsway’s fourth-ever state final. This match was a back-and-forth affair that lasted over two hours where every bout went the distance. JSZ’s Jay Cook has the highlights from yet another big moment from the Kingsway Dragons: Sponsor Shoutout! Jersey Sports Zone’s coverage of all Phillipsburg athletics is proudly brought to you by the Garnet Booster Club. West Essex 40 Delsea 33 – Group 3 State Final Freshman Mike Pescatore rallied from a 5-0 deficit to score a dramatic pin in the second period at 106 pounds to spark West Essex to its first ever state wrestling championship. Delsea took a 15-14 lead on a Curtis Thomas pin at 195 pounds. West Essex would win the next five matches highlighted by pins courtesy of Bardhyl Gashi (285), Pescatore (106) and Carson Barry (120). JSZ has the highlights and post-match reaction from a special moment in West Essex history: Jersey Sports Zone’s coverage of Delsea is made possible thanks to the support of NJM Insurance Camden Catholic 33 Pope John 29 – Non-Public Group B Final Camden Catholic took home the Group B Non-Public State Title on Sunday morning, defeating Pope John, the defending 2017-2018 champs. This is their 15th State Title win, and their first since 2013. Camden Catholic’s 145-pound University of Pennsylvania commit, Lucas Revano had the first pin for the Irish. The Irish had two more pins from 170-pound Martin Cosgrove and 182-pound Ronnie Crane. JSZ’s Madison Bess has the highlights and post-match reactions from Toms River: Sponsor! Jersey Sports Zone’s coverage of Camden Catholic is being brought to you NJM Insurance Group!
Howell Rebels Rolling, Move on SJG5 Finale
Howell is on the fast track to vying for their fourth-straight sectional championship – and they’re laser focused on that feat. It was all evident Wednesday night when Howell rallied behind Shane Reitsma and Christian Murphy to knock off Toms River North, 34-26, to move onto the South Jersey Group 5 sectional championship later this week. Reitsma grabbed a second period pin at 170 pounds and Murphy followed that up with a first period pin of his own at 195 pounds to cap off a 15-point swing and jolt the Rebels in front. Wednesday’s win also marked the 77th-straight dual match win for Howell. The win sets up a rematch with Southern in Manahawkin. Howell last defeated Southern, 33-15, in last year’s Group 5 final at RWJ Barnabas Arena in Toms River. JSZ’s Jay Cook has the highlights: Howell 34 — Toms River North 26 Match Results 120: Ryan Rosenthal (TRN) tf. James McGee 5:48, (16-1) 126: Nick Reilly (TRN) d. Neiko Malone, 6-5 132: Darby Diedrich (H) by forfeit. 138: Mark Fedeli (TRN) d. Pierce Gomez, 4-2 145: Evan Richard (H) d. Sergio Boyda, 6-1 152: Nick Boggiano (TRN) d. Paul Jakub, 8-3 160: Jack Oleske (TRN) d. Xavier Kelly, 3-2170: Shane Reitsma (H) p. Matt Spalletta, 2:21182: Jake Nase (H) d. Alex Murrillo, 8-1195: Christian Murphy (H) p. Alex Vargas, :32 220: Joe Sardina (H) won by DQ over Vincent Palmieri, 3:57 (Stalling).HWT: John O’Donnell (TRN) d. Justin Wright, 2-1 (double OT)106: Ethan Liptzin (H) md. Jake Rosenthal, 8-0113: Alex Danielson (TRN) by forfeit Sponsor Shoutout! Jersey Sports Zone’s coverage of all Toms River North athletics is brought to you by CJA Construction!
Watch 2.5 JSZ Wrestling Highlights
JSZ takes you to a pair of Shore Conference gyms for the opening round of the state sectional team tournament. We’ll have highlights from Long Branch’s title defense and a historic win for Rumson-Fair Haven on Ridge Road. #4 Long Branch 36 vs. #5 Northern Burlington 26 The Green Wave rolled to their Central Jersey Group 4 title defense behind four pins to capture a double-digit win over Northern Burlington. Pins came from Tracey Taylor, Kevin Cerruti, Joe Conlon and Steven Pabone. JSZ’s Jay Cook has the highlights from Long Branch: Sponsor Shoutout! Thanks to Rosario Realty for their loyal sponsorship of all Long Branch Green Wave athletics. #3 Rumson-Fair Haven 33 vs. #6 Holmdel 30 The Rumson-Fair Haven Bulldogs defeated the Holmdel Hornets during the Central Jersey Group 2 quarterfinal match on Monday night. RFH’s two pins of the night came from 138-pound Max Brignola and 160-pound Jack Kelly. The Bulldogs will take on Raritan on Wednesday night for the semifinal round. JSZ’s Madison Bess has the highlights and post-game reactions from Rumson: Sponsor! Jersey Sports Zone’s coverage of Rumson-Fair Haven is made possible by Gold Coast Cadillac!
Phillipsburg’s Cody Harrison: Top 10 to Big Ten
Phillipsburg High School’s Cody Harrison is currently the No. 1 152-pound wrestler in the state of New Jersey. Harrison’s statistics are remarkable. He is 14-1 so far this season with eight pins. Since his 2016/2017 season, he has won 63 matches, and only lost eight. Harrison is going into this year’s NJSIAA Wrestling Championships in Atlantic City having placed the past two years he has competed there. He was a Region 3 Champion last year, and finished 4th in the state in the 138-pound weight class. What’s on Harrison’s plate for next year? Big Ten Wrestling. Harrison recently announced his commitment to wrestle next year at Rutgers University. JSZ’s Madison Bess was in Phillipsburg with more details on next month’s NJSIAA Wrestling Championships and what’s in store for next year at RU: Sponsor! Jersey Sports Zone’s coverage of Phillipsburg High School is made possible by The Garnet Booster Club of Phillipsburg High School!
Rivalry Alert: Phillipsburg Wrestling Defeats Easton (PA) 40-22
The Phillipsburg Stateliners defeated Easton High School on Wednesday night in arguably one of the biggest high school wrestling rivalries between New Jersey and Pennsylvania public high schools. P’Burg came into this match with a 12-2 overall record, after losing last weekend’s match. After losing the first three bouts to Southern, P’Burg amped it up after sophomore Logan Maczko pinned Easton’s Alex Cameron in the 113-pound weight class. However, it was 120-pound freshman Joe Innamorato who put the Stateliners in the lead. He pinned Easton’s junior Anthony Daiello 3:16 in. The other two pins came from 138-pound Kyle Tino and 195-pound Austin Roth 2:32 and 5:29 into the bouts, respectively. The Phillipsburg Stateliners won eight out of 14 bouts for the night, registering four pins in total. The Stateliners walked away with a 40-22 victory, improving their overall record to 13-2 for the season. JSZ’s Madison Bess has the full highlights as well as a post-game reaction from Austin Roth: Sponsor! JSZ’s coverage of Phillipsburg is made possible by The Garnet Booster Club of Phillipsburg High School!
No. 1 Nationally-Ranked Blair Gets Sweet Revenge, Rolls Through No. 4 Bergen Catholic
They had to wait well over 365 days, but it sure was worth it. No. 1 nationally-ranked Blair Academy got its long-awaited revenge on No. 4 ranked Bergen Catholic Saturday night as the Bucs took it to the limit and wiped out the Crusaders, 45-20, at Lehigh University. The Bucs won 10 of the 14 bouts and got major bonus points thanks to pins by Josh Gobencion, Domonic Mata, Julian Ramirez and Daniel Wask. The win comes a year after Bergen Catholic defeated Blair, 33-19, in Oradell to capture the Who’s No. 1 Duals title. It was the first time Bergen Catholic had ever defeated Blair. JSZ’s Jay Cook has highlights from every single match inside Lehigh University’s Grace Hall: Blair Academy 45 — Bergen Catholic 20 Match Results 113: Ryan Miller (BLAIR) d. Nick Kayal, 3-1 120: Trevor Mastrogiovanni (BLAIR) d. Dylan Cedeno, 5-1 126: Robert Howard (BC) d. Michael Colaiocco, 3-2 132: Shane Van Ness (BLAIR) d. Anthony Ferrari, 5-1 138: Travis Mastrogiovanni (BLAIR) md. Alex Strashinsky, 11-3 145: Joshua Gobencion (BLAIR) p. Nate Camiscoli, 4:47 152: Nicholas Incontrera (BLAIR) d. Wade Unger, 3-1 SV 160: Domonic Mata (BLAIR) p. Adrian Pietri, 0:32 170: Julian Ramirez (BLAIR) p. John Fiore, 0:22 182: Christopher Foca (BC) p. Peyton Craft, 5:14 195: Jacob Cardenas (BC) p. Sanoussi Kane, 0:24 220: A.J. Ferrari (BC) tf. Elijah Anthony, 16-1 HWT: Owen Trephan (BLAIR) tf. John High, 19-4 106: Daniel Wask (BLAIR) p. Joseph Cangro, 3:14 Sponsor Shoutout! Jersey Sports Zone was able to be on hand for this match between two nationally-ranked high school teams thanks to Equinox Fitness Clubs, JSZ’s sponsor for Bergen Catholic!
No. 16 Southern Regional Boys Wrestling Upsets No. 7 Phillipsburg
The Southern Regional Rams skipped the Shore Conference Tournament this weekend, and instead hosted the Phillipsburg Stateliners on Saturday afternoon. Phillipsburg went into the match with an 11-1 record, after Hunterdon Central handed them their first loss on Thursday. The 152-pound weight class was the third bout of the day. Cody Harrison, the No. 1 152-pound class wrestler, took on Southern’s Nick O’Connell. O’Connell won the bout 11-3. The 120-pound weight class resulted in the only pin of the day. Southern’s Matt Brielmeier pinned Phillipsburg’s Joe Innamorato, sealing the deal for the Rams. Southern Regional walked away with a 32-16 upset win, improving their overall record to 11-4 for the season. JSZ’s Madison Bess has the highlights from Manahawkin as well as a post-game reaction from O’Connell: Sponsor! JSZ’s coverage of Phillipsburg is made possible by The Garnet Booster Club of Phillipsburg High School!
Howell claims four individual titles and team crown at Shore Conference Wrestling
Nieko Malone wins Most Outstanding Wrestler at 126 pounds to highlight four Howell Rebels capturing titles at the Shore Conference championships at Red Bank Regional. JSZ has highlights and post-match reaction from 13 championship matches! The Howell Rebels won the 2019 Shore Conference team title thanks to four individual champions and two second-place finishes at Red Bank Regional High Schoool Jackson Memorial and Saint John Vianney produced two individual champions apiece. 120 pounds: (1) Vin Scollo (Jackson Memorial) defeats (2) Logan Waller (Colts Neck) 5-1 126 pounds: (5) Nieko Malone (Howell) defeats (2) Michael Conklin (Toms River East) 13-11 Malone was named outstanding wrestler of the meet thanks to his upset victory over the second seed 132 pounds: (2) Darby Diedrich (Howell) defeats (1) Hunter Gutierrez (Lacey) 7-1 138 pounds: (1) Alex Baran (Manalapan) defeats (3) Al DeSantis (Shore) 3-1 145 pounds: (1) Nick Boggiano (Toms River North) defeats (2) Luke Rada (Colts Neck) 5-1 152 pounds: (1) Paul Jakub (Howell) pins (3) Carsten DiGiantomasso (Jackson Memorial) 1:23 The sophomore has now won two straight Shore Conference titles 160 pounds: (1) Rob Kanniard (Wall) wins by forfeit over (2) Xavier Kelly (Howell) 170 pounds: (1) Shane Reitsma (Howell) defeats (2) Matt Benedetti (Manalapan) 9-4 182 pounds: (1) Nick Addison (Rumson-Fair Haven) defeats (3) Christian Murphy (Howell) 11-4 195 pounds: (2) Kyle Epperly (Jackson Memorial) won by injury default over (1) Jacob Anderson (Middletown North) 3:12 220 pounds: (1) Billy Borowski (Point Pleasant Boro) defeats (11) John O’Donnell (Toms River North) 2-0 285 pounds: (1) Paul Liseno (Saint John Vianney) pins (3) Joe Teresi (Ocean) 1:46 Liseno wins the heavyweight bracket for a second straight year 106 pounds: (1) Tyler Klinsky (Middletown North) pins (2) Jack Maida (Shore Regional) 4:46 The Lions junior scored his 100th win earlier in the tournament and improves to 25-0 after handing Maida his first loss of the year: 113 pounds: (1) Dean Peterson (Saint John Vianney) defeats (2) Vincent Santaniello (Brick Memorial) 5-2 NJ’s #1 ranked and #5 in the nation scores the win to remain unbeaten. It’s Peterson’s second consecutive Shore Conference title Shore Conference Tournament Team Results Howell – 187.5Jackson Memorial – 136.5Toms River North – 106Middletown North – 103.5Shore Regional – 98Rumson-Fair Haven – 96.5Point Pleasant Boro – 90Saint John Vianney – 87.5Ocean Township – 82.5Manalapan – 76.5
Hopewell Valley Rolls R’Ville, Wins 39th Straight CVC Dual
There’s just no stopping them. Hopewell Valley used a 33-point outburst over the final six bouts to take control, clinch a win and secure yet another Colonial Valley Conference Valley Division title in a 45-22 win over Robbinsville Tuesday night. That nearly three-dozen point run was sparked by pins from Brandon Bowman at 182 pounds, heavyweight John Snyder and Jacob Venezia at 113 pounds. Hopewell Valley has now won 39-straight CVC dual and has won 93 out of their last 94 CVC duals. JSZ’s Jay Cook has the highlights from Hopewell: Match Results Hopewell Valley 45 — Robbinsville 22 120: Drake Torrington (ROBB) over Allen Lopez (Fall 1:00) 126: Joey Vannozzi (HVH) over Isaiah Lederman (Dec. 17-10) 132: Vincent Truong (ROBB) over Alejandro Lopez (Dec. 7-6) 138: Ryan Kanner (ROBB) over Aaron Longo (Dec. 6-2) 145: Justin Venezia (HVH) over Nick Migliaccio (Fall 1:26) 152: Jack Milazzo (ROBB) over Heath Trainor (MD 16-4) 160: Sean Santora (HVH) over Stephen Perna (Dec. 8-4) 170: Garrett Bilgrav (ROBB) over Josh Beigman (Fall 2:40) 182: Brandon Bowman (HVH) over Ian Kempton (Fall 1:15) 195: Brian LaCross (HVH) Forfeit 220: Christian Cacciabaudo (HVH) Forfeit 285: John Snyder (HVH) over Mateo Cruz (Fall 0:48) 106: Christian Micikas (HVH) over Shailen Savur (Dec. 6-0) 113: Jacob Venezia (HVH) over Aiden Weil (Fall 0:29) Double Sponsor Alert! Thanks to loyal sponsors like Princeton Orthopaedic Associates, Jersey Sports Zone was able to be on hand and capture this Mercer County rivalry between Robbinsville and Hopewell Valley!
Point Boro Grabs Six Pins to Win the Battle of Point Pleasant
Make it seven years in a row for Point Boro. The Panthers continued their dual-meet dominance over crosstown rival Point Beach Friday night with a 41-26 win before a sold-out crowd at Memorial Middle School. Point Boro got six-point efforts from Billy Borowsky, Charles Latendorf, Nick Torre, Jack Bailey, Ty Bailey and Spencer Robinson to drive the win. JSZ’s Jay Cook has the highlights from an electric atmosphere in Point Pleasant: Match Results Point Pleasant Boro 41 Point Pleasant Beach 26 195: Liam Buday (Beach) d. Scott Franceschini 5-3 SV 220: Josh Henderson (Boro) d. Noah Ramos 2-1 2OT Hwt: Billy Borowsky (Boro) p. Connor Smith 106: Charles Latendorf (Boro) p. Michael Storino 113: Nick Torre (Boro) p. Jonah Bowers 120: Kip Lovgren (Beach) d. James Latendorf 2-0 126: Riley Simon (Beach) p. Lucas Sabo 132: Jesse Bowers (Beach) tf. Peter Karras 19-4 138: Jack Bailey (Boro) p. Macky Liotta 145: Ty Bailey (Boro) p. Anthony Luongo 152: Spencer Robinson (Boro) p. Lance White 160: Paul Franceschini (Boro) d. Jason Schulz 4-3 170: George Kaiafas (Beach) md. Andrew Witkowski 14-5 182: Jason Sherlock (Beach) p. Patrick Frawley Sponsor Alert! Jersey Sports Zone was able to be on-hand to capture this wild crosstown rivalry thanks to our Point Pleasant Beach sponsor, Peak – Coaching For Success!
Howell Wrestling Takes Down South Plainfield, Wins 67th-Straight Dual Meet
It’s been quite the run for Howell Wrestling. The Rebels tacked on another “W” to extend their lengthy win-streak to 67-straight dual meet wins on the heels of a 30-28 instant classic against South Plainfield Thursday night. Howell started off with back to back win, but South Plainfield strung together three-straight bonus point wins in the lower weights. Howell’s Paul Jakub spurred a four-match run for the Rebels after a third period pine and Joe Sardina avoided a pin from South Plainfield’s nationally-ranked Zach DelVecchio in the final match at 220 pounds. JSZ’s Jay Cook has the highlights from South Plainfield: FINAL: Howell 30 – South Plainfield 28 HWT: Justin Wright (H) d. Julian Medina 1-0 106: Ethan Liptzin (H) tf. Julian Irizzary 16-1 113: Jacob DelVecchio (SP) md. Kyle Nase 13-5 120: Anthony White (SP) p. Spencer Ostroff 3:00 126: David Loniewski (SP) p. James McGee 2:58 132: Neiko Malone (H) d. Thomas Fierro 4-2 SV 138: Darby Diedrich (H) d. Alex Amato 9-5 145: Joe Sacco (SP) p. Pierce Gomez 1:48 152: Paul Jakub (H) p. Marc Giordano 5:15 160: Xavier Kelly (H) d. Sebastian Santos 5-3 170: Jake Nase (H) d. Divon Pender 4-3 182: Shane Reitsma (H) md. Brenden Hedden 15-5 195: Luke Niemeyer (SP) d. Christian Murphy 8-3 220: Zach DelVecchio (SP) d. Joe Sardina 9-5
Rancocas Valley Wrestlers Explode With Five Quick Pins
Rancocas Valley used five quick first-period pins to roll through Cinnaminson before a packed crowd Monday night. Drew Bowker (182), Nick Maffetone (195), Mark Loveland (285), Anthony LaSala (106) and Jayden Gonzalez (120) all were off the mat in under 1 minute 40 seconds as the Red Devils took down fellow Burlington County squad Cinnaminson, 50-24. JSZ’s Jay Cook has all the highlights from Cinnaminson: Match Results: Rancocas Valley 50 Cinnaminson 24 182: Drew Bowker (RV) p. Rashad Raymond :44 195: Nick Maffetone (RV) p. Jacob Clark 1:38 220: Jacob Clark (C) d. Max Pierre 5-1 285: Mark Loveland (RV) p. Luke Halecki :44 106: Anthony LaSala (RV) p. Christopher White :54 113: Jacob Kasowski (RV) Forfeit 120: Jayden Gonzalez (RV) p. Brian Portley :31 126: Nick Schuler (C) p. Tim Curtin 1:28 132: Jiya Gannone (RV) tf. Matthew Bundy 17-2 (4:27) 138: Conlan Holt (C) d. Chris Labose 6-1 145: Nicholas Burns (RV) d. Jack Bundy 7-4 152: Khalid Zeidieh (C) p. Sean Clothier :45 160: Shane Spence (C) Forfeit 170: Sean Tippen (RV) Forfeit Sponsor Shoutout Jersey Sports Zone’s coverage of all Cinnaminson athletics throughout the 2018-2019 season is proudly brought to you by NJM Insurance!
RFH Sends Message on Mats with Upset over SJV
If Thursday evening was any preview, there’s no doubt now that Rumson-Fair Haven is ready to make a statement in the Shore Conference. The Bulldogs put New Jersey on notice with a 44-27 win against state-ranked St. John Vianney thanks to a pair of first-period pinfalls from Fr. Shay Addison (132 pounds) and So. Jack Kelly (160 pounds). Rumson-Fair Haven (5-2) has already doubled its win total from last season and looks to continue to make noise in the Shore with a young lineup full of heavy-hitters. JSZ’s Jay Cook has the highlights from Rumson: Match Results 285: Evan Davis (RFH) d. Jaden Duncan 3-1 106: TJ Pavlonnis (SJV) Forfeit 113: Nico Diaz (SJV) d. Aidan Shaughnassey 8-1 120: Dean Peterson (SJV) p. Tristan Izzo 3:53 126: Joe Butler (SJV) p. Logan McGinn :59 132: Shay Addison (RFH) p. Gavin Xiu :14 138: Alex Simpson (RFH) Forfeit 145: Tyler Brignola (RFH) d. Gabe Jonas 6-2 152: Mike Ponenti (RFH) md. Issac Holt 9-1 160: Jack Kelly (RFH) p. Nick Carutti 1:42 170: Blake Clayton (SJV) p. Curtis Factor :56 182: Liam Horan (RFH) Forfeit 195: Luke Karayozi (RFH) Forfeit 220: Von Factor (RFH) md. Dante Miranda 14-4 Sponsor Shoutout! Jersey Sports Zone’s coverage of all Rumson-Fair Haven athletics throughout the 2018-2019 scholastic season is proudly brought to you by Gold Coast Cadillac.
Phillipsburg Dominates in Season-Opener
Try finding a better way to open the 2018 wrestling season — we dare you. Phillipsburg was dominant in their first dual meet of the season, scoring bonus points in 12 of 14 matches on their way to a 68-0 takedown of the Hillsborough Raiders. The Stateliners benefitted from four pins and three forfeits, but wrestlers grinded out last-minute wins and controlling tech falls. JSZ’s Jay Cook has the highlights from Hillsborough Double Sponsor Shoutout! Thanks to the Garnet Booster Club (Phillipsburg) and Princeton Orthopaedic Associates, Jersey Sports Zone was able to be hand for this early season tilt. Stay tuned this winter for more great wrestling highlights from around New Jersey!
Excitement Galore After NJ’s First-Ever Girls Wrestling Match
After months of conversation and planning, girls wrestling in the Garden State has finally arrived. A pair of Shore Conference teams — Jackson Memorial and Manalapan — took part in the first-ever girls wrestling match Friday night before a packed house at Manalapan High School. The excitement was through the roof. Coaches and wrestlers from both programs said afterwards they hoped to have kickstarted some momentum into more girls coming out for wrestling. The latest numbers show about 125 girls will wrestle throughout the season. Jersey Sports Zone was on hand and captured every big moment from each match throughout the evening: Match Results Jackson Memorial 30 Manalapan 21 161: Abby Stanburry (JM) p. Ruba Chakra Abou 3:13. 185: Alley Meyer (JM) p. Olivia Delgado 1:44. 225: Jordyn Katz (JM) p. Samantha Albujar :56. 100: Trinity Valentin Walczak (M) by forfeit. 111: Julia Manolas (M) p. Gianna Tandari 1:02. 118: Avery Meyers (JM) p. Alexandra Urbanek 5:40. 127: Angelina Vitola (M) d. Kayla Gregory 5-3. 136: Brandi Rado (JM) p. Alyssa Curcio 1:00. 147: Jess Johnson (M) p. Skyelar Smith 1:03. Exhibition Bout Sabrina Maniscalco (M) d. Shannon Stroud 6-3. More Girls Wrestling Coverage Jersey Sports Zone sat down with coaches and wrestlers prior to the 2018-2019 season to gauge the interest of girls wrestling across the state. The results? Astounding. Watch our feature from July that gets into the nuts and bolts about how girls wrestling in New Jersey can take off:
Bergen Catholic’s Robert Howard Commits to Penn State
Robert Howard is the real deal. The Bergen Catholic junior is on the heels of a 2017-2018 year where he collected some major hardware. And he how has one more accomplishment to tout. He announced yesterday on Twitter his decision to commit to the top-ranked collegiate wrestling program, Penn State, for legendary head coach Cael Sanderson. N I T T A N Y L I O N 🦁 #WeAre pic.twitter.com/1ZFlepqlc6 — Robert Howard (@Robbie__Howard) December 5, 2018 Howard is the No. 1 nationally-ranked wrestler at 126 pounds and the No. 3 ranked prospect in the Class of 2020, according to FloWrestling.com. Howard went 26-0 during his sophomore campaign, won his first state championship at 120 pounds and grabbed the gold medal at the Youth Olympics this summer in Buenos Aires, Argentina. Jersey Sports Zone was on hand last season as Howard helped Bergen Catholic topple Blair Academy to win The Who’s No. 1 Duals title and for his state title win in Atlantic City. Here are highlights of Howard from the 2017-2018 season: Sponsor Shoutout! Like seeing highlights of the nationally-ranked Bergen Catholic wrestling program? Thank Equinox Fitness. They’re the reason Jersey Sports Zone travels around the state to watch the Crusaders hit the mat.
NJ’s Female Wrestlers may Get Legitimate Opportunity at Individual State Title in 2018-2019 Season
Over the last decade, female wrestling has exploded across the country. In the last year the number of states sanctioning girl v girl wrestling has jumped from seven to 12. Will Jersey be the next? JSZ caught up with a couple of female wrestlers and coaches from two of the state’s strongest wrestling programs to see what they thought. Check it out now: