Here we are again. We're back once more in the outstanding venue that is New Castle Fieldhouse and I can honestly say that this might be as loaded a field as I can remember in the past 8 years of attendance. There are at least a handful of legitimate state title contenders, as well as a slew of wrestlers with very strong chances at state placement.
Without further adieu.....
103
Once you get past the presumptive champion, Nathan Boston, it's wide, wide open. Seven ranked wrestlers and one non-ranked, undefeated wrestler are included in this deep bracket. Boston has toyed with most opponents and I don't expect anyone here to push him too strongly.
Last year's champ: Cody Phillips, Union County
Last year's Dingo Pack picks: 2/4, 50%
Ranked wrestlers:
#1 Nathan Boston, Lawrence North (#18 nationally, The Open Mat)
#12 Barry McGinley, Roncalli
#15 Tyler Elmore, Hamilton Heights
#16 C.J. Whitten, Ben Davis
#17 A.J. Belden, Westfield
#18 Preston Mantel, Zionsville
#19 Jordan Lile, Fishers
Epic matchups:
Lile vs. Antonio Perez, Manual (ticket round) - Perez is no joke and Lile will have be on top of his game to get by the stocky Manual wrestler. Like most matches in this bracket, either outcome is possible.
Witten vs. Ryan Bean, Crawfordsville (1st round) - Bean has shown that he's in the upper tier of 103s in this semi-state and is more than capable of not only beating Witten, but advancing to Conseco.
Elmore vs. Cole Maggard, Rushville (1st round) - Elmore didn't look sharp last weekend and hasn't been in top form thus far in the postseason. He'll need to bounce back in a big way to beat the undefeated Rushville sophomore.
Belden vs. McGinley (1st round) - Another dynamic first round matchup featuring two kids who have wrestled the upper crust in the weight class already. McGinley seems to be peaking--that might be the difference, although Belden is capable of a run to Conseco.
Mantel vs. Jacob Cottey, Perry Meridian (1st round) - Cottey has wrestled everyone and isn't out of his league at all vs. Mantel. Unfortunately, the winner of this match gets Boston in the ticket round.
Maggard/Elmore vs. McGinley/Belden (ticket round) - Whoever survives this gauntlet of tough opponents will certainly deserve his state qualification. Just brutal.
Dingo's Pack picks to advance:
Lile, Witten, McGinley and Boston
The Alpha Dog:
Nathan Boston112
As with 103, there is a very strong favorite in this weight class. Also like 103, this is a deep, talented field, with seven ranked wrestlers and featuring 3 undefeated wrestlers and one wrestler with one loss. Look for 2nd and 3rd place finishers in this weight class to make strong runs at Conseco, especially Fargo AA Mason Todd. The two-time state champ Phillips will have some solid competition here.
Last year's champ: Brendan Campbell, New Castle
Last year's Dingo Pack picks: 4/4, 100%
Ranked wrestlers:
#1 Cody Phillips, Union County (#3 nationally, The Open Mat)
#2 Mason Todd, Pendleton Heights
#5 Dominique Price, Arsenal Tech
#6 Cody LeCount, Perry Meridian
#11 Tom Gettinger, Connersville
#17 Alex Sparks, Lawrence North
#19 Josh King, Roncalli
Epic matchups:
Sparks vs. Chandler Moore, Southmont (1st round) - The winner gets Phillips but, that bit of bad news aside, this should be a close, entertaining match. Moore knocked off a really tough senior last weekend in Brandon Gray.
LeCount vs. Price (ticket round) - This may be the marquee ticket match of the entire semi-state. LeCount has managed to wrestle Perry's grueling schedule and remain undefeated as a freshman. Price has been a victim of some of the most difficult draws at New Castle I've personally seen this decade, and just to get to this match he has to beat a very, very capable wrestler in Fisher's Brandon Gray. Price can go with anyone, but LeCount hasn't been knocked off once this year. It's a senior looking for one last shot at the big reward vs. a freshman at the start of what could be a very special wrestling legacy. Bring your popcorn matside for this one.
Gettinger vs. Snyder (ticket round) - This should be a doozy. Snyder was very tough at Pendleton Heights and in the team matchups vs Lawrence North and Noblesville. He has a grade A gastank and will put pressure on any opponent's conditioning. Gettinger has already been to the Big Show and has primarily lost to only the very best wrestlers in the state. This one could definitely go either way.
Dingo's Pack picks to advance:
Phillips, Price, Todd and Snyder
The Alpha Dog:
Cody Phillips119
Another New castle weight class, another seven ranked wrestlers. Like the two weight classes before, 119 features a strong favorite in the physical Fargo All-American Brendan Campbell. The top-level depth in this class might be the strongest of all the weight classes in New Castle. Past Campbell, there are 4 or 5 kids who could battle their way to a runner-up finish.
Last year's champ: Brandon Nelsen, Lawrence North
Last year's Dingo Pack picks: 4/4, 100%
Ranked wrestlers:
#2 Brendan Campbell, New Castle
#4 Mike Venezia, Cathedral
#5 Josh Farrell, Greenfield
#6 Charlie McGinley, Arsenal Tech
#7 Robert Boston, Lawrence North
#8 Levi Moss, Ben Davis
#16 Josh Julien, Lebanon
Epic matchups:
Boston vs. Hugo Perez (ticket round) - Perez is more than capable of knocking off Boston, but Boston has faced much better competition than Perez has. Perez first has to beat a very tough Clint Schmith of Beech Grove to advance to the ticket round.
Ferrell vs. McGinley (ticket round) - Two elite wrestlers in a huge match - one will advance and have a solid shot at placing high in Indianapolis and one will go home. McGinley, like numerous other McGinleys before him, has very solid mat skills and Ferrell is just plain nasty. A true pick 'em.
Venezia vs. Moss (ticket round) - See Ferrell vs. McGinley. Two battle-tested studs, each capable of winning this match and placing at state.
Dingo's Pack picks to advance:
Boston, McGinley, Campbell and Venezia
The Alpha Dog:
Brendan Campbell125
#1 Jared McKinley leads the pack at this weight class, but #2 Josh Kieffer has historically been really tough at New Castle. This is likely the most anticipated matchup of the semi-state and each has beaten the other this season. Three of the top four ranked wrestlers will be battling here on Saturday.
Last year's champ: Brandon Wright, Warren Central
Last year's Dingo Pack picks: 3/4, 75%
Ranked wrestlers:
#1 Jared McKinley, Perry Meridian
#2 Josh Kieffer, Roncalli
#4 Ben Sommer, Carmel
#13 Alex Catron, New Castle
#15 Luke Blanton, Alexandria
Epic matchups:
Blanton vs. Clayton Campbell, Lebanon (ticket round) - Blanton was razor sharp last weekend. He'll need to be again to beat the very tough Tiger wrestler.
Catron vs. Kieffer (ticket round) - Two state placers from last year meet up in an unfortunate ticket match. One senior's high school career will be over.
Kieffer vs. McKinley (championship match) - This rivalry is reminiscent of Wright/Eppert. Both are national caliber wrestlers with different body types and wrestling styles. McKinley, the shorter, thicker wrestler, is a bully on his feet and is very physically strong. Kieffer, the taller, longer-limbed wrestler, is a monster on top and can is capable of a big fall at any time. I could see one winning this weekend and another winning at Conseco...we'll see what develops.
Dingo's Pack picks to advance:
McKinley, Blanton, Kieffer and Sommer
The Alpha Dog:
Jared McKinley130
Another state #1 heads the field at 130. I know he's just a high school junior, but the word that comes to mind when I see the two-time state placer wrestle is professional. He's better than solid in all aspects of wrestling - not the flashiest or most athletic, just a complete wrestler with a good gastank. Look for Johnson to once again try to knock off the top dog. He's been close and is capable of the upset.
Last year's champ: Connor Mullins, New Castle
Last year's Dingo Pack picks: 4/4, 100%
Ranked wrestlers:
#1 Brian Harvey, Cathedral
#5 Jordan Johnson, Lawrence North
#7 Nick Bova, Perry Meridian
#11 Colin Campbell, Lebanon
#13 Jack Bolin, Fountain Central
Epic matchups:
Bolin vs. Levi Lanning, Alexandria (1st round) - These Alexandria kids are tough and Lanning is a senior taking on a talented freshman. Flip a coin.
Parham vs. Johnson (ticket round) - Parham has always seemed to have some tough luck at New Castle. He wasn't done any favors by drawing the talented, extremely long and tall LN wrestler. Parham will need to wrestle a nearly flawless match to advance to Conseco for the first time in a pretty successful HS career.
Harvey vs. Johnson (championship match) - Johnson is coming off a staggering stick of HSE's Tatom at Team Regionals. Johnson's heroics sent LN to the state finals and gave the Wildcat wrestler some serious momentum. Their match in Pendleton last weekend was pretty close. However, until someone beats Harvey, he has to be the pick.
Dingo's Pack picks to advance:
Campbell, Harvey, Bova and Johnson
The Alpha Dog:
Brian Harvey135
Another state #1 heads the field at 130. I know he's just a high school junior, but the word that comes to mind when I see the two-time state placer wrestle is professional. He's better than solid in all aspects of wrestling - not the flashiest or most athletic, just a complete wrestler with an oversized heart. Look for Johnson to once again try to knock off the top dog. He's been close and is capable of the upset.
Last year's champ: Mason Berryman, Anderson Highland
Last year's Dingo Pack picks: 4/4, 100%
Ranked wrestlers:
#2 Justin Kieffer, Roncalli
#10 Nick Roberts, Beech Grove
#16 John Tatom, Hamilton Southeastern
#17 Tyler Gadient, Noblesville
#18 Vinny Corsaro, Cathedral
#19 Joey Klinesmith, Perry Meridian
Epic matchups:
Kieffer vs. Charlie Smith, North Central (ticket round) - Smith was very impressive last week and his OT loss to Corsaro might've cost him a shot at making it to the State Finals. Kieffer is just a nasty draw for a ticket match. Smith had three tough matches and battled hard in each, but the Roncalli three-time state placer is a significant obstacle. In a similar vein, Smith must first beat a very tough Luke Decker of New Castle just to have a shot at Kieffer.
Tatom vs. Gadient (ticket round) - Tatom had a rough Team Regionals and lost to Gadient there 8-0. He has, however, also pinned Gadient this season.
Corsaro vs. Roberts (ticket match) - Corsaro has been a very impressive freshman for the Irish. The senior Hornet wrestler is a very stiff test for Corsaro's first semi-state.
Dingo's Pack picks to advance:
Kieffer, Gadient, Roberts and Klinesmith
The Alpha Dog:
Justin Kieffer140
Perhaps not one of the strongest weight classes at New Castle, from an elite wrestler standpoint, 140 still features a number of fine wrestlers. Rattay returns as a state placer from last year. He normally has some of the best defense on his feet that you'll see from anyone at New Castle, his recent match against HSE's Jackson Bennett notwithstanding. White has pinned him this year, so this is a wide open weight class. Expect Rattay or White to win the weight, but they aren't so far above the rest of the field that someone else couldn't win it.
Last year's champ: Kirk Johnson, Perry Meridian
Last year's Dingo Pack picks: 3/4, 75%
Ranked wrestlers:
#5 Matt Rattay, Lawrence North
#6 Brady White, Westfield
#11 Joe Kieffer, Roncalli
#12 Nick Ulrey, New Palestine
#13 Clayton Davenport, Ben Davis
#16 Levi Rose, New Castle
#17 Alex Louzon, Beech Grove
Epic matchups:
Davenport vs. Eli Walker, Alexandria (1st round) - Davenport has had some huge wins this season and is a solid favorite in this match. However, Walker is very dangerous and won't roll over against the Giant wrestler. The winner of this match's fun is just beginning - the winner gets #6 Brady White.
Louzon vs. Keegan Pyke, Tri Central (1st round) - Senior vs. Senior for the right to advance to the ticket round. Louzon has faced tougher competition, but Pyke is pretty slick. Should be a good one. The winner has a very solid shot at advancing to the State Finals as well.
Corsaro vs. Roberts (ticket match) - Corsaro has been a very impressive freshman for the Irish. The senior Hornet wrestler is a very stiff test for Corsaro's first semi-state.
Dingo's Pack picks to advance:
Kieffer,Rattay, White and McCoy
The Alpha Dog:
Matt Rattay145
This weight class is led by the undefeated, returning state qualifier Grant Scurria of Carmel. Scurria is a strong favorite at this weight, which features only 4 ranked wrestlers. Two ranked wrestlers didn't make it out of regionals, including top-ten Tiandre Edwards of North Central.
Last year's champ: Patrick Robinson, Hamilton Southeastern
Last year's Dingo Pack picks: 4/4, 100%
Ranked wrestlers:
#3 Grant Scurria, Carmel
#8 Kameron James, Pike
#11 Jordan Maple, Connersville
#15 Jon Blanton, Alexandria
Epic matchups:
Blanton vs. Robert Riedling, Warren Central (1st round) - Riedling is a returning state qualifier at this weight class and Blanton was a little off his game last weekend.
Scurria vs. Jonathan Decker, New Castle (semis) - Two years ago, Decker came into New Castle with a very impressive regional championship and was upset in the ticket round. He should advance to the semis, where Scurria awaits.
Maple vs. Wayne Specht, Noblesville (ticket match) - Specht is a physically strong wrestler who impressed in winning his regional last weekend. Maple is a highly ranked senior who has faced the pressure of semi-state action before.
Dingo's Pack picks to advance:
Specht, James, Scurria, Decker
The Alpha Dog:
Grant Scurria152
Three top-five wrestlers occupy this very deep, very tough weight class. This weight epitomizes what people have been saying saying about quality wrestlers not advancing. Returing state placer Montrail Johnson, returing state qualifier Matt Irick and #14 Tre Spencer are all fighting for one spot to advance. I feel for the kids who won't advance, but it should make for some amazing matches. Mullins and Kirk Johnson are returning semi-state champs.
Last year's champ: Sam Bennett, Anderson Highland
Last year's Dingo Pack picks: 3/4, 75%
Ranked wrestlers:
#3 Connor Mullins, New Castle
#4 Montrail Johnson, Tri Central
#5 Kirk Johnson, Perry Meridian
#11 Dylan Frauhiger, Zionsville
#12 Matt Irick, Hamilton Southeastern
#13 Alex Bowers, Noblesville
#14 Tre Spencer, Pike
Epic matchups:
Spencer vs. Irick (1st round) - Irick looked razor sharp in Pendleton last week and equally ready at Team Regionals. Spencer has been competitive with some of the best wrestlers in the weight class.
Irick/Spencer vs. Montrail Johnson (ticket round)- Johnson was head and shoulders above his competition last weekend. That will change this weekend, although I still expect him to advance.
Frauhiger vs. Bowers (ticket match) - This is just too close to call. Both are excellent, senior wrestlers and either would be a dangerous 3 or 4 seed at Conseco.
Dingo's Pack picks to advance:
Montrail Johnson, Mullins, Kirk Johnson, Frauhiger
The Alpha Dog:
.jpg "Alpha Dog")
Connor Mullins160
One 'O' must go: Curtis Anderson and Tyler Willis are both undefeated and on opposite sides of the bracket. Returning semi-state champ and state runner-up Willis is a strong favorite, obviously, but Anderson has beaten a litany of ranked, tough opponents this season. There are a staggering 8 ranked wrestlers in this strong weight class.
Last year's champ: Tyler Willis, Cathedral
Last year's Dingo Pack picks: 3/4, 75%
Ranked wrestlers:
#2 Tyler Willis, Cathedral
#6 Curtis Anderson, Carmel
#7 Max Youngs, Zionsville
#8 Austin Neibarger, Hamilton Southeastern
#9 Mitchell Judkins, Speedway
#11 Derek Harz, Perry Meridian
#12 Michael Taylor, Lawrence Central
#19 Dezman McGinley, Greenfield-Central
Epic matchups:
Neibarger vs. Harz (1st round) - The returning state placer Neibarger has faced a pretty stout array of opponents this season. Harz wrestled more than 10 ranked opponents this season. Harz is a returning state qualifier as well. Neibarger hasn't been as sharp this year as last, but he's very dangerous. Unfortunately for both, the winner gets undefeated Tyler Willis in the ticket round.
Judkins vs. Youngs (1st round) - #7 vs. #9 in the first round speaks to the depth and power in this weight class. The only common opponent I know they share is Neibarger: Youngs beat him and Judkins lost to him. The winner gets Michael Taylor of LC in another great matchup to advance to Conseco.
Dingo's Pack picks to advance:
McGinley, Willis, Anderson, Taylor
The Alpha Dog:
Tyler Willis171
This weight class is likely to come down to three competitors: Smith, Manning and Frascella. However, there are six ranked wrestlers here so there could be a surprise champion.
Last year's champ: Michael Duckworth, Union County
Last year's Dingo Pack picks: 3/4, 75%
Ranked wrestlers:
#5 Michael Smith, North Central
#6 Nick Manning, South Dearborn
#8 James Frascella, Carmel
#12 Jake Masengale, Perry Meridian
#15 Mark Brown, East Central
#17 Damon Albertson, Roncalli
Epic matchups:
Masengale vs. Brown (ticket round) - Masengale has wrestled that brutal Perry schedule and still has only three losses on the year. They each faced Roncalli's Damon Albertson, with Brown beating him 6-4 and Masengale splitting two matches with him.
Manning vs. Albertson (ticket round) - Albertson has wrestled a ton of top kids this season and Manning is a returning state qualifier. Manning has a lot of ability but hasn't wrestled the same competition.
Manning/Albertson vs. Smith (Semis) - This could feature #5 vs. #6. Smith is a two-time state qualifier, but would doubtless like to pick up a number one seed at Conseco this year. Manning wants the same thing. Two men enter, one man leaves.
Dingo's Pack picks to advance:
Frascella, Masengale, Manning, Smith
The Alpha Dog:
Nick Manning189
This weight is all Mitch Sliga's. He hasn't been challenged much this season, and I'm not sure there's any real danger for him before he gets to Conseco. Past Sliga, the other side of the bracket is wide open. Haskett is likely the second best here, but he was unfortunate in his draw, as Sliga lurks in the semis. This is not a particularly strong weight class compared to the other ones at New Castle.
Last year's champ: Michael Johnson-Jones, Warren Central
Last year's Dingo Pack picks: 3/4, 75%
Ranked wrestlers:
#1 Mitch Sliga, Fishers (#5 nationally, The Open Mat)
#9 Jeremy Haskett, Lawrence North
#15 Sam Tasseff, Perry Meridian
Epic matchups:
Haskett vs. Sliga (semis) - It's hard to call this epic, as Sliga is a strong favorite, but it will be interesting to see if Haskett gets a chance to unleash some of his nastiness on top.
Dingo's Pack picks to advance:
Haskett, Sliga, Schaeffer, Fehribach
The Alpha Dog:
Mitch Sliga215
This weight has not been, for whatever reason, particularly strong in recent years at New Castle. This year's field won't likely produce this year's state champion, but it is a deep field with some dangerous wrestlers. There is no strong favorite among the group, but look for the advancing wrestlers to fare better at Conseco than last year. Keep an eye out for Cathedral's Wesley Bernard. He's strong as an ox and very nimble for his size. He's got a pretty mean blast double, too. Broad Ripple's Joshua Jones will be strong here next year, too.
Last year's champ: Jake Buchanan, Cathedral
Last year's Dingo Pack picks: 3/4, 75%
Ranked wrestlers:
#14 Logan Cooper, Perry Meridian
#15 Sam Balbach, Mt. Vernon (Fortville)
#16 Jeff Mofield, New Castle
#17 Austin Netherton, Franklin Central
#18 Wesley Bernard, Cathedral
#19 Kyle Smitherman, Pendleton Heights
Epic matchups:
Netherton vs. Smitherman (1st round) - This one could go either way. Whoever wins has a nice shot to advance to Conseco.
Mofield vs. Balbach (ticket round) - Another brutal ticket match. Mofield almost knocked off Travis Thatcher this year and has a major decision over Bernard. Balbach tries to bounce back from last year's disappointment and make it to the Conseco.
Bernard vs. Jake Tucker, Roncalli (1st round) - Tucker is one of Roncalli's unsung heros and can go with anyone in this field. Bernard has improved greatly from the beginning of the season and will likely make several more trips to New Castle in the coming years.
Cooper vs. Colin Snyder, Fishers (ticket round) - If Cooper isn't very careful, he won't make it past the very tough Fishers junior. Snyder could pull the big upset here.
Dingo's Pack picks to advance:
Netherton, Balbach, Bernard, Cooper
The Alpha Dog:
Logan Cooper285
There are seven ranked wrestlers in the field, and three more wrestlers ranked #10, #11 and #17 didn't make it out of regionals. There are additional very tough competitors who aren't ranked in this group. In short, this is a strong, deep group, led by Panther Willie Henson. Henson has had some close matches against the better competition he's faced, but he has to be considered the favorite. Realistically, this is an open weight class, with surprises almost a certainty. This is often the most surprising weight class at New Castle.
Last year's champ: Dylan McBride, Crawfordsville
Last year's Dingo Pack picks: 2/4, 50%
Ranked wrestlers:
#4 Willie Henson, North Central
#9 Trent Wallace, South Vermillion
#12 Richard Brown, East Central
#16 Eric Thigpen, Lawrence Central
#18 Adam Decker, Beech Grove
#19 Tyler Melby, Westfield
#20 Tre Taylor, Ben Davis
Epic matchups:
Brown vs. Taylor (1st round) - These two are stuck in a group with four ranked wrestlers, all fighting for one spot. It's really impossible to predict the winner of this match and the ticket match to follow. Thigpen or Wallace awaits the winner.
Wallace vs. Thigpen (1st round) - Wallace is probably the favorite in this match, but he'll have his work cut out for him with Thigpen. Wallace was stunned by Howard last week and will be looking to rebound. Thigpen had a time conflict and couldn't wrestle in the regional championship match. The winner gets a tough ticket match vs. Brown or Taylor.
Decker vs. Daniel Howard, Frankfort (ticket round) - This is another one that's too close to call on paper.
Henson vs. Jordan Naughton, Perry Meridian (ticket round) - Henson had a disappointing semi-state last year and a very tough Falcon wrestler is standing in his way in the ticket round. They have both wrestled and beat Thigpen this season.
Dingo's Pack picks to advance:
Henson, Wallace, Melby and Decker
The Alpha Dog:
Willie Henson
Recommended Comments
There are no comments to display.