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3272011 IHSAA State Finals Live Blog
2011 IHSAA Wrestling State Finals
19112012 Sectional Brackets
Date: Saturday, Jan. 28, 2012.
Admission: $5.
Advancement: The top four place winners in each weight class advance to the regional tournament. Also, the championship team in the individual sectional tournament advances to the regional round of the team tournament.
1. East Chicago Central (10), 9 am CT
East Chicago Central, Hammond, Hammond Bishop Noll, Hammond Clark, Hammond Gavit, Hammond Morton, Highland, Lake Central, Munster, Whiting.
2. Calumet (9), 9 am CT
Calumet, Gary Roosevelt, Gary Wallace, Gary West Side, Griffith, Hobart, Lake Station Edison, Merrillville, River Forest.
3. Crown Point (9), 9 am CT
Andrean, Boone Grove, Crown Point, Hanover Central, Hebron, Kankakee Valley, Lowell, North Newton, Valparaiso.
4. LaPorte (8), 9 am CT
Chesterton, Glenn, Knox, LaPorte, Michigan City, New Prairie, North Judson, Portage.
5. Mishawaka (9), 9 am ET
LaVille, Mishawaka, Mishawaka Marian, Penn, South Bend Adams, South Bend Clay, South Bend Riley, South Bend St. Joseph’s, South Bend Washington.
6. Plymouth (9), 9 am ET
Bremen, Culver Academies, Culver Community, Plymouth, Rochester, Tippecanoe Valley, Triton, Warsaw, Wawasee.
7. Twin Lakes (11), 9:30 am ET
Cass, Caston, Frontier, Logansport, North White, Pioneer, Rensselaer Central, South Newton, Twin Lakes, West Central, Winamac.
8. Lafayette Jefferson (10), 8:30 am ET
Benton Central, Carroll (Flora), Delphi, Harrison (West Lafayette), Lafayette Central Catholic, Lafayette Jefferson, McCutcheon, Rossville, Seeger, West Lafayette.
9. Elkhart Memorial (8), 9 am ET
Concord, Elkhart Central, Elkhart Memorial, Fairfield, Goshen, Jimtown, Northridge, NorthWood.
10. Westview (10), 9 am ET
Angola, Central Noble, DeKalb, East Noble, Fremont, Howe Military, Lakeland, Prairie Heights, West Noble, Westview.
11. Carroll (Fort Wayne) (10), 8 am ET
Carroll (Fort Wayne), Churubusco, Columbia City, Eastside, Garrett, Fort Wayne Bishop Dwenger, Fort Wayne North Side, Fort Wayne Northrop, Leo, Whitko.
12. New Haven (9), 8:30 am ET
Fort Wayne Bishop Luers, Fort Wayne Concordia Lutheran, Fort Wayne Snider, Fort Wayne South Side, Fort Wayne Wayne, Heritage, Homestead, New Haven, Woodlan.
13. Peru (8), 8:30 am ET
Huntington North, Maconaquah, Manchester, North Miami, Northfield, Peru, Southwood, Wabash.
14. Oak Hill (10), 9 am ET
Eastbrook, Eastern (Greentown), Kokomo, Madison-Grant, Marion, Mississinewa, Northwestern, Oak Hill, Taylor, Western.
15. Jay County (9), 8:30 am ET
Adams Central, Bellmont, Blackford, Bluffton, Jay County, Norwell, South Adams, Southern Wells, Union City.
16. Delta (10), 9 am ET
Daleville, Delta, Monroe Central, Muncie Central, Muncie Southside, Randolph Southern, Wapahani, Wes-Del, Winchester, Yorktown.
17. Crawfordsville (10), 9 am ET
Attica, Covington, Crawfordsville, Fountain Central, North Montgomery, North Vermillion, Rockville, South Vermillion, Southmont, Turkey Run.
18. Zionsville (11), 8:30 am ET
Carmel, Clinton Central, Clinton Prairie, Fishers, Frankfort, Hamilton Southeastern, Lebanon, Sheridan, Western Boone, Westfield, Zionsville.
19. Hamilton Heights (11), 8 am ET
Alexandria, Anderson, Elwood, Frankton, Guerin Catholic, Hamilton Heights, Lapel, Noblesville, Pendleton Heights, Tipton, Tri-Central.
20. Lawrence Central (11), 8:30 am ET
*TrackWrestling link
Indiana School for the Deaf, Indianapolis Arlington, Indianapolis Bishop Chatard, Indianapolis Broad Ripple, Indianapolis Cathedral, Indianapolis Howe Academy, Indianapolis Manual, Indianapolis Scecina, Lawrence Central, Lawrence North, North Central (Indianapolis).
21. Indianapolis Washington (12), 9 am ET
*TrackWrestling link
Ben Davis, Brebeuf Jesuit, Indianapolis Arsenal Technical, Indianapolis Cardinal Ritter, Indianapolis Crispus Attucks, Indianapolis Northwest, Indianapolis Washington, Park Tudor, Perry Meridian, Pike, Southport, Speedway.
22. Shelbyville (11), 9 am ET
*TrackWrestling link
Beech Grove, Eastern Hancock, Franklin Central, Greenfield-Central, Indianapolis Marshall, Mount Vernon (Fortville), New Palestine, Roncalli, Shelbyville, Triton Central, Warren Central.
23. Tri (11), 9 am ET
Blue River Valley, Cambridge City Lincoln, Centerville, Hagerstown, Knightstown, New Castle, Northeastern, Richmond, Rushville, Shenandoah, Tri.
24. Franklin County (10), 8 am ET
Batesville, Connersville, East Central, Franklin County, Greensburg, Lawrenceburg, Milan, Oldenburg Academy, South Dearborn, Union County.
25. Avon (9), 8:30 am ET
Avon, Brownsburg, Cascade, Cloverdale, Danville, Greencastle, North Putnam, South Putnam, Tri-West Hendricks.
26. Mooresville (10), 9 am ET
Center Grove, Decatur Central, Franklin, Greenwood, Indian Creek, Martinsville, Monrovia, Mooresville, Plainfield, Whiteland.
27. Northview (9), 8:30 am ET
Bloomington North, Bloomington South, Edgewood, Northview, Owen Valley, Sullivan, Terre Haute North, Terre Haute South, West Vigo.
28. Jennings County (10), 9 am ET
Bedford North Lawrence, Brown County, Columbus East, Columbus North, Jennings County, Madison, Seymour, Scottsburg, Southwestern (Hanover), Switzerland County.
29. Jeffersonville (10), 9 am ET
Charlestown, Christian Academy of Indiana, Corydon Central, Eastern (Pekin), Floyd Central, Jeffersonville, New Albany, New Washington, Providence, Salem.
30. Southridge (10), 9 am ET
Crawford County, Forest Park, Jasper, Mitchell, North Knox, Paoli, Pike Central, Southridge, Vincennes Lincoln, Washington.
31. Castle (9), 9 am CT
Boonville, Castle, Gibson Southern, Heritage Hills, Princeton, South Spencer, Tecumseh, Tell City, Wood Memorial.
32. Evansville Central (9), 9 am CT
Evansville Bosse, Evansville Central, Evansville Harrison, Evansville Mater Dei, Evansville Memorial, Evansville North, Evansville Reitz, Mount Vernon, North Posey.
12672012 IHSAA Regional Brackets
Date: Saturday, Feb. 4, 2012.
Admission: $6.
Advancement: The top four place winners in each weight class advance to the semi-state tournament.
1.   Calumet, 9 am CT
Feeder Sectionals: Calumet, East Chicago Central.
2.   Crown Point, 9 am CT
Feeder Sectionals: Crown Point, LaPorte.
3.   Rochester, 9 am ET
Feeder Sectionals: Mishawaka, Plymouth.
4.   Logansport, 9:30 am ET
Feeder Sectionals: Lafayette Jefferson, Twin Lakes.
5.   Goshen, 9:30 am ET
Feeder Sectionals: Elkhart Memorial, Westview.
6.   Carroll (Fort Wayne), 9 am ET
Feeder Sectionals: Carroll (Fort Wayne), New Haven.
7.   Peru, 8:30 am ET
Feeder Sectionals: Oak Hill, Peru.
8.   Jay County, 8:30 am ET
Feeder Sectionals: Delta, Jay County.
9.   North Montgomery, 9 am ET
Feeder Sectionals: Crawfordsville, Zionsville.
10. Pendleton Heights, 9 am ET
Feeder Sectionals: Hamilton Heights, Lawrence Central.
11. Perry Meridian, 9 am ET
Feeder Sectionals: Indianapolis Washington, Shelbyville.
12. Richmond, 8 am ET
Feeder Sectionals: Tri, Franklin County.
13. Mooresville, 9 am ET
Feeder Sectionals: Avon, Mooresville.
14. Bloomington South, 9:30 am ET
Feeder Sectionals: Jennings County, Northview.
15. Jeffersonville, 9 am ET
Feeder Sectionals: Jeffersonville, Southridge.
16. Castle, 9 am CT
Feeder Sectionals: Castle, Evansville Central.
4482012 Rochester Preview
ROCHESTER REGIONAL PREVIEW
The weather appears like it will cooperate this year at regionals unlike last year where snow caused all kinds of problems with practices. What hasn't changed is that the Penn Kingsmen are the big story as they qualified 13 wrestlers to regional. Seven sectional champions from the tough as nails Mishawaka sectional will lead Coach Harper's grapplers on their march to Indy.
While the Plymouth sectional can not match the team firepower of their neighbors to the north, this sectional does boast some very highly rated individuals in top ranked Jarred Brooks of Warsaw, 2nd ranked Abe Hall of Bremen and third ranked Matt Hurford of Culver Community.
Another reason to focus on the Rochester regional will be to see if Culver Military's Kayla Miracle can avenge her only loss of the season.(Zach Davis of Penn). A good showing at the regional level always helps those that want to qualify for the the Big Show.
106
Penn's 19th ranked Zach Davis has fashioned a solid 31-8 record, wrestling one of the toughest schedules in the state. He appears to wrestling his best at tournament time by avenging an earlier loss to Mishawaka's Jake Sinkovics in dominating fashion, 7-0. Culver Military's 20th ranked Kayla Miracle comes in as the Plymouth sectional champ but will likely have to slay a murderer's row of tough lightweights in order to be a regional champ. Her only loss on the season is to Davis.
Best 1st round Matches: Jacob Hartman (South Bend Clay) vs. Tyler Felton (Bremen)
Kayla Miracle (Culver Military) vs. Daniel Olsen (South Bend Adams)
Not Packing a Cooler
1.Davis – Penn
2.Sinkovics – Mishawaka
3.Hartman – South Bend Clay
4.Miracle – Culver Military
113
The nations top ranked 113 pound wrestler, Jarred Brooks of Warsaw headlines this weight class and honestly should not be tested. Penn's senior Taylor Hart will likely meet Brooks in the finals. Others looking for trips to Merrillville include Wawasee's Greg Newman and Riley's Antwan Wordlaw.
Best 1st round match – Wordlaw (Riley) vs. Betts (Culver Community)
Not Packing a Cooler
1.Brooks – Warsaw
2.Hart - Penn
3.Wordlaw - Riley
4.Newman - Wawasee
120
The second Davis brother looks to add the 2nd regional crown for the Kingsman. Davis has an outstanding 30-5 record. He will likely face the scrappy Jose Rodriguez of Bremen in the finals. Rodriguez got a late start to the season but has gone 21-2 this year. Mishawaka's Mitch Emmons and St. Joe's Mark Rymsza will likely round out the semi state qualifiers.
Best first round Match: Mark Rymsza (SB St. Joe) vs. Devin Childers (Tippy Valley)
Not Packing a Cooler
1.Davis – Penn
2.Rodriguez – Bremen
3.Emmons – Mishawaka
4.Rymsza – SB St. Joe
126
The Mishawaka sectional flexes it's muscle at 126 and should garner all four berths to Merrillville. South Bend Riley's Josh Juarez seems to be peaking at tournament time with his upset victory over 9th ranked Grant Martsolf. These two should meet again in the regional finals unless Penn's Tommy Varner can knock off Martsoff.
Best first round match: Tommy Varner (Penn) vs. Dylan Shumaker (Bremen)
Not Packing a Cooler
1.Martsoff – Mishawaka
2.Juarez – Riley
3.Varner – Penn
4.Glueckart – Clay
132
One of the best finals matches of the day could be at this weight class where Mishawaka's 5th ranked freshman, Tommy Forte will likely battle Culver Military's 8th ranked Anthony McHugh. Both were dominant in earning sectional crowns. Look for the other two tickets to Merrillville to be punched by Clay's Chris Johnson, Culver Community's Ian Randolph or Washington's Derek Fowler.
Best first round match: Chris Johnson (SB Clay) vs. Ian Randolph (Culver Community)
Not Packing a Cooler
1.McHugh – Culver Military
2.Forte – Mishawaka
3.Fowler – SB Washington
4.Johnson – SB Clay
138
Another rematch of the Mishawaka sectional finals is highly likely at 138. In a fairly shocking upset, Mishawaka's 10th ranked Tristin Macri upended 3rd ranked Mitch Hartman of South Bend Clay. Hartman has a history of being able to make the proper adjustments week to week. Wawasee's Kyle Clevenger and Washington's William Howell-Bey should round out the quartet moving on to Merrillville.
Best first round match: Tommy Varner (Penn) vs. Kyle Clevenger (Wawasee)
Not Packing a Cooler
1.Hartman – Clay
2.Macri – Mishawaka
3.Clevenger – Wawasee
4.Howell-Bey – Washington
145
The power in this weight class definitely comes from the Mishawaka sectional. Only two winning records were in the Plymouth bracket. Trevor Manspeaker has separated himself from the field in route to an outstanding 29-4 record. The junior from Penn is not flashy but is rarely out of position and knows how to pick his moments in a match.
Best first round match: Lane Smous (Mishawaka) vs. Pascal Brun (Culver Military)
Not Packing a Cooler
1.Manspeaker – Penn
2.Ullrey – SB Riley
3.Smous – Mishawaka
4.White – SB Washington
152
Danny Ginter of Penn will look to earn his second consecutive regional title. He will likely meet rival Kyle Jones of Mishawaka or Edmund Hogan of Culver Military.
Best first round match: Ryan Lindsey (Wawasee) vs. Victor Navarro (Riley)
Not Packing a Cooler
1.Ginter – Penn
2.Hogan – Culver Military
3.Jones – Mishawaka
4.Navarro - Riley
160
Mishawaka's Clint Proctor was not even in the starting lineup at the start of the season and now he is a sectional champ. Proctor has a motor that keeps him in most matches. The power again is from the Mishawaka sectional, look for them to lock up all four semi state qualifying slots.
Best first round matches: Chase Hack (Riley) vs. Trent Bauters (Tippy Valley)
Not Packing a Cooler
1.Stasiak – Penn
2.Kolat – Washington
3.Proctor – Mishawaka
4.Hack – Riley
170
Mishawaka sectional power continues to flex its muscle at the 170 class. Mike Anderson of South Bend Riley has come off the injured reserve list to top the field at Mishawaka. The field at Plymouth is not particularly strong and all four berths to Merrillville will likely come from the north.
Best first round match: Dwight Hunter (SB Clay) vs. Keaton Bell (Tippy Valley)
Not Packing a Cooler
1.Anderson – SB Riley
2.Hunter – SB Clay
3.David Stevens – Penn
4.Ryan Jankowski – SB St. Joe
182
Culver Community's Matt Hurford is favorite at 182. The junior already has two regional crowns to his name. He will likely face South Bend Riley's Tyler Crain in the finals. Crain has been wrestling very sharp of late. Brian Clark of Wawasee and Thomas Demel of Penn will likely round out the 182s traveling to the region next week.
Best first round matches: Tyler Schmidt (Clay) vs. Brian Clark(Wawasee)
Not Packing a Cooler
1.Hurford – Culver Community
2.Tyler Crain - Riley
3.Brian Clark - Wawasee
4.Demel - Penn
195
South Bend Adams' Alex Skipper has forged an outstanding 36-1 record this season. A state qualifier last year, Skipper looks to return this year. He will likely run into rival Jaylin Allen of Clay in the finals again this week. Dominique Avila and Plymouth's Jacob Seagraves will likely meet in the battle for third place.
Best first round match: Jacob Seagraves (Plymouth) vs. Robert Deering (Mishawaka Marian)
Not Packing a Cooler
1.Skipper (Adams)
2.Allen (Clay)
3.Seagraves (Plymouth)
4.Avila (Riley)
220
Penn's Devin Reagan and Clay's “Hard Workin†Joe Gallegos are the class of the 220 field. They should meet in the finals at Rochester to contine their rivalry. Plymouth's DeAndre Pickford and Adams' Kenan Boyd will likely meet in the 3rd /4th place match.
Best first round match: Chad Eppley (Wawasee) vs. Kenan Boyd (SB Adams)
Not Packing a Cooler
1.Reagan (Penn)
2.Gallegos (Clay)
3.Pickford (Plymouth)
4.Boyd (Adams)
285
The big boys will keep the fans in their seats again this year as 4 of the top heavyweights in the state headline. Second ranked Abe Hall of Bremen was severly tested in his sectional finals victory over Dmitri Kaplanis of Wawasee. Sixth ranked Kade Maggart of Penn owns two narrow victorys over rival Marcus Dozier of Riley. I look for the rankings to hold chalk.
Best first round match: Kali Boyd (SB Adams) vs. Dmitri Kaplanis (Wawasee)
Not Packing a Cooler
1.Hall – Bremen
2.Maggart – Penn
3.Dozier – Riley
4.Kaplanis - Wawasee
10712012 Team State Bracket
[embed width=640" height="770]http://indianamat.com/stuff/teambracket12.pdf[/embed]
1234Perry Meridian Regional Preview
106
This weight class has 4 very good wrestlers in the field with all four capable of winning the regional. CJ Whitten beat Vance Ellis once and also beat Jacob Cottey 3 times. However, each match against Cottey gets tighter. Tommy Cash beat both Ellis and Cottey handily. However, Cottey has beaten Ellis by a very slim 1-point margin. Needless to say, this will be a very competitive Semifinal round.
3 Ranked wrestlers: #3, #9, #11
Best first round match:
Charlie Baker 10 Crispus Attucks 33-4 vs. Vance Ellis 10 Roncalli 24-7
Predictions:
1 Tommy Cash New Palestine 9
2 CJ Whitten Ben Davis 12
3 Jacob Cottey 10
4 Vance Ellis 10
113
This weight class is also competitive and has 4 very good wrestlers with Brandon James from Perry Meridian being the favorite. James beat Deondre Wilson 10-0 last weekend at Sectionals. Taylor Fee beat Barry McGinley 12-6 at sectionals. With very few match ups between the four ranked wrestlers in this weight class, things could get interesting. Keep a close eye on Barry McGinley as his length can cause problems for some wrestlers.
4 Ranked wrestlers: #2, #9, #13, #14
Best first round match:
Deondre Wilson 10 Arsenal Tech 20-3 vs Travis McMillan 10 Franklin Central 24-9
Predictions:
1 Brandon James Perry Meridian 9
2 Taylor Fee New Palestine 11
3 Barry McGinley Roncalli 11
4 Deondre Wilson Arsenal Tech 10
120
All of the top wrestlers in this weight class are capable of beating each other, evidenced by their match ups this season. Andrice Martin hasn’t lost since the first week of the season, which was dealt by Perry Meridian’s Aidan Kenny. Martin has since beat Kenny twice with the last match up being a pretty convincing score of 11-2. When you throw in Roncalli’s Josh King, who beat Kenny last year a couple of times, and Ramirez, whom had 3 close matches with Kenny, is easy to see why this weight class will be one to watch.
2 Ranked wrestlers: #6, #10
Best first round match:
David Ramirez 12 Warren Central 30-11 vs Jose Garay 10 Indpls Northwest 18-6
Predictions:
1 Andrice Martin Franklin Central 11
2 Aidan Kenny Perry Meridian 10
3 Josh King Roncalli 11
4 David Ramirez Warren Central 12
126
The clear-cut favorite in this weight class in Perry Meridian’s Sophomore Cody LeCount. But the battle for 2-4 will be a hard fought as the other participants in the regional seem to be evenly matched. Mikhail Randall from Ben Davis has been wrestling well as of late and might surprise some people and sneak into the finals. He will have the hard task of beating the tough sophomore from Greenfield Central, Sam Locke, to make it to the finals.
1 Ranked wrestler: #4
Best first round match:
Devon Caldwell-Valdez 12 Indpls Northwest 30-4 vs. Cody Clark 12 Shelbyville 25-6
Predictions:
1 Cody LeCount Perry Meridian 10
2 Sam Locke Greenfield Central 10
3 Mikhail Randall Ben Davis 11
4 Devon Caldwell-Valdez Indpls Northwest 12
132
This is a pretty deep weight class with a talent pool that includes Jared McKinley from Perry Meridian, Levi Moss from Ben Davis, and Robert Duncan from Arsenal Tech. Throw freshman Garrett Wilson from Franklin Central and Senior Brennan Ellis from Roncalli into the mix and this you’re looking at a very competitive weight class. Look for McKinley and Moss to meet up in the final match for their fourth battle of the season.
2 Ranked wrestlers: #1, #7
Best first round match:
Brennan Ellis 12 Roncalli 25-10 vs. Robert Duncan 11 Arsenal Tech 25-3
Predictions:
1 Jared McKinley Perry Meridian 12
2 Levi Moss Ben Davis 11
3 Robert Duncan Arsenal Tech 11
4 Garrett Wilson Franklin Central 9
138
A lot of wrestlers looking will be looking for revenge against Perry Meridian’s Nick Bova in this class. During the last match up between Bova and Greenfield Central’s Josh Farrell, Bova won by fall. Expect Robbie Elsea of New Palestine to put up a strong fight in an effort to settle the scores after Bova’s 6-1 victory after 2OT’s during their last matchup. This weight class could be won any of these 3 wrestlers.
3 Ranked wrestlers: #4, #6, #8
Best first round match:
Dylan Lydy 9 Ben Davis 15-9 vs. David Mappes 12 Roncalli 7-1
Prediction:
1 Josh Farrell Greenfield Central 11
2 Nick Bova Perry Meridian 11
3 Robbie Elsea New Palestine 11
4 Dylan Lydy Ben Davis 9
145
This is the deepest class in this regional as several kids have been ranked at one point in the season. Nick Ulrey, Clayton Davenport, Riley McClurg, Nick Ader, Shabaka Johns, and Brian Boucher all are tough kids but only 4 of them will get the nod to move on.
3 Ranked wrestlers: #10. #11, #14
Best first round match:
Nick Ader 12 Roncalli 29-9 vs. Brian Boucher 12 Southport 38-7
Prediction:
1 Riley McClurg Perry Meridian 11
2 Clayton Davenport Ben Davis 12
3 Nick Ulrey New Palestine 11
4 Nick Ader Roncalli 12
152
With a weight class loaded with seniors, you can bet these wrestlers will be putting it all on the line. Although Kyle Riedling of Warren Central has been battling injuries all year, he can make a run at the podium if he is able to wrestle at 100%. Tre Spencer of Pike might have something to say about that; they could meet in the finals in a rematch from the Marion County semi finals. Paul Matthews of Perry Meridian turned it on as of late and beat some tough opponents last week at sectionals. Paul’s first round match is against Austin Rose of Greenfield Central who beat Paul 5-2 early in the season. Logan Zielinski of Roncalli also faces a tough opponent in Drake Duncan of Ben Davis. One guarantee is that all 8 wrestlers in this class will leave it all on the mat.
3 Ranked wrestlers: #10, #11, #17
Best first round match:
Paul Matthews 11 Perry Meridian 17-11 vs. Austin Rose 11 Greenfield Central 26-6
Predictions:
1 Kyle Riedling Warren Central 12
2 Tre Spencer Pike 12
3 Paul Matthews Perry Meridian 11
4 Drake Duncan Ben Davis 12
160
This is Kirk Johnson’s tournament to lose as he has beat almost everyone in the field (some multiple times). Although he’s had close matches with New Palestine’s Conner Robinson and Roncalli’s Danny Rojas, Johnson consistently comes out on top. However, this field is full of athletes and anything could happen making this an exciting weight class to watch.
2 Ranked wrestlers: #2, #17
Best first round match:
King Hubbard 10 Arsenal Tech 16-11 vs. Katrell Moss 10 Warren Central 31-10
Predictions:
1 Kirk Johnson Perry Meridian 12
2 Danny Rojas Roncalli 12
3 Conner Robinson New Palestine 12
4 Katrell Moss Warren Central 10
170
The weight class is filled with exciting wrestlers with the likes of Jake Masengale, Dezmen McGinley, Joe Ardizzone, and Noah Perdue. Masengale has wrestled Ardizzone in two single-point matches this year and should meet in an exciting semi final match up. The winner will likely wrestle McGinley of Greenfield Central who had a very high scoring match with Masengale early this season and dominated Ardizzone at Sectionals.
4 Ranked wrestlers: #6, #9, #17,#18
Best first round match:
Noah Perdue 10 Arsenal Tech 26-5 vs. Brian Wagner 10 New Palestine 27-7
Predictions:
1 Jake Masengale Perry Meridian 11
2 Dezmen McGinley Greenfield Central 12
3 Joe Ardizzone Roncalli 12
4 Noah Perdue Arsenal Tech 10
182
This weight class is filled with talent and will certainly be a hard fought battle for whomever comes out on top. CJ Martin of Perry Meridian and Tony Jehn of Beech Grove each have 4 losses and look to be on a crash-course for the finals. But they definitely can’t look past any opponent in this field or they’ll be cutting their season shorter. Desean Mills of Arsenal Tech had a disappointing sectional tournament and is looking to avenge it with a good regional showing. The regional title is up for grabs; let’s see who steps up and takes what they want.
2 Ranked wrestlers
Best first round match:
Aaron Murray 12 Pike 20-9 vs. Max Hernandez 10 Warren Central 14-5
Predictions:
1 CJ Martin Perry Meridian 12
2 Tony Jehn Beech Grove 12
3 Max Hernandez Warren Central 10
4 Matt Miller Southport 12
195
Ian Early is the a clear-cut favorite in this weight class. He already handily beat Devante Ash of Perry Meridian and Dyrek Chowning of Warren Central. Ash and Chowning are likely to meet up in the semi’s for their third battle this season. Chowning won both previous match ups.  Seniors Nolan Fenwick of Southport and Cameron Denney of New Palestine will face each other in the first round, which should be a great match. With a lot of seniors in the field expect a lot of hard-nosed wrestling.
4 Ranked wrestlers: #6, #17, #18, #19
Best first round match:
Jordan Brown 12 Cardinal Ritter 27-5 vs. Dyrek Chowning 12 Warren Central 26-7
Predictions:
1 Ian Early Greenfield Central 12
2 Dyrek Chowning Warren Central 12
3 Devante Ash Perry Meridian 12
4 Nolan Fenwick Southport 12
220
With several rematches and a talented bunch of big guys, this weight class has the possibility of some great match ups. Jordan Naughton Perry Meridian and Georgio Blades Warren Central split 2 matches earlier this year. There is also a chance that Naughton will face Justin Sanders of Pike for the fifth time this season. They split previous match ups this season with 2 wins a piece. Who will come out on top? We will have to wait and see.
4 Ranker wrestlers: #11, #16, #17, #20
Best first round match:
Jordan Naughton 12 Perry Meridian 32-6 vs. Georgio Blades 11 Warren Central 25-8
Predictions:
1 Austin Geralds Greenfield Central 12
2 Jordan Naughton Perry Meridian 12
3 Justin Sanders Pike 12
4 Dylan Faulkenberg Cardinal Ritter 10
285
Donte Winfield of Perry Meridian is the favorite at this weight class. He beat his probably finals opponent, Larry Carter of Warren Central, on two occasions this season. Tyler Uhls of Shelbyville could be the road block to this rematch in an generally unpredictable weight class.
2 Ranked wrestlers: #5, #14
Best first round match:
Norman Oglesby 9 Ben Davis 19-7 vs. Tyler Beeson 10 Greenfield Central 20-10
Predictions:
1 Donte Winfield Perry Meridian 11
2 Larry Carter Warren Central 12
3 Tyler Uhls Shellbyville 11
4 Tyler Beeson Greenfield Central 10
Overall we are looking at 39 ranked wrestlers battling for 56 spots at semi-state. This should be a very competitive regional and have a lot of exciting matches.
18272012 IHSAA Semi-State Brackets
Date: Saturday, Feb. 11, 2012.
Admission: $6 (Final session only); $10 (Season ticket).
Advancement:Â The top four place winners in each weight class advance to the state finals.
1.   Merrillville, 9 am CT
Feeder Regionals: Calumet, Crown Point, Logansport, Rochester.
2.   Fort Wayne Snider (at Allen County War Memorial Coliseum), 9 am ET
Feeder Regionals: Carroll (Fort Wayne), Goshen, Jay County, Peru.
3.   New Castle, 9 am ET
Feeder Regionals: North Montgomery, Pendleton Heights, Perry Meridian, Richmond.
4.   Evansville Reitz (at Ford Arena), 9 am CT
Feeder Regionals: Bloomington South, Castle, Jeffersonville, Mooresville.
7432012 Fort Wayne Semi-State Preview
106lbs
Head of the Class: Hayden Lee- Garrett
State Streeters: Sawyer Miller- South Adams, Connor Knapp- East Noble, Alan Mock- North Miami
The Skinny:
The little Railroader that could, Hayden Lee, leads the field in this weight class. He has defeated Miller twice this season by identical 4-0 scores and also defeated Knapp 4-2. Knapp and Miller are definitely capable of pulling of the mild upset if Lee does not come ready to wrestle.
Early Round Key Matches:
Tyler Rigney- Muncie South vs. Seth Lloyd- Marion
Ben Cauffman- Carroll vs. Delawence Gayfield- Concord
Knapp vs. Rigney/Lloyd winner
113lbs
Head of the Class: Schuyler Phillips- Yorktown
State Streeters: Forrest Glogouski- Fairfield, Matt Frane- Dekalb, LJ Moser- South Adams
The Skinny:
Returning state qualifier Schuyler Phillips has quietly put together an impressive season. He comes in with only one loss to a super stud out of Michigan. He could be tested early on in the ticket round by Cody Flickinger of Elkhart Memorial and in the semi-finals and finals.
Early Round Key Matches:
Matt Frane- Dekalb vs. Sam Lovejoy- Bishop Luers
Cody Flickinger- Elkhart Memorial vs. Schuyler Phillips- Yorktown
120lbs
Head of the Class: Zach Krumlauf- Dekalb
State Streeters: Cody Walburn- Adams Central, Brock Bevans- Yorktown, Bobby Keuneke- Bellmont
The Skinny:
This is a wide open weight class that will could shape up a multitude of ways after the dust has settled. Zach Krumlauf of Dekalb leads the way, but he will have to get by Brock Bevans of Yorktown in the semi-finals. Bevans and Krumlauf wrestled last year at semi-state and state at 103lbs, but Krumlauf will have the size advantage this time. In the other half of the bracket there could be the third Adams County throwdown between Keuneke and Walburn where Keuneke has won both matches so far this year.
Early Round Key Matches:
Bobby Keuneke- Bellmont vs. Kegan Kern- Peru
Cody Walburn- Adams Central vs. Erique Early- Snider
126lbs
Head of the Class: Nick Crume- Jimtown
State Streeters: Chandler Carroll- Yorktown, Kalib Jackson- East Noble, Mason Meling- Snider
The Skinny:
The bracket gods separated Crume and Carroll which will make for a great finals matchup between the two former state 3rd place finishers. Both Crume and Carroll have been battle tested this year, so look for a great match in the finals.
Early Round Key Matches:
Mason Meling- Snider vs. Benjamin Fiechter- Southern Wells
Kalib Jackson- East Noble vs. Gabe Flores- Marion
132lbs
Head of the Class: Todd Batt- South Adams
State Streeters: Derek Roe- Adams Central, Kody George- Homestead, Jared Wilson- Snider
The Skinny:
This weight will be one of the most exciting weights to watch all day long with four returning state qualifiers along with Al Smith 2nd and 3rd place finishers and a Connersville 2nd place finisher in the field. We could also see round three of another Adams County throwdown in the finals between Batt and Roe, but that is only if they make it that far. There are many sleepers in the field here and no wrestler should be overlooked.
Early Round Key Matches:
Todd Batt- South Adams vs. Tylor Willms- Fremont
Jared Wilson- Snider vs. Alex Mix- Dekalb
Evan Loe- Peru vs. AJ Grim- West Noble
Loe/Grim winner vs. Derek Roe- Adams Central
Trevor Echartea- Elkhart Central vs. Kody George- Homestead
138lbs
Head of the Class: Devon Jackson- Yorktown
State Streeters: Michael Nix- Bishop Dwenger, Kyle Jolas- Huntington North, Lucas Riecke- East Noble
The Skinny:
This is another great weight class, the only difference is there is a clear cut favorite and the other three positions are up for grabs. Two-time state runner-up and Purdue signee, Devon Jackson, leads the field here with an unblemished record. He has taken an undefeated record into the finals the past two years, only to come up short. There are three other state qualifiers in the field, but none are going to have an easy road to getting back to state street.
Early Round Key Matches:
Kyle Jolas- Huntington North vs. Ronnie Bogle- Elkhart Memorial
Lucas Riecke- East Noble vs. Brayden Moreau- Garrett
145lbs
Head of the Class: Brooks Faurote- Bellmont
State Streeters: Cody Zink- Woodlan, Sebastian Eckert- Huntington North, Levi McKee- North Miami
The Skinny:
This is another weight class where the bracket gods separated arguably the top two wrestlers. Faurote has been lights out all season long and will look to continue a deep Brave tradition with a semi-state championship. He will be challenged by Cody Zink of Woodlan has had as many semi-state heartbreaks as any wrestler ever.
Early Round Key Matches:
Levi McKee- North Miami vs. Conner Brummett- Dekalb
Rhett Hiestand- Yorktown vs. Sebastian Eckert- Huntington North
152lbs
Head of the Class: Isaiah Bradley- Muncie South
State Streeters: Dewey Melcher- Bellmont, Zeke Schultz- Adams Central, Frank Martin- Homestead
The Skinny:
The top quarter bracket of this weight is absolutely stacked with two former state qualifiers facing off in the first round in Zeke Schultz of Adams Central and Carter Delaney of Bishop Dwenger. The winner gets to wrestle Zach Beebe of Angola who has quietly had a great season. Isaiah Bradley of Muncie South looks to be the head of the class here, but he will be challenged all day long including in the ticket round against Al Smith champion Ryan Ntende.
Early Round Key Matches:
Carter Delaney- Bishop Dwenger vs. Zeke Schultz- Adams Central
Delaney/Schultz winner vs. Zach Beebe- Angola
Isaiah Bradley- Muncie South vs. Ryan Ntende- Goshen
160lbs
Head of the Class: Jesse Goodnight- Kokomo
State Streeters: Isaac Stuery- Leo, Casey Adams- Jimtown, Brian Dick- Maconaquah
The Skinny:
This weight class will have four great ticket round match-ups with no wrestler a lock to punch their ticket to state. Goodnight is the favorite here, but will be challenged by Riley Lefever of Carroll. Steury will be pushed by Aaron Mason of Dekalb, Dick will have a tough foe in Chantz Luginbill of Adams Central and finally Adams will be challenged by Kyle Walters of Union City.
Early Round Key Matches:
Jesse Goodnight- Kokomo vs. Riley Lefever- Carroll
Isaac Steury- Leo vs. Aaron Mason- Dekalb
Brian Dick- Maconaquah vs. Chantz Luginbill- Adams Central
Casey Adams- Jimtown vs. Kyle Walters- Union City
170lbs
Head of the Class: Tanner Adams- Jimtown
State Streeters: Anthony Linnear- North Side, Garrett Weber- Leo, Blake Rodenbeck- East Noble
The Skinny:
If you wrestle this weight class 10 times, you are bound to get 10 different results. Tanner Adams looks to be the head of the class here, but do not count out Linnear or Weber to pull out a minor upset. Linnear is big, strong and athletic and finished 3rd at Connersville, while Adams won an equally tough weight at the Al Smith. The darkhorse is Weber who is the only wrestler in this weight with state experience.
Early Round Key Matches:
Blake Rodenbeck- East Noble vs. Jake Reed- Muncie South
Tanner Adams- Jimtown vs. Kody Jones- Concordia
182lbs
Head of the Class: Brad Busse- Bellmont
State Streeters: Cody Conrad- Heritage, Ben Pfister- Adams Central, Jake Wiechmann- Western
The Skinny:
This weight class could easily be dominated by the ACAC conference with a potential of three state qualifier from this tough small school conference. Busse has had three barn burners with Pfister, but he may get to avoid seeing him for the third straight week if Conrad defeats Pfister again. All four ticket round matches will be good ones with some great wrestlers in each quarter bracket.
Early Round Key Matches:
Carson Volheim- Elkhart Central vs. Ben Pfister- Adams Central
Cody Conrad- Heritage vs. Corey Crabtree- Muncie South
Jake Wiechmann- Western vs. Trevon Carr- Leo
Brad Busse- Bellmont vs. Ben Evans- Bishop Dwenger
195lbs
Head of the Class: Spencer Raypole- Carroll
State Streeters: Ben Baker- Bellmont, Austin Gibson- Garrett, Bo Butler- Kokomo
The Skinny:
This weight will also be a fun one with four wrestlers leading the way that are extremely close to each other. Raypole and Baker have split matches this year, while Gibson has five of his six losses to both Raypole and Baker by a combined total of eight points. You cannot count out Bo Butler of Kokomo who comes into the coliseum undefeated.
Early Round Key Matches:
Bo Butler- Kokomo vs. Kyle Garringer- Jay County
Austin Gibson- Garrett vs. Tieshawn Johnson- Elkhart Memorial
220lbs
Head of the Class: Seth Biberstine- Southern Wells
State Streeters: Chase Spears- Elkhart Memorial, Cameron Colby- Kokomo, Nolan Wilson- Leo
The Skinny:
Two undefeated wrestlers highlight this weight class in returning state placer Colby and Biberstine. Biberstine did not wrestle last year due to injury, but has absolutely dominated everyone in his path this year. The bottom half of the bracket lacks any undefeated wrestlers, but will consist of some great matches.
Early Round Key Matches:
Cameron Colby- Kokomo vs. Travis Carunchia- Garrett
Isaac Birch- Bellmont vs. Chase Spears- Elkhart Memorial
285lbs
Head of the Class: Dominique Stauffer- Elkhart Central
State Streeters: Ta-Quan Walker- North Side, Eric Hemmelgarn- Jay County, Jimmy Ulerick- Maconaquah
The Skinny:
Do not leave until this weight is finishes as from top to bottom this could be the most competitive weight in Fort Wayne. This weight class features nine wrestlers with less than five losses on the year, with most of them to each other. Two returning state qualifiers also highlight this weight class, but neither have an easy path to return to state. Dominique Stauffer looks to be the favorite with a hungry pack of wolves nipping at his heals.
Early Round Key Matches:
Ta’Quan Walker- North Side vs. Brandon Daniels- Goshen
Andrew Amos- Angola vs. Jimmy Ulerick- Maconaquah
Amos/Ulerick winner vs. Kyle Short- Norwell
Andrew Mason- Huntington North vs. Eric Hemmelgarn- Jay County
Dominique Stauffer- Elkhart Central vs. Matt Beard- Eastside
5072012 Merrillville Semi-State Preview
MERRILLVILLE SEMI-STATE PREVIEW
Saturday's Merrillville semi-state always guarantees fans two things. First, you will see some of best, most physical wrestling in the state and second, you will see this wrestling in one of the most uncomfortable, stifling venues imaginable.
The wrestling action is what draws the fans to the Pirates' Cove and this year is no different. Crown Point, Merrillville and Penn are the top teams at this years semi state. All three teams can qualify a half dozen or so state streeters.
Crown Point's Jason Tsirtsis is the semi-state's top individual story as he continues his march to become a four time state champion like his older brother. A classy kid and brutal technician on the mat. Slightly overshadowed by Tsirtsis has been the brilliant career of Lake Central's Kyle Ayersman. He will be gunning for a fourth semi-state crown and chance to when his third state title next week.
106
Hanover Central's Steven Micic is the clear favorite of the lightweights. He has been nothing short of dominant. Merrillville mighty mite, Michael Garza is on the same side of the bracket but is probably second best in this field. Penn's solid and steady Zach Davis looks to make a return trip to Indy and Culver Academy's Kayla Miracle got the golden ticket with her draw and stands a great chance of qualifying even after her fourth place finish at regional.
Best ticket round matches: Eric Peek (Portage) vs. Davis (Penn)
Garza (Merrillville) vs. Jake Sincovics (Mishawaka)
Cashing Their Check to Banker's Life
1.Micic – Hanover Central
2.Davis – Penn
3.Garza – Merrillville
4.Miracle – Culver Academy
ontherise219's Picks to Click
1.Micic – Hanover Central
2.Peek - Portage
3.Garza – Merrillville
4.Miracle – Culver Academy
113
Another case where the semi-state's top two grapplers appear to be on the same side of the bracket. Warsaw's Jared Brooks has yet to be tested this year and is the state and country's top ranked 113 pounder. Crown Point restocks their supply of Shurg's every year it seems and young Darden Shurg has had an outstanding season thus far, racking of a 34-1 record.
Best ticket round match – Sheldon Corcoran (Logansport) vs. Greg Newman (Wawasee)
Cashing Their Check to Banker's Life
1.Brooks – Warsaw
2.Adam Brodie – Merrillville
3.Shurg – Crown Point
4.Newman - Wawasee
ontherise219's Picks to Click
1.Brooks – Warsaw
2.Adam Brodie – Merrillville
3.Shurg – Crown Point
4.Newman - Wawasee
120
The 120 weight class is headlined by another wrestler from Hanover Central, senior Paul Petrov. He seems to wrestling his best right now and will likely meet Twin Lakes super soph, Blake Denton in the semi finals. I expect the other side of the bracket to hold chalk with Penn's Jacob Davis and Merrillville's Adam Garcia earning a free trip to Indy next week.
Best ticket round Match: Alec Weise (Benton Central) vs. Davis (Penn)
Cashing Their Check to Banker's Life
1.Petrov – Hanover Central
2.Garcia – Merrillville
3.Davis – Penn
4.Denton – Twin Lakes
ontherise219's Picks to Click
1.Petrov – Hanover Central
2.Garcia – Merrillville
3.Denton – Twin Lakes
4.Davis – Penn
126
Lake Central's stud Kyle Ayersman should cruise through this bracket. He makes it look easy against even the this semi-state has to offer. In the quest for the other three tickets to Indy, I detect a strong region smell.
Best ticket round match: Grant Martsoff (Mishawaka) vs. Trevor Burlison (Crown Point)
Dalton Overmyer (Winamac) vs. Aaron Ayala (Hobart)
Cashing Their Check to Banker's Life
1.Ayersman – Lake Central
2.Ayala – Hobart
3.Julian Torres – Portage
4.Burlison – Crown Point
ontherise219's Picks to Click
1.Ayersman – Lake Central
2.Ayala – Hobart
3.Torres – Portage
4.Martsoff - Mishawaka
132
Finally a weight class without a clear cut favorite. Rochester regional rivals, Anthony McHugh and Tommy Forte head line this bracket and are odds on favorites to have a repeat under the spotlight at Merrillville. A boatload of interesting early round matches will keep wrestling fans on the edges of their seats.
Best ticket round matches: Alex Mavros (Lowell) vs. Patrick Manning (Hobart)
Spence/Johnson winner (Portage/Clay) vs. Cody Alderman (Delphi)
Cashing Their Check at Banker's Life
1.Forte – Mishawaka
2.McHugh – Culver Academy
3.Alderman - Delphi
4.Mavros - Lowell
ontherise219's Picks to Click
1.Forte – Mishawaka
2.McHugh – Culver Academy
3.Alderman – Delphi
4.Mavros - Lowell
138
Two closely matched Northern Indiana Conference rivals along with an interloper from south of Lafayette will bring fireworks to the 138 pound weight class. At the top of the bracket, returning state placer Mitch Hartman appears poised to make another trip to Indy. Undefeated Alex Griffin of McCutcheon is the class of the second group of four. On the bottom half of the bracket, I look for Mishawaka sophomore Tristin Macri and a suprise state qualifier in Rensselaer's Jeffrey Martin.
Best ticket round match: Jeffrey Martin (Renssalaer) vs. Tony Vasquez (Hobart)
Cashing Their Check at Banker's Life
1.Hartman – SB Clay
2.Macri - Mishawaka
3.Griffin - McCutcheion
4.Martin - Rensselaer
ontherise219's Picks to Click
1.Macri – Mishawaka
2.Hartman – SB Clay
3.Griffin – McCutcheon
4.Roach - Portage
145
Jason Tsirtsis is the runaway favorite in the class for the second year in a row. Unfortunately, the second and third best wrestlers in this semistate are in the same quarter bracket. The winner of the Charlie Mavros/Trevor Manspeaker match will likely have the honor of meeting Tsirtsis in the finals. The other two slots for Indy are wide open.
Best ticket round match: Mavros (Lowell) vs. Manspeaker (Penn)
Cashing Their Check at Banker's Life
1.Jason Tsirtsis – Crown Point
2.Mavros – Lowell
3.Zach Thorn – Portage
4.Lane Smous - Mishawaka
ontherise219's Picks to Click
1.Tsirtsis – Crown Point
2.Mavros – Hanover Central
3.Katsaforas – Chesterton
4.Thorn – Portage
152
A rare semi-state title might be headed south to Lafayette. Lafayette Jeff's battle hardened Adrian Brown appears to have the strongest resume at the 152 class. Look for him to meet the streaking Chris Katsaforos from Chesterton in the finals. The class wrestling another week should be rounded out by Danny Ginter of Penn and Kenny Hughes of Lowell.
Best ticket round match: Hughes (Lowell) vs Zach Sandefer (Merrillville)
Espinoza (Logansport) vs Ginter (Penn)
Cashing Their Check at Banker's Life
1.Adrian Brown – Lafayette Jeff
2.Chris Katsafaros – Chesterton
3.Kenny Hughes – Lowell
4.Danny Ginter – Penn
ontherise219's Picks to Click
1.Brown – Lafayette Jeff
2.Katsaforas – Chesterton
3.Hughes – Lowell
4.Maldanado – Highland
160
Look for outstanding frosh Scotty Sopko to crash the regional championship party at the 160 pound class. It could be an all freshmen finals if Sopko can get by Crown Point's tough as nails, Dusty Schurg for a chance to meet perhaps the state's most impressive freshman, Bobby Stevenson of Merrillville.
Best ticket round matches: Kelly Kolat (South Bend Washington) vs Graham Redweik (Caston)
Cashing Their Check at Banker's Life
1.Stevenson – Merrillville
2.Schurg – Crown Point
3.Sopko - Hobart
4.Redweik - Caston
ontherise219's Picks to Click
1.Stevenson – Merrillville
2.Schurg – Crown Point
3.Sopko – Hobart
4.Kolat – South Bend Washington
170
Who has a shot at wrestling on the floor in Indy? Your guess is as good as mine at 170. About ten grapplers look like that have a shot in this wide open bracket. Lowell's Jeremy Crocker is probably the favorite but he has been beaten by Merrillville's Darryl Peppers. Picking this weight class is a true crap shoot.
Best ticket round matches: Ethan Dale (McCutcheon) vs. Mike Anderson (South Bend Riley)
Dwight Hunter (South Bend Clay) vs. Tony Rodriguez (Hobart)
Cashing Their Check to Banker's Life
1.Crocker (Lowell)
2.Peppers (Merrillville)
3.Rodriguez (Hobart)
4.Anderson (South Bend Riley)
ontherise219's Picks to Click
1.Dale – McCutcheon
2.Crocker – Lowell
3.Peppers – Merrillville
4.Rodriguez - Hobart
182
Purdue recruit and returning 3rd place finisher at 171, Tanner Lynde of Delphi will enter the semi state as a clear favorite. His biggest test to date might come in the semi finals where he will likely face Culver Community's Matt Hurford. Munster's much improved Dominic Fimbianti and Crown Point's freshman Morgan Kral look to round out the state qualifiers.
Best ticket round matches: Christian Winkle (Twin Lakes) vs. Morgan Kral(Crown Point)
Cashing Their Check to Banker's Life
1.Lynde - Delphi
2.Fimbianti - Munster
3.Hurford – Culver Community
4.Kral – Crown Point
ontherise219's Picks to Click
1.Lynde – Delphi
2.Fimbianti – Munster
3.Hurford – Culver
4.Winkle – Twin Lakes
195
One man stands about the crowd at 195 and that man is Merrillville's Kourtney Berry. Berry had a coming out party last year and placed 5th in the state at 189. He has battled a knee injury this season and hasn't wrestled a full schedule but veteran coach David Maldanado knows how to have his wrestlers peak and conditioning is rarely an issue with a Pirate grappler. South Bend Adams Alex Skipper has state experience in this field and will likely meet Berry in the finals.
Best ticket round match: Skipper (Mishawaka) vs. Jacob Ricks (Benton Central)
Cashing Their Check at Banker's Life
1.Berry – Merrillville
2.Skipper – South Bend Adams
3.Jaylin Allen – South Bend Clay
4.Matt Langbehn – Crown Point
ontherise219's Picks to Click
1.Berry – Merrillville
2.Skipper – South Bend Adams
3.Allen – South Bend Clay
4.Langbehn – Crown Point
220
This just might be the deepest and most entertaining weight class of the day. Studs are all over this sixteen man bracket. Veteran stars along with a very promising sophomore will make this class must see wrestling. South Bend Clay's 'Hard Workin' Joe Gallegos looks to have the easiest road to Indy but must beat the winner of a probable match-up of Dustin Kult (McCutcheon) and Michael Nickson of Merrillville. On the other side of the bracket, super-soph Gelen Robinson, must navigate by once-beaten Brandon Schultheiss of Twin Lakes to reach Indy. The final ticket will go the winner of a likely match up of Penn's Devin Reagan and Crown Point's returning state placer, Tyler Kral.
Best ticket round match: Kult(McCutcheon) vs. Nickson(Merrillville)
Robinson (Lake Central) vs Schultheiss (Twin Lakes)
Reagan (Penn) vs Kral (Crown Point)
Cashing Their Check at Banker's Life
1.Gallegos – SB Clay
2.Robinson – Lake Central
3.Kral – Crown Point
4.Kult – McCutcheon
ontherise219's Picks to Click
1.Robinson – Lake Central
2.Gallegos – South Bend Clay
3.Kral – Crown Point
4.Nickson – Merrillville
285
The Rochester regional has been a hotbed of heavyweights the past couple of years and this year looks to be no different. The top four at Rochester all have excellent shots at making the trip to Indy. Bremen's Abe Hall looks to be the surest bet in this field. Rochester runner-up, Kade Maggert has probably the toughest draw and must beat McCutcheon senior Blake Ford in the ticket round. Wawasee's seasoned Dmitri Kaplanis must topple once-beaten Fabian Durant of Hammond Morton and South Bend Riley's Marcus “Bull†Dozier will have to defeat Crown Point's Josh Swope.
Best ticket round match: Blake Ford(McCutcheon) vs. Kade Maggert (Penn)
Swope (Crown Point) vs. Dozier (South Bend Riley)
Fabian Durant (Hammond Morton) vs. Kaplanis (Wawasee)
Cashing Their Check at Banker's Life
1.Hall - Bremen
2.Maggert – Penn
3.Kaplanis - Wawasee
4.Dozier – Riley
ontherise219's Picks to Click
1.Hall – Bremen
2.Maggert – Penn
3.Kaplanis – Wawasee
4.Dozier - Riley
4262012 Evansville Semi-State Preview
Evansville Semi-State Preview
While fans from the Merrillville Semi-State surely will reign in the complaints early next week, this Saturday wrestlers from the Evansville Semi-State will come to compete at a premier venue in Ford Arena. Each wrestler looks to punch their ticket and create their own history, being the first ever State Qualifiers out of this new location, leaving Roberts Stadium as a distant memory.
106
106 looks to be a competitive weight class with returning State Qualifiers in Terrence Kennedy of Floyd Central and Damon Kuhn of Evansville Reitz with Kennedy having a tough way to go in the ticket round. With only one upperclassman you should expect to see these names in the upcoming years as well.
Best Ticket Round Match:
Terrence Kennedy (35-1 Floyd Central) vs. Jacob Brown (39-1 Castle)
Ticket Punchers:
1. Damon Kuhn (40-2 Reitz)
2. Terrence Kennedy (35-1 Floyd Central)
3. Hunter Fox (37-2 Cascade)
4. DJ Smith (29-4 Franklin)
113
At 113 it is a two horse race between Bailey Lahue (37-2 Corydon Central) and Anthony Schoettle (37-1 Center Grove) after that it’s a crapshoot for the remaining two spots at Bankers Life Field house, with many tough and battle tested wrestlers gunning for a state finals appearance.
Best Ticket Round Match:
Alex Johnson (30-8 Evansville Mater Dei) vs. Cory O’neal (36-4 Southwestern)
Ticket Punchers:
1. Bailey Lahue (37-2 Corydon Central)
2. Anthony Schoettle (37-1 Center Grove)
3. Josh Davis (34-9 Reitz)
4. Cory O’neal (36-4 Southwestern)
120
Possibly the toughest weight class in the Semi-State, 120 returns four State Qualifiers from a year ago in Luke Welch (40-0 Castle), IU Commit Alonzo Shepherd(44-3 Jeffersonville), Skyler Lykins(25-9 Franklin) and Blake Johns (34-8 Reitz). This weight class should hold a lot of matches that will be remembered for years to come.
Best Ticket Round Match:
Alonzo Shepherd (44-3 Jefffersonville) vs. Austin Spray (38-3 Southwestern)
Ticket Punchers:
1. Luke Welch (40-0 Castle)
2. Blake Johns (34-8 Reitz).
3. Alonzo Shepherd (44-3 Jeffersonville)
4. Sam Goebel (12-6 Mater Dei)
126
126 seems to be another weight that will likely be dominated by a few wrestlers. Returning SQ’s Gideon Vanhook (25-3 Reitz) and Logan Wedding ( 39-3 Ev. Memorial) look to be the front-runners of the weight, with Josh Pierre(27-7 Mater Dei) also in the thick of things, but with a very tough way to go.
Best Ticket Round Match:
Zach Batts(23-2 Cascade) vs. Josh Pierre(27-7 Mater Dei)
Ticket Punchers:
1. Gideon Vanhook (25-3 Reitz)
2. Logan Wedding ( 39-3 Ev. Memorial)
3. Zach Batts(23-2 Cascade)
4. Devin Broukal (35-6 Bloomington South)
132
With the second, fourth, twelfth, and fifteenth ranked wrestlers in the state at 132, fireworks are bound to happen. This weight to me is probably one of the most exciting to watch at Ford Arena this weekend. Look forward to the semi-finals match (assuming it takes place) between Danville’s 38-0 Junior Neal Molloy and 40-1 Senior from Evansville Reitz, Trevor Moody.
Best Ticket Round Match:
Conner Montgomery (18-1 Jennings County) vs. Tyler Hupp (27-4 Indian Creek)
Ticket Punchers:
1. Neal Molloy (38-0 Danville)
2. Tre Marler (29-1 Floyd Central)
3. Trevor Moody (40-1 Reitz)
4. Tyler Hupp (27-4 Indian Creek)
138
138 is possibly the most wide open weight with wrestlers that have losses to each other throughout the year. Jake Lannert is coming off of a 4th place finish from a year ago, yet has a tough way to go to get close to repeating that accomplishment, with a couple of very tough wrestlers standing in his way including Jennings County’s Jordan Gast and Danvilles Jordan Judy.
Best Ticket Round Match:
Jordan Gast (38-3 Jennings County) vs. Jake Lannert (36-2 Mater Dei)
Ticket Punchers:
1. Jordan Judy (36-4 Danville)
2. Brenden Kelley (38-4 Ev. Central)
3. Jordan Gast (38-3 Jennings County)
4. Gage Kelly (41-5 Scottsburg)
145
Maybe I put the cart before the horse when saying 138 was the most wide open weight. 145 is BY FAR the most unpredictable weight in the Evansville Semi State. With none of these wrestlers being household names in Indiana wrestling, look to see some fresh faces at Bankers Life Field house next weekend.
Best Ticket Round Match:
Brian Hayhurst (35-6 Ev. Memorial) vs. Tim Schuler (39-7 Columbus East)
Ticket Punchers:
1. Brian Hayhurst (35-6 Ev. Memorial)
2. Brayden Montgomery (13-2 Danville)
3. Alex Bassemier (32-6 Mater Dei)
4. Chase Singleton (27-7 Gibson Southern)
152
152 is a weight jam-packed with wrestlers that are well-deserving of a State Finals appearance. Many of these wrestlers are not only accomplished in high school wrestling but also recognizable from the Freestyle and Greco ranks. This weight also has one of the best (or worst depending how you look at it) ticket round matches in the state with the potential to see second ranked and once beaten Senior, Blake Rueger of Reitz High School wrestling eighth ranked Senior hailing from Bloomington High School South, Ethan Farmer.
Best Ticket Round Match:
Blake Rueger(40-1 Reitz) vs. Ethan Farmer (39-2 Bloomington South)
Ticket Punchers:
1. Blake Rueger(40-1 Reitz)
2. Quincy Richey (36-0 Brown County)
3. Colt Burnette (39-1 Mitchell)
4. Zach Adams (33-6 Madison)
160
At 160 you’ll see the studs pull away with the top 3 places. Jacob Underwood (37-1 Martinsville), Swade Oser (51-0 Heritage Hills) and Tsali Lough are a class above everyone else at this weight. The Oser and Underwood semi finals match looks to be one that could potentially be a placement match next weekend.
Best Ticket Round Match:
Casey Abell (34-6 Forest Park) vs. Brock Warner (35-6 Center Grove)
Ticket Punchers:
1. Swade Oser (51-0 Heritage Hills)
2. Tsali Lough (40-2 Terre Haute South)
3. Jacob Underwood (37-1 Martinsville)
4. Brock Warner (35-6 Center Grove)
170
170 is a relatively even field with a ton of talented wrestlers such as Clayton Fiddler of Bloomington South, Austin Warren of Castle, Brandon Marlin of Jeffersonville and Austin Bowman of Franklin, just to name a few; vying for a spot to wrestle Friday night. There is one stand-out however, in Sean Mappes (38-0 Center Grove). From watching him in past off seasons and looking at this years results the kid seems to have all the tools to be wrestling under the lights next weekend with hopes of capturing the State Title at 170.
Best Ticket Round Match:
Clayton Fiddler (36-5 Bloomington South) vs. Aaron King (38-4 Reitz)
Ticket Punchers:
1. Sean Mappes (38-0 Center Grove).
2. Clayton Fiddler (36-5 Bloomington South)
3. Austin Warren (37-3 Castle)
4. Brandon Marlin (40-5 Jeffersonville)
182
182 is also one of those weights that all wrestlers seem to have a shot at taking. The only undefeated wrestler, Dalton Brandenstein of Mater Dei, has had close matches with some of the wrestlers in this bracket.
Best Ticket Round Match:
Jackson Randall (31-5 Floyd Central) vs. Gabe Konerding (47-5 Heritage Hills)
Ticket Punchers:
1. Dalton Brandenstein (39-0 Mater Dei)
2. Dakota Thacker (36-5 Bloomington South)
3. Brock Wathen (36-2 Jennings County)
4. Gabe Konerding (47-5 Heritage Hills)
195
At 195 it is a one man show with Dane Maurer running through Ford Arena like a Mustang.(had to drop a car reference somewhere) I expect to see Dalton Halbig in the finals with the younger Maurer ,but not really having any say in what is going to happen. We’ll see though as that is why they wrestle it out.
Best Ticket Round Match:
Elijah Curtley (32-3 Jeffersonville) vs. Benjamin Bird (28-3 West Vigo)
Ticket Punchers:
1. Dane Maurer (38-0 Mater Dei)
2. Dalton Halbig (36-4 Princeton)
3. Elijah Curtley (32-3 Jeffersonville)
4. Dylan Jones (26-4 Avon)
220
About this time is where everyone begins to stand up, stretch and head for the concession stands, but for this weight, I would advise against it. 220 has the second, fifth, eighth, ninth and fourteenth ranked wrestlers in the state. This is one of those weights that true wrestling fans are losing sleep over the anticipation of seeing.
Best Ticket Round Match: (actually it’s a first round match)
5th ranked Iyan Bass(41-0 Jennings County) vs 9th ranked Mason Schnarr (28-5 Reitz)
Ticket Punchers:
1. Keith Knura (31-0 Indian Creek)
2. Iyan Bass(41-0 Jennings County)
3. Jared Boehm (50-1 Heritage Hills)
4. Aaron See (38-4 Northview)
285
The same idea applies for 285 as it did for 220. You get to watch possibly the most exciting heavyweight in the state go to work. Kaden Suter is as strong as any heavy weight in the state and as quick and agile as a 126 pounder. He will have his work cut out for him however, as he should meet 13th ranked Nathan Wright of Mater Dei in the semi finals..
Best Ticket Round Match:
Trevor Phillips (37-0 Mitchell) vs. Winner of Breen/Snyder
Ticket Punchers:
1. Kaden Suter (39-0 Martinsville)
2. Trevor Phillips (37-0 Mitchell)
3. Nathan Wright (36-1 Mater Dei)
4. Jesse Hohl (35-7 Ev. Central)
There is the Evansville Semi-State preview; sorry if there are any errors as I did it on short notice. I hope everyone makes it to Ford Arena to watch some very exciting wrestling and to see which wrestlers make history as the first State Qualifiers in our new venue.
Best of luck this weekend,
Grenadier2012
4332012 New Castle Semi-State Preview
New Castle Semi-State 2011-2012
The largest high school gymnasium in the entire country is the setting this Saturday for an entire day (and a good deal of the night) of fierce competition. New Castle has been steady in terms of strength and depth for the past decade, and this year’s talent level appears to be stronger than in many recent years (although perhaps not as deep as last year’s group). There are roughly a half-dozen strong state championship contenders (not to mention an equal number of nationally ranked studs) and not a lot of weak weights. The strongest classes are 113 (eight ranked wrestlers, 7 of the state’s top 14), 120 (seven ranked wrestlers, all in the top 15, including two nationally ranked wrestlers) and 160 (three top-5 wrestlers, including #1 and #2). The deepest weight classes are 138 (seven ranked wrestlers and a stacked bracket all around), 145 (eight ranked wrestlers and a handful of other really tough kids) and 152 (eight ranked wrestlers, including #1 Connor Mullins, plus four other 30+ win competitors). The least regarded weight class is 182, which features only two ranked wrestlers.
Without further adieu.....
106
Nathan Boston, barring injury, weight issues or disqualification, will almost certainly be the day’s first champion. Five ranked wrestlers (#13 Jack Chastain was upset in sectional competition) and one non-ranked, one-loss senior are included in this top-heavy bracket. Like last year, Boston has toyed with most opponents and I don't expect anyone here to push him too strongly. He’s highly ranked nationally by virtually every ranking entity because he has fared well against other states’ best wrestlers and dominated most of his in-state competition. He has still yet to taste defeat in his high school career, and is a strong favorite to earn another state title. Although there are only five ranked competitors at this weight, each is ranked in the top 11 and at least two of these top-11 kids won’t advance. Brutal.
Last year's champ: Nathan Boston, Lawrence North
Last year's Dingo Pack picks: 3/4, 75%
Ranked wrestlers:
#1 Nathan Boston, Lawrence North (nationally, #4 The Open Mat, #6 InterMat, #& WIN Magazine, #4 AWN)
#3 Tommy Cash, New Palestine
#5 Preston Mantel, Zionsville
#9 C.J. Whitten, Ben Davis
#11 Jacob Cottey, Perry Meridian
Epic matchups:
Kevin Condo, Franklin County vs. Kellen Van Camp, Lebanon (ticket round) - Provided each wrestler can win his opening match (Condo should have his hands full with Roncalli’s Vance Ellis), this ticket puncher should be a doozy. The senior Condo has lost only once all year and Van Camp comes from a strong Lebanon lineage. Condo very nearly took out state qualifier Antonio Perez last year at New Castle, losing 3-2.
#9 Whitten vs. #1 Boston, (ticket round) – This match is a little bit unfortunate. Whitten is a senior returning state qualifier and an excellent competitor. However, his way back to state is barred by one of Indiana’s finest wrestlers at any weight. A Whitten win would likely be considered the upset of the entire year.
#5 Mantel vs. #11 Cottey (ticket round) – These two faced off last year in the first round, with Cottey winning the battle by fall in a slight upset. Unfortunately for him, Cottey drew Boston in the ticket round, so there was no state berth for the Falcon wrestler last year. This year’s match should be one of the highlights of the ticket round and it’s tough to say who will advance. Will Mantel get revenge or will Cottey win another huge match with the Eagle standout?
Dingo's Pack picks to advance:
Condo, Cash, Mantel and Boston
The Alpha Dog:
Nathan Boston
113
As with 106, there is a very strong favorite in this weight class, although freshman Brandon James isn’t quite the mortal lock that Boston is. Unlike 106, there are eight ranked wrestlers here, or half the entire field. While James should win his first semistate title, the other three spots in the state finals should be hotly contested. There are no easy spots here, and there is a high likelihood of some upsets. The way the draws came out, at least a few ranked kids will be done for the season before 10 am.
Last year's champ: Mason Todd, Pendleton Heights
Last year's Dingo Pack picks: 4/4, 100%
Ranked wrestlers:
#2 Brandon James, Perry Meridian
#6 Riley Newkirk, Lawrence Central
#8 Ben Harvey, Cathedral
#9 Deondre Wilson, Arsenal Tech
#12 AJ Belden, Westfield
#13 Barry McGinley, Roncalli
#14 Taylor Fee, New Palestine
#18 Ryan Bean, Crawfordsville
Epic matchups:
#12 Belden vs. #9 Wilson (1st round) - The winner likely gets the always tough Ben Harvey, but, first things first, this is a dynamite 1st round matchup. Wilson, the IPS standout, was a somewhat surprising 4th place finisher at the Perry Meridian regional last week, although the field he faced was pretty outstanding. Belden has always been in the mix his entire high school career, but he lacks a defining victory to this point. Both kids got a tough draw, but that’s the norm at semistate. The winner is capable of beating Harvey, but beating James is probably a little bit out of reach.
#12 Belden/ #9 Wilson vs. #8 Harvey (ticket round) – Harvey already owns wins over Belden (3-0) and Wilson (6-5 in 3OT). Both Belden and Wilson compete hard in every match and are seldom beaten badly by anyone. In short, any of these three could be the ticket-taker in this section of the bracket. Expect close, exciting matches. Will the standout freshman defeat one of these more experienced opponents yet again?
#13 McGinley vs. #18 Bean (1st round) – Two ranked, very tough kids face off in an early morning tilt. McGinley has had some ups (big win over Fee) and downs (10 losses wrestling a tough schedule) this year, but his size is tough for many of his opponents. Bean is a senior with just two losses on the season and is a kid who has improved substantially each year of his career.
#13 McGinley/#18 Bean vs. #6 Newkirk (ticket round) – Newkirk will be a solid favorite, as he already owns a win this season over McGinley and a handful of other ranked opponents. The winner of McGinley/Bean will have his hands full with the standout junior from Lawrence Central.
Dingo's Pack picks to advance:
Harvey, Fee, Newkirk and Boston
The Alpha Dog:
Brandon James
120
Another New Castle weight class, another seven ranked wrestlers. Two nationally renowned studs lead the way in a pretty stacked weight class. Defending state champ and Brute Scholastic Duals Most Outstanding Wrestler Mason Todd is a slight favorite here, on the strength of a razor thin 2-1 win over Campbell. Todd had his hands full with Sparks last week at Pendleton, so that bears watching. Past the big two, the weight is wide open for two other wrestlers to punch their tickets. At least 3 top-15 ranked wrestlers will not advance to the state finals.
Last year's champ: Brenden Campbell, New Castle
Last year's Dingo Pack picks: 2/4, 50%
Ranked wrestlers:
#1 Mason Todd, Pendleton Heights (nationally, #11 The Open Mat, #8 InterMat, #14 WIN Magazine, #5 AWN)
#3 Brenden Campbell, New Castle (nationally, #15 InterMat)
#6 Andrice Martin, Franklin Central
#7 Alex Sparks, Lawrence North
#10 Aidan Kenny, Perry Meridian
#14 Evan Smiley, Cathedral
#15 Jordan Lile, Fishers
Epic matchups:
#14 Smiley vs. #10 Kenney (1st round) – These two have already battled once this year, with Kenney winning a tight decision. Both of these kids have wrestled some of the cream of Indiana’s crop and aren’t intimidated by anyone. Although Kenney has had a little more success over the course of the season, this one is a pick ‘em. Unfortunately for both wrestlers, Campbell will be waiting for them in a ticket match.
David Ramirez, Warren Central vs. #7 Sparks (1st round) – Don’t let Ramirez’ record and lack of a state ranking fool you—he’s wrestled a brutal schedule and is capable of winning his first two matches. These two split their two matches this season and both were close. Sparks is coming off a huge performance vs. defending state champion Mason Todd, a contest that saw him put the Arabian wrestler on his back and nearly get a fall. Sparks is a bit more consistent, but Ramirez is a senior and is dangerous.
Ramirez/#7 Sparks vs. #15 Lile (ticket round) – Lile and Sparks were each one match away from qualifying from state last year. Lile beat a tough Chandler Moore of Southmont to win his regional. Ramirez was controlled by Kenney en route to a third place finish and Sparks went toe to toe with Todd for a runner-up finish. These three should be pretty evenly matched and any of them could come out on top of their portion of the bracket.
#3 Campbell vs. #1 Todd (championship round) – This match alone is worth the price of admission if it takes place as anticipated. Last year’s New Castle semistate saw Mason Todd beat Phillips in a slight upset, Curtis Anderson beat Willis and Montrail Johnson beat Mullins. Will this year’s version bring more top seeds falling to defeat? Campbell certainly has the ammo to beat Todd or anyone in the state, for that matter, but Todd has been unreal the past two seasons and doesn’t take any matches off.
Dingo's Pack picks to advance:
Martin, Lile, Campbell and Todd
The Alpha Dog:
Mason Todd
126
Cody Phillips, aka Pocket Hercules, moves up in weight and will be looking to come out on top of a field featuring 5 ranked wrestlers, including 4 in the top 10. The Union County standout is attempting to become a three time state champion and another semistate title could greatly help him at Bankers Life the following weekend. Undefeated Cody LeCount could be his stiffest competition, as the Perry Meridian sophomore has been dominant this season and seeks to remove the bad taste in his mouth from last year’s ticket round loss to Dominique Price of Tech. Boston and Gettinger are each former state qualifiers looking to get back to the promised land.
Last year's champ: Jared McKinley
Last year's Dingo Pack picks: 4/4, 100%
Ranked wrestlers:
#2 Cody Phillips, Union County (nationally #6 @120 AWN)
#4 Cody LeCount, Perry Meridian
#8 Robert Boston, Lawrence North
#10 Tom Gettinger, Connersville
#19 Corbin O’Neal, Tri-Central
Epic matchups:
#8 Boston vs. #10 Gettinger (ticket round) – Two upperclassmen with state experience square up for a huge ticket round match. Gettinger has a tough opening round match with Caldwell-Velez, but he will be favored to advance to face the Lawrence North senior Boston. Gettinger beat Taylor Fee in his opening round match and then lost a heartbreaker to Hamilton Southeastern’s Mitch Snyder in last year’s ticket round. The winner of this match has a nice path to the finals, which could go a long way towards a state placement the following weekend.
Lincoln Kyle, Alexandria vs. Clayton Campbell, Lebanon (1st round) – Kyle dropped his opening match at last year’s semistate to Brenden Campbell, while the Lebanon Tiger wrestler Campbell won his first round match and lost his ticket round match to Alexandria’s Luke Blanton by decision 6-0. These are both tough kids and either kid could win this one. Unfortunately, LeCount lurks for the winner in the ticket round.
#4 LeCount vs. #2 Phillips (semifinals) – While Philllips is the undefeated, two-time state champion senior and will be the favorite if these two lock up, don’t count out LeCount (no pun intended). The talented sophomore has been a notch above all of his opposition this season and is hungry for a state title, which will almost certainly require a win over Phillips. The winner of this match will almost certainly win the weight class and lock up a one seed at Bankers Life.
Dingo's Pack picks to advance:
Watson, LeCount, Boston and Phillips
The Alpha Dog:
Cody Phillips
132
Another state #1, defending state champ and nationally ranked gladiator heads the field at 132. While this is a deep and talented field, it would be a monumental upset if anyone beat McKinley. The Southside Butcher should put his stamp on this field and lock up a 1-seed at state. However, the battles for second through 4th should be very interesting and wide open. While there are only four ranked kids at this weight, make no mistake—guys like Hugo Perez (lost ticket round match 12-7 to Boston last year), Garrett Port (lost 9-2 to Dan Barrett at New Castle last year), Mitch Snyder (state qualifier last year), Austin Fuller (lost to C. McGinley at New Castle last year), Brant Larson (lost to McKinley at New Castle last year) and Michael Steele are all state caliber kids.
Last year's champ: Brian Harvey, Cathedral
Last year's Dingo Pack picks: 2/4, 50%
Ranked wrestlers:
#1 Jared McKinley, Perry Meridian (nationally, #9 The Open Mat, #11 InterMat, #11 WIN Magazine, #11 AWN)
#3 Luke Blanton, Alexandria
#7 Levi Moss, Ben Davis
#16 Nick Borta, North Montgomery
Epic matchups:
Mitch Snyder, Hamilton Southeastern vs. #7 Moss (1st round) – This is a really tough first round match for each kid. Moss is a two time state qualifier and a fourth place finisher last season. Snyder qualified for state last year and has been a vital cog in the excellent Hamilton Southeastern lineup all year. Moss pinned Snyder when they met earlier this year, and is coming off a regional runner-up finish that saw him compete with defending state champion McKinley to the tune of a 3-1 loss. Snyder pinned #16 Borta last week, so he’s wrestling at a high level right now, too.
Snyder/#7 Moss vs. #3 Blanton (semifinal round) – Blanton followed up a fourth place finish at last year’s semistate with a remarkable run at the state finals, which included a huge upset of Mishawaka’s Layton Binion. He’s backed it up this season with an undefeated campaign to this point. This should be a great semis match, regardless of who advances to face Blanton (assuming he can get by the very tough Michael Steele of Westfield).
Dingo's Pack picks to advance:
Blanton, Perez, Moss and McKinley
The Alpha Dog:
Jared McKinley
138
Seven ranked wrestlers and no clear-cut favorite mark the 138 weight class. Literally, a half-dozen wrestlers could be crowned champion. Bova and Farrell are former state placers, so they are the slight favorites of the weight class. That said, these two split their two matches this season, so it’s difficult to say who would win if they manage to make the finals and face off again. In addition to the minimum of three ranked wrestlers who will not advance, non-ranked kids like Drake Gunning of Westfield (33-5), Jake McCoy of Franklin County (38-3, beat Jackson Bennett of HSE at last year’s semistate), Shenandoah’s Chandler Hale (31-7, lost a 3-0 decision to state qualifier Nick Ader at last year’s semistate) and Southmont’s Dan Barrett (27-6, lost a ticket round match vs. McKinley last year) supply evidence that this is one of the deepest weight classes at New Castle.
Last year's champ: Justin Kieffer, Roncalli
Last year's Dingo Pack picks: 2/4, 50%
Ranked wrestlers:
#4 Nick Bova, Perry Meridian
#6 Josh Farrell, Greenfield Central
#8 Robbie Elsea, New Palestine
#13 Michael Venezia, Cathedral
#18 Collin Campbell, Lebanon
#19 Cody Handley, Northeastern
#20 Josh Blanton, Alexandria
Epic matchups:
Chandler Hale, Shenandoah vs. Dan Barrett, Southmont (1st round) – Each kid was pretty close to punching a ticket last year to the big show. Barrett has wrestled a little tougher schedule and will be a slight favorite. The winner will likely face Farrell in a tough ticket round match.
#18 Campbell vs. #4 Bova (ticket round) – Bova is a returning state placer and has been pretty impressive all year. He has a remarkable knack of winning tight matches against tough competition. Speaking of tough competition, Campbell was a 2-1 loser to Ader in 2OT in his ticket round match last season. He is tough to score on, has pinned Venezia and won decisions vs. McCoy and Handley this year. Lebanon wrestles a surprisingly tough schedule, too, so he won’t be overwhelmed by facing a stud from the top-ranked team in the state. This should be a phenomenal match.
#8 Elsea vs. #20 Blanton (1st round) – This battle of ranked wrestlers will face off for the right to battle Cody Handley for a state finals berth. Blanton is a senior who was upset at regionals last year and will be looking for redemption. Elsea was beaten in his opening round match by Handley last year.
#8 Elsea/#20 Blanton vs. #19 Handley (ticket round) – Handley owns a win over Blanton this season and beat Elsea at New Castle last year, ultimately falling in his ticket round match with Brian Harvey in a very, very close contest. Any of these three could advance to Bankers Life.
#13 Venezia vs. #6 Farrell (semifinal round) – Farrell beat Venezia in OT already this year, but Venezia is a tough senior who has always competed at the highest levels, falling just short of the state finals his first three years. Although Farrell is a two-time state placer and a pinner, Venezia is a grinder and is definitely capable of pulling the mild upset.
Dingo's Pack picks to advance:
Venezia, Bova, Handley and Farrell
The Alpha Dog:
Josh Farrell
145
This weight is absolutely stacked with depth. Although there isn’t a clear favorite, there are 8 ranked wrestlers (not including defending state qualifier Cody House) vying for the strap. Basically, the winner of this weight class will be whoever is hot throughout the day, and it’s quite possible that if you held the semistate on five different days, you might get five different winners. That said, the unpredictability of this weight class makes it exciting. I picked Davenport because he was hot last weekend and he has to beat a tough ranked wrestler in Lough just to punch his ticket. It’s not a stretch to say that Corsaro, House, Lough, Tatom, McClurg or Blanton could just as easily win the weight as Davenport.
Last year's champ: Matt Rattay, Lawrence North
Last year's Dingo Pack picks: 2/4, 50%
Ranked wrestlers:
#4 John Tatom, Hamilton Southeastern
#5 Vincent Corsaro, Cathedral
#8 Jon Blanton, Alexandria
#10 Clayton Davenport, Ben Davis
#11 Riley McClurg, Perry Meridian
#12 Graham Lough, North Montgomery
#14 Nick Ulrey, New Palestine
#18 Kyle Nardi, Lapel
Epic matchups:
Cody House, Connersville vs. #5 Corsaro (ticket round) – Both kids qualified for state last year, with Corsaro finishing a strong 6th. House is a tough senior who beat the always tough Jordan Johnson of LN last year at New Castle. Corsaro missed a bit of time this season and appears to be working his way back into top form. Even with Corsaro’s earlier 7-1 win over House earlier this season, this one could go either way. Both young men have tough first round matchups—Corsaro faces Southport’s Brian Boucher (38-9) and House battles Westfield’s Lucas Rooney (36-12).
#10 Davenport vs. #12 Lough (ticket round) – Davenport was riding high last season coming into semistate competition and fell to Alexandria’s Eli Walker in the opening round. Davenport comes into this year’s semistate as a regional champion (won a 5-1 decision over McClurg in OT) looking to make it to the state finals. Lough was injured in last week’s championship match vs. Tatom.
#4 Tatom vs. #11 McClurg/#18 Nardi (ticket round) – Tatom is wrestling very well right now and is as likely as anyone to win the weight class. However, either Lapel’s tough Nardi or PM’s McClurg could put a stop to those plans in this high powered ticket round match. McClurg beat Nardi last year 8-1, so he’s the likely opponent for Tatom.
#14 Ulrey vs. #8 Blanton (1st round) – Another terrific opening round match in this wide-open, stacked weight class, this is a battle of the Dragon vs. the Tiger. Both have brothers who are or were highly successful and both lost first round matchups at New Castle last season, Ulrey falling 11-3 to Matt Rattay and Blanton dropping a heartbreaker to Riedling in a last second flurry. The winner of this tough tussle gets either regional champ Nolan Feller of Franklin County (lost last season’s ticket round match to New Castle champ Kameron James) or Alex Thomas of South Vermillion (beat last season’s state qualifier Jared Lawson of Frankfort).
Dingo's Pack picks to advance:
Corsaro, Tatom, Blanton and Davenport
The Alpha Dog:
John Tatom
152
Connor Mullins is yet another nationally regarded beast in this semistate. Mullins has done it all in Indiana….except for capturing that elusive state title. He’s a strong favorite at New Castle to win another semistate title (although he was upset by Montrail Johnson last year) and lock up an important #1 seed at Bankers Life. Seven other ranked wrestlers will do their best to slow him down, but Mullins is as close to a lock as it gets. Like many other weights here, slots 2-4 are wide open and difficult to predict.
Last year's champ: Kameron James, Pike
Last year's Dingo Pack picks: 3/4, 75%
Ranked wrestlers:
#1 Connor Mullins, New Castle (nationally, #18 InterMat)
#5 Austin McCloskey, Western Boone
#10 Kyle Riedling, Warren Central
#11 Tre Spencer, Pike
#16 Adam Kern, Zionsville
#17 Logan Zielinski, Roncalli
#18 Gino Gillum, Cathedral
#19 Jackson Bennett, Hamilton Southeastern
Epic matchups:
#18 Gillum vs. #19 Bennett (ticket round) – They have faced off twice this year, with each kid winning once. They are very evenly matched, but Gillum faces a four seed in his first match, so it’s possible that he might be slightly fresher for the ticket match. Bennett has to first beat a very tough Austin Rose (28-7) of Greenfield Central.
#5 McCloskey vs. #17 Zielinski (1st round) – McCloskey has been on fire this season (just one loss all year, a close decision to 2X state placer Blake Rueger) and will be looking to erase the memory of his scary match last season with Justin Kieffer. Kieffer accidentally slammed the Western Boone standout on his head and he was unable to continue. Zielinski lost by fall to Noblesville’s Wayne Specht in his opening round match at New Castle last season, but he has beaten Gillum this year. He will test McCloskey at the very least. The winner will likely face the very tough Johnny Slivka of Shenandoah, who gave Carmel’s Grant Scurria a tough match at semistate last year.
#10 Riedling vs. #16 Kern (1st round match) – Two former state qualifiers square up in this opening round match. Riedling is coming off an impressive regional championship and will seek to move past last year’s unfortunate match vs. Scurria. It appeared that Riedling might have had the fall vs. Scurria and the referee simply didn’t have the angle to see it. Whatever the case, Riedling had to settle for a clutch win vs. Blanton in his opening round match. Riedling is a pinner, too, so Kern will have to be cautious vs. the Warrior wrestler. Kern caught fire last year and will have to do it again this year if he wants to return to Bankers Life. Kern finished a surprising fourth at regionals, losing by fall to Clinton Central’s Jeffery Scott in the third place match. Kern beat Connersville’s Jordan Maple and Noblesville’s Wayne Specht to advance to state.
Dingo's Pack picks to advance:
Bennett, McCloskey, Riedling and Mullins
The Alpha Dog:
Connor Mullins
160
Three top-five wrestlers occupy this very deep, very tough weight class. The clear class of this weight are #1 Harvey, #2 Johnson and #5 Neibarger. Three time state placer Harvey edged Johnson in OT during their dual earlier this year and Harvey also edged Neibarger in a very intense match at team regionals. I think Neibarger can beat Harvey, but it’s hard to see him beating South Dearborn’s Jimmy Shaw, Harvey and Johnson in one day. Therefore, I think it will come down to Harvey and Johnson, and whoever wins will likely have to eke out a very close match. While there are only five ranked grapplers in this weight class, there are some tough unranked kids as well: regional champ Shaw (32-8), the always tough Danny Rojas (35-9) of Roncalli and Westfield’s Logan Floor (38-10), also a regional champ.
Last year's champ: Kirk Johnson, Perry Meridian
Last year's Dingo Pack picks: 4/4, 100%
Ranked wrestlers:
#1 Brian Harvey, Cathedral
#2 Kirk Johnson, Perry Meridian
#5 Austin Neibarger, Hamilton Southeastern
#16 Clint Nicholson, Pendleton Heights
#17 Connor Robinson, New Palestine
Epic matchups:
#17 Robinson vs. #5 Neibarger (1st round) – Neibarger is a former state placer and can roll with the best in the weight class. Robinson racked up a 43-7 record this season wrestling a tough schedule. Robinson gave Kirk Johnson all he wanted last week, losing a tight 5-3 decision.
#17 Robinson/#5 Neibarger vs. #1 Harvey (semifinal round) – Neibarger was upset by Floor last week and will need to be sharper to finally get past Harvey. The Royal wrestler very nearly did the deed at team regionals but Harvey held him off. Harvey had better not look past Rojas.
Logan Floor, Westfield vs. #16 Nicholson (ticket match) – This is just too close to call. Both are excellent, upperclassmen wrestlers who are well coached and have been close to the big show in the past. Nicholson has some pretty phenomenal balance and can impress when fighting off single legs. Floor knocked off the very tough Neibarger last week.
Dingo's Pack picks to advance:
Neibarger, Harvey, Nicholson and Johnson
The Alpha Dog:
Kirk Johnson
170
Tyler Willis is one of the better part-time wrestlers in recent Indiana history. His quickness is impressive and he’s become a very intuitive wrestler over the course of his high school career. However, the target on his back is large this season, as evidenced by a number of close matches against his toughest competition. The most recent nail-biter was against Irick at team regionals. Although Willis is a solid favorite to win his weight, there are at three to four kids here who are capable of pulling the upset, as Curtis Anderson did last year. Five former state qualifiers and six wrestlers currently ranked reside at this weight.
Last year's champ: Curtis Anderson, Carmel
Last year's Dingo Pack picks: 3/4, 75%
Ranked wrestlers:
#1 Tyler Willis, Cathedral (nationally, #17 The Open Mat, #14 InterMat)
#6 Jake Masengale, Perry Meridian
#8 Jon Decker, New Castle
#9 Dezmen McGinley, Greenfield Central
#10 Matt Irick, Hamilton Southeastern
#18 Joe Ardizzone, Roncalli
Epic matchups:
#1 Willis vs. #9 McGinley (ticket round) – I doubt either kid is too excited to possibly see the other in the ticket round. McGinley has been a tough foe for Willis this year and is a former state qualifier and certainly benefitted from competing for Team Indiana at the Scholastic Duals. However, it’s tough to bet against Willis—he’s a three time state placer and an elite athlete.
#8 Decker vs. #18 Ardizzone (ticket round) – Decker is a former state qualifier and has also given Willis a tough match this year. Ardizzone has a knack for keeping his matches close and I would expect this to come down to the wire, provided the Rebel wrestler can get past the underrated Phillip Centofante (23-9) of Zionsville.
#10 Irick vs. #6 Masengale (semifinal round) – Masengale has wrestled just about every elite wrestler at 170 and won them all, except for one sub-standard (for him, anyway) match against top-ranked Willis. Irick gave Willis fits at team regional and, like Masengale, is a former state qualifier. This should be a fantastic match, if both wrestlers advance to this point.
Dingo's Pack picks to advance:
Irick, Masengale, Decker and Willis
The Alpha Dog:
Tyler Willis
182
This weight class is easily the lowest rated weight class at New Castle—only two ranked wrestlers are present in the bracket, as a few highly regarded kids didn’t advance through regionals. One of those two ranked competitors is former state qualifier Lukas Schaeffer. Schaeffer, who has committed to the Naval Academy like New Castle’s Brenden Campbell, is a legitimate state title contender and should win the weight. This weight is very wide open after Schaeffer and it will be very interesting to see how things shake out.
Last year's champ: Nick Manning, South Dearborn
Last year's Dingo Pack picks: 4/4, 100%
Ranked wrestlers:
#2 Lukas Schaeffer, Westfield
#10 C.J. Martin, Perry Meridian
Epic matchups:
Zach Hutchison, East Central vs. #10 Martin (semifinal round) – It’s by no means a lock that this match will take place, as Hutchison will have to get by a 30+ win opponent (Southport’s Matt Miller, 31-9) and then the winner of Tipton’s Nate Hein (37-6) and Southmont’s stout senior Dennie Brown (22-7). Martin will have to beat the winner of Hamilton Southeastern’s Levi Pearson (13-4) and Anderson’s Zachary Chism (31-8). Hutchison is a returning semistate qualifier.
Hutchison/#10 Martin vs. #2 Schaeffer (championship round) – If either Hutchison or Martin advances to face Schaeffer, it will be interesting to see how the Shamrock wrestler responds to being firmly challenged. Westfield always wrestles a tough schedule and Schaeffer is undefeated for a reason, but this is a very murky weight class, so surprises are almost a certainty.
Dingo's Pack picks to advance:
Jehn, Hutchison, Martin and Schaeffer
The Alpha Dog:
Lukas Schaeffer
195
This weight is all Mitch Sliga's. Sliga is hungry for a state title to accompany his four Fargo titles. He is unlikely to be challenged too severely until his appearance the following weekend at Bankers Life. Past Sliga, the field is wide open and features just three other ranked wrestlers. The rankings issue is a little misleading, though; there are seven non-ranked wrestlers with 30+ wins and ten non-ranked wrestlers with 25+ wins.
Last year's champ: Mitch Sliga, Fishers
Last year's Dingo Pack picks: 4/4, 100%
Ranked wrestlers:
#1 Mitch Sliga, Fishers (#10 nationally, The Open Mat, #9 InterMat, #20 WIN Magazine, #6 AWN)
#6 Ian Early, Greenfield Central
#17 Dyrek Chowning, Warren Central
#19 Devante Ash, Perry Meridian
Epic matchup:
Taylor DeLong, Westfield vs. #19 Ash (ticket round) –.DeLong is an absolute brawler—a tough, strong kid who pounds, pummels and frustrates his opponents. He’s parlayed those traits into a 41-8 record against tough competition, and several of those losses are to Sliga. In short, he’s very underrated and his record is misleading. Ash has also wrestled a brutal schedule and his long frame can be problematic for his foes as well.
Dingo's Pack picks to advance:
Chowning, DeLong, Early and Sliga
The Alpha Dog:
Mitch Sliga
220
Five ranked wrestlers will battle it out with the rest of their opponents at this weight class. None of them are strong favorites and this is among the most wide-open weight classes at New Castle. The winner will be the wrestler who catches fire. Last week, the hottest wrestler was Pike’s Justin Sanders, who knocked off higher rated opponents in Naughton and Gearlds. This hasn’t been a deep or strong weight class at New Castle in recent years.
Last year's champ: Logan Cooper, Perry Meridian
Last year's Dingo Pack picks: 1/4, 25%
Ranked wrestlers:
#11 Austin Gearlds, Greenfield Central
#13 Jaylan Douglass, North Central
#15 Levi Kinney, Cathedral
#17 Jordan Naughton, Perry Meridian
#20 Justin Sanders, Pike
Epic matchups:
Alex Lindemann, Milan vs. #13 Douglass (ticket round) – For this match to take place, Douglass will have to get by the very game Jordan Phillips (27-5) of Southmont. Lindemann won his regional over returning semistate qualifier Blake Babcock (30-4) of Centerville.
Jacob Aven, Zionsville vs. #11 Gearlds (ticket round) – The sophomore Aven had a very impressive regional performance, giving up just two points in three matches en route to the title. Gearlds has had a number of big wins this year, but was majored by Sanders in the regional title match, after winning in OT against Franklin Central’s Tyler Wilson. It’s very possible he will regain his form from the regular season and win the semistate crown.
#15 Kinney vs. #17 Naughton (ticket round) – Assuming each wrestler can win tough opening round matches, they will meet up again in the ticket round. Kinney won their first battle in OT. Like Gearlds, both of these young men are capable of winning the weight.
Dingo's Pack picks to advance:
Douglass, Gearlds, Kinney and Sanders
The Alpha Dog:
Justin Sanders
285
There are six ranked wrestlers in the field, and two more returning semistate qualifiers. This is a pretty solid bracket, led by #4 Bernard and #5 Winfield. In addition to the six ranked competitors, there are seven additional wrestlers with 25 or more wins. There could be some surprises here, as this is often an unpredictable weight class. Fargo All-American Bernard and the tank Winfield are likely among the very best heavies in the state; their first match was a war of attrition won by the savvy Bernard.
Last year's champ: Willie Henson, North Central
Last year's Dingo Pack picks: 3/4, 75%
Ranked wrestlers:
#4 Wesley Bernard, Cathedral
#5 Donte Winfield, Perry Meridian
#9 Hayden Janney, Hamilton Southeastern
#14 Larry Carter, Warren Central
#16 Richard Brown, East Central
#17 Joe Garland, Rushville
Epic matchups:
#9 Janney vs. Jake Beasley, Frankton (ticket round) – Janney is a very solid wrestler and can hang with just about anyone. Janney lost a squeaker in OT to eventual state placer Willie Henson last year. Beasley is an active, athletic heavy who is capable of pulling a big upset or two. He’ll have his work cut out for him to get by returning semistate qualifier Dillen Swango (33-12) of Greensburg.
#5 Winfield vs. #16 Brown (ticket round) – Brown is a quality heavyweight, and was one match away from making it to state last year. Winfield is just about impossible to score on. By the same token, his offense is limited, but that recipe brought Jeremiah Harvey a state title last year.
#17 Garland vs. #14 Carter (ticket round) – Two ranked, big guys get after it here. Carter needs to be careful in his opening match vs. Southmont’s Chandler Burkhart (27-5).
#4 Bernard vs. #5 Winfield (championship round) – This will be a great match if it takes place. Neither kid gives an inch and each wrestler waits for his opponent to make a mistake. Bernard is pretty equally difficult to score on as Winfield and hasn’t lost in a while. This will be a tough field for both kids to navigate through, but they are the best of the bunch.
Dingo's Pack picks to advance:
Beasley, Winfield, Carter and Bernard
The Alpha Dog:
Wesley Bernard
4152012 State Finals Preview Magazine!
IndianaMat State Finals Preview 2012
By Joe Caprino in IndianaMat.com Magazines
34 pages, published 13 FEB 2012
IndianaMat.com's Wrestling State Finals Preview Magazine
428State Finals LiveBlog
Saturday Placing Round
2012 State Finals Placing Round
Saturday
2012 IHSAA State Finals Day 2
Friday Night
2012 IHSAA State Finals
837IHSWCA Junior Academic All-State
Congratulations to all the young men who earned this honor.
126   Lincoln Kyle   Alexandria
132   Luke Blanton   Alexandria
195   Dylan Jones   Avon High School
160   Jacob Bergman   Bellmont
182   Brad Busse   Bellmont
138   Willie Mahlan   Bellmont
132   Levi Moss   Ben Davis High School
160   Gage Norris   Ben Davis High School
195   Jacob Ricks   Benton Central
285   Shawn Ryan   Bishop Dwenger
120   Logan Parrish   Bishop Dwenger
182   Ben Evans   Bishop Dwenger
195 Boyd Haley Bloomington South
182   Conner Ludwig   Brownsburg High School
126   Anand Tsogtbaatar   Brownsburg High School
138   Ben Rodimel    Carmel
220   Bailey Inman    Carmel High School
145   Gino Gillum   Cathedral
182   John White   Cathedral
195   Bryce Campbell   Cathedral
132   Saul Fisher   Center Grove
285   Eric Kuznar   Churubusco
170   Jason Nicodemus   Churubusco
132   Austin Boggess   Churubusco
195   Tyler Casey   Clinton Prairie
182   Russell Hazelet   Columbia City HS
170   Macaully Vessels   Connersville High School
220   John Marvel   Connersville High School
138   Robby Marschand   Connersville High School
138   Tyler Burlison   Crown Point High School
170   Jacob Hazi   Crown Point High School
113   Allen Betts   Culver Community High School
182   Brendan Gill   Delta High School
113   Codey Flickinger   Elkhart Memorial
182   Kain Jenkins   Elkhart Memorial
132   Stephon Wilkins   Emmerich Manual High School
285   Jesse Hohl   Evansville Central
160   Wesley Mandel   Evansville Central
145   Alex Palstring   Evansville Harrison
113   Mathew Mastison   Evansville Harrison
170   Zachary Peak   Evansville Harrison
170   Alex Schneider   Evansville Mater Dei
285   Nathan Wright   Evansville Mater Dei
132   Branson Schroeder   Evansville Mater Dei
126   Logan Wedding   Evansville Memorial
106   Damon Kuhn   Evansville Reitz
120   Blake Johns   Evansville Reitz
220   Mason Schnarr   Evansville Reitz
195   Mitch Sliga   Fishers High School
220   Nick Ottersbach   Floyd Central
145   Garett Dalton Fentz   Franklin Community High School
152   Lucas Joseph Kriech   Franklin Community High School
145   Travis Pickard   Goshen High School
126   Jonah Thompson   Greenwood Community High School
285   Patrick Vondersaar   Guerin Catholic
138   Romario Velazquez   Harrison (WL)
152   Dulus Owen   Harrison (WL)
170   Dakota Jacobsen   Homestead High School
182   Zach Carlstrom   Homestead High School
152   Jacvkson Bennett   HSE
160   Austin Neibarger   HSE
132   Mitch Snyder   HSE
120   Chad Heer   HSE
182   Levi Pearson   HSE
132   Edgar Chevez   Jasper
170   Dillon Wagner   Jasper
145   David Fridley   Jeffersonville
160   Daniel Thompson   Jeffersonville
220   Ross Corcoran   Lafayette Central Catholic Jr/Sr High School
160   Sam Kochert   Lafayette Central Catholic Jr/Sr High School
152   Patrick Krane   Lafayette Central Catholic Jr/Sr High School
138   Scott Swingle   Lawrence Central H.S.
160   K.C. Hedger   Lawrenceburg High School
138   Collin Campbell   Lebanon High School
220   Grant Maxwell   Lewis Cass
195   Luke Knutson   Lewis Cass
126   Andrew Roadruck   Lowell
195   Ryan Patterson   Lowell
160   Tate Turner   Madison
145   Michael Culley   Marion High
170   Joseph Walter   Mishawaka Marian High School
160   Michael Rynkiewich   Mt. Vernon (Posey) HS
132   Adam Bogs   Munster
182   Morgan Kabrich   North Central
126   Paul Mikesell   North Miami High School
106   Alan Mock   North Miami High School
195   Tyler Hoover   North Miami High School
138   Jared Kirtlan   Northfield HS
182   Kyle Houlihan   Northfield HS
145   Timothy Deters   Northridge
182   Zach Telschow   NorthWood
138   Tyler Apple   Paoli
195   Ian Bostock   Paoli
160   Joey Stasiak   Penn High School
145   Trevor Manspeaker   Penn High School
138 Nick Bova Perry Meridian High School
145 Riley McClurg Perry Meridian High Schol
145   Colin Quin   Peru High School
182   Andrew Robinson   Peru High School
160   Kane Rockenbaugh   Peru High School
152   Kaleb Hammersley   Peru High School
126   Braxton Simpson   Peru High School
138   Christian Pearson   Plainfield
195   Daylon Weddle   Plainfield
126   Ben Macri   Plainfield
106Â Â Â John Mills IIÂ Â Â Plymouth High School
126   Joe Boots   Prarie Heights High School
132   Kevin Meyer   Princeton
170   Daniel Fernandez   Providence
113   Barry McGinley   Roncalli High School
120   Josh King   Roncalli High School
126   Trent Fadness   Rossville
220Â Â Â Robert Hadley IIÂ Â Â Rushville Cons. H. S.
285   Joseph Garland   Rushville Cons. H. S.
285   Adam J. Wolka   Seymour
285   Tyler Uhls   Shelbyville
132   Patrick Boucher   Sheridan
220   Nathan Wynn   South Adams
170   Mike Anderson   South Bend Riley
182   Tanner Thompson   South Putnam High School
126   Benjamin Fiechter   Southern Wells
145   Derek Long   Tipton High School
120   Adam Boles   Tri-West Hendricks
113   Mason Tribbett   Twin Lakes
132   Austin Fuller   Union County
160   Wyatt Krom   Union County
285   A. J. Gilchrist   Westfield
170   Greg Warren   Westview
120   Travis Normand   Woodlan High School
113   Schuyler Phillips   Yorktown HS
138   Tyler Glenn   Zionsville
285   Austin Brewer   Zionsville
113   Mitch Weber   Zionsville
1622IHSWCA Senior Academic All-State
Congratulations to all the young men who have earned this honor.
Ben Branson  Alexandria
Jon Blanton  Alexandria
Josh Blanton  Alexandria
Jon Blanton  Alexandria
Brooks Faurote  Bellmont
Dewey Melcher  Bellmont
Alex MacDonald  Bishop Dwenger
Michael Zehr  Bishop Dwenger
Michael Nix  Bishop Dwenger
Carter Delaney  Bishop Dwenger
Ethan Farmer   Bloomington South
Connor Ennis  Boonville
Abraham Hall  Bremen High School
Luke Huston  Brownsburg High School
Kalia Clark  Calumet High School
Graham Redweik  Caston
Graham Redweik  caston
kyle Harvey  caston
Brian Harvey  Cathedral
Levi Kinney  Cathedral
Michael Venezia  Cathedral
Brock Warner  Center Grove
Adam Boggess  Churubusco
Bryce Forrester  Columbia City
Eric Shepherd  Columbia City HS
Ryan Bean  Crawfordsville HS
Hudson Miller  Crawfordsville HS
Cameron Halsted  Crown Point High School
Tyler Kral  Crown Point High School
Josh Swope  Crown Point High School
Jason Tsirtsis  Crown Point High School
Pascal Brun  Culver Academies
Carlos Salinas  Culver Academies
Jake Hammel  DeKalb High School
Aaron Mason  DeKalb High School
Jeff Mason   DeKalb High School
Alex Mix  DeKalb High School
Tanner Lynde  Delphi
Kevin Offutt  Delphi
Blake Rodenbeck  East Noble
Clint Hoffar  East Noble
Clint Hoffar  East Noble
Kristopher Roberts  Elkhart Memorial
Jarrod Clouser  Elwood
Hunter Oakley  Evansville Central
Jake Lannert  Evansville Mater Dei
Alex Bassemier  Evansville Mater Dei
Logan Folz  Evansville Mater Dei
Dane Maurer  Evansville Mater Dei
Ben Johnson  Evansville Memorial
Jackson Colavecchia  Evansville Memorial
Brian Hayhurst  Evansville Memorial
Louis Funke  Evansville Memorial
Louis Funke  Evansville Memorial
Gideon Vanhook  Evansville Reitz
Trevor Moody  Evansville Reitz
Blake Rueger  Evansville Reitz
Aaron King  Evansville Reitz
Daltyn Backes  Evansville Reitz
Trevor Moody  Evansville Reitz
Gideon Vanhook  Evansville Reitz
Dillon Hinen  Fairfield HS
Jeff Gasper  Fishers High School
Eli Moore  Fountain Central
Colton Bane  Fountain Central
Luke Vaughn  Fountain Central
Andrew Mitchell  Fountain Central
CJ gerald  Frankfort
Brian Murr  Franklin Community High School
Spencer Hessman  Franklin Communty High School
Nolan Feller  Franklin County High School
Ryan Ntende  Goshen High School
Nathan Epler  Greenwood Community High School
Matt Rivas  Guerin Catholic
Matt Rivas  Guerin Catholic
Paul Petrov  Hanover Central
Charlie Mavros  Hanover Central
Lucas Lager  Hanover Central
Peter Konieczny  Harrison (WL)
Caleb Bettag  Heritage Hills
Kody George  Homestead High School
Derek Sanders  HSE
Hayden Janney  HSE
Matt Irick  HSE
Charles Snodgrass  Indian Creek High School
Elijah Curtley  Jeffersonville
Alonzo Shepherd  Jeffersonville
Brandon Weinkauf  Jimtown
Brandon Weinkauf  Jimtown
Alex Skipper  John Adams High School
Logan Short  Knox Community High School
Blake Brutus  Kokomo
Brandon Minton  Kokomo
Cameron Colby  Kokomo
Jesse Goodnight  Kokomom
Adrian Brown  Lafayette Jefferson
Sam Ensign  Lafayette Jefferson
Jordan Maxey  Lapel
Clay LaBarr  Lawrence Central
Jacob Henry  Lawrence North High School
Trent Eliason  Lawrenceburg High School
Clayton Campbell  Lebanon High School
Isaac Greeson  Maconaquah
Brian Dick  Macquancah
Payton Sorg  Manchester High School
Gabriel Flores  Marion High
Seth Lloyd  Marion High
Tanner Williams  Marion High
Ethan Dale  McCutcheon High School
Gregory Kosel  Mishawaka Marian High School
Thomas Stachowiak  Mishawaka Marian High School
Stephan Blanford  Mt. Vernon (Posey) High School
Scott Kohler  Muncie Central
Brenden Campbell  New Castle
William Clinkscales  North Central
Melvin Graham  North Central
Hunter Wells  Northfield HS
Drew Miller  Northwestern
Raymond Monroe  Northwestern
Drew Miller  Northwestern
Mitchell Wilson  Norwell High School
Thomas Linna  Oak Hill
Joe Tuell  Paoli
Jake Stilwell  Pendleton Heights
Kyle Babb  Pendleton Heights
Andrew Foley  Pendleton Heights
Jordan McCool  Pendleton Heights
Jacob Davis  Penn High School
Ben Varner  Penn High School
Reed Holcomb  Prairie Heights High School
Jeff Koberstein  Princeton
Leven Tomey  Princeton
Brennan Gregory  Providence
Bryce Roberts  Rochester High School
Joe Ardizzone  Roncalli High School
Brennan Ellis  Roncalli High School
Parker Leisure  Rushville Cons. H. S.
Caleb Cole  Scottsburg High School
Cody Clark  Shelbyville
John Slivka  Shenandoah High School
Dean Fites  Shenandoah High School
Nathan Miller  Sheridan
Alex Padgett  Sheridan
Jared Wilson  Snider
Austin Whisler  Snider
James Starks  Snider
Mason Meling  Snider
Aaron Bender  Snider
Charlie Hirschy  South Adams
Jordan Landers  South Adams
Isaac Werst  South Adams
Dkhari James Turner-Smith  South Bend Riley
Andrew Waters  South Putnam High School
Hunter Wetzel  South Spencer High School
Alexander Zachariah Thomas  South Vermillion High School
Nolan Fenwick  Southport High School
Matt Miller  Southport High School
Brian Boucher  Southport High School
Joseph Gilham  Sullivan
Erik Brown  TC Howe Communtiy HS
Blake Alvey  Tell City Junior/Senior High
Trent Bauters  Tippecanoe Valley High School
Cole Warner  Tipton High School
Christian Winkle  Twin Lakes
Anders Douglass  Twin Lakes
Dyrek Chowning  Warren Central High School
Brad Penning  Western High School
Cody Cyr  Western High School
Max Juarez  Westfield
Lucas Rooney  Westfield
Lukas Schaeffer  Westfield
Cody Zink  Woodlan High School
Logan Buuck  Woodlan High School
Dylan Smith  Yorktown HS
Cody Smith  Yorktown HS
Michael Conner  Zionsville
Karl Anliker  Zionsville
Spenser Simpson  Zionsville
Donovan McCloskey  Zionsville
Adam Kern  Zionsville
15332013 IHSAA Sectional Brackets
Date: Saturday, Jan. 26, 2013.
Admission:$6.
Advancement: The top four place winners in each weight class advance to the regional tournament.
1.   East Chicago Central (10)
East Chicago Central, Hammond, Hammond Bishop Noll, Hammond Clark, Hammond Gavit, Hammond Morton, Lake Central, Merrillville, Munster, Whiting.
2.   Calumet (9)
Calumet, Gary Wallace, Gary West Side, Griffith, Highland, Hobart, Lake Station Edison, Portage, River Forest.
3.   Crown Point (9)
Andrean, Boone Grove, Crown Point, Hanover Central, Hebron, Kankakee Valley, Lowell, Valparaiso, Wheeler.
4.   LaPorte (8)
Chesterton, Glenn, Knox, LaPorte, LaVille, Michigan City, New Prairie, North Judson.
5.   Mishawaka (8)
Mishawaka, Mishawaka Marian, Penn, South Bend Adams, South Bend Clay, South Bend Riley, South Bend St. Joseph, South Bend Washington.
6.   Plymouth (10)
Bremen, Caston, Culver Academies, Culver Community, Plymouth, Rochester, Tippecanoe Valley, Triton, Warsaw, Wawasee.
7.   Twin Lakes (10)
Cass, Logansport, North Newton, North White, Pioneer, Rensselaer Central, South Newton, Twin Lakes, West Central, Winamac.
8.   Lafayette Jefferson (10)
Benton Central, Carroll (Flora), Delphi, Faith Christian, Frontier, Harrison (West Lafayette), Lafayette Jefferson, McCutcheon, Rossville, West Lafayette.
9.   Elkhart Memorial (8)
Concord, Elkhart Central, Elkhart Memorial, Fairfield, Goshen, Jimtown, Northridge, NorthWood.
10. Westview (10)
Angola, Central Noble, DeKalb, East Noble, Fremont, Howe, Lakeland, Prairie Heights, West Noble, Westview.
11. Carroll (Fort Wayne) (10)
Carroll (Fort Wayne), Churubusco, Columbia City, Eastside, Garrett, Fort Wayne Bishop Dwenger, Fort Wayne Concordia Lutheran, Fort Wayne North Side, Fort Wayne Northrop, Whitko.
12. New Haven (9)
Fort Wayne Bishop Luers, Fort Wayne Snider, Fort Wayne South Side, Fort Wayne Wayne, Heritage, Homestead, Huntington North, New Haven, Leo, Woodlan.
13. Peru (8)
Maconaquah, Manchester, North Miami, Northfield, Northwestern, Peru, Southwood, Wabash.
14. Oak Hill (9)
Eastbrook, Eastern (Greentown), Kokomo, Madison-Grant, Marion, Mississinewa, Oak Hill, Taylor, Western.
15. Jay County (9)
Adams Central, Bellmont, Blackford, Bluffton, Jay County, Norwell, South Adams, Southern Wells, Union City.
16. Delta (10)
Daleville, Delta, Monroe Central, Muncie Central, Muncie Southside, Randolph Southern, Wapahani, Wes-Del, Winchester, Yorktown.
17. Crawfordsville (11)
Attica, Covington, Crawfordsville, Fountain Central, North Montgomery, North Vermillion, Rockville, Seeger, South Vermillion, Southmont, Turkey Run.
18. Zionsville (11)
Carmel, Clinton Central, Clinton Prairie, Fishers, Frankfort, Hamilton Southeastern, Lebanon, Sheridan, Western Boone, Westfield, Zionsville.
19. Hamilton Heights (11)
Alexandria, Anderson, Elwood, Frankton, Guerin Catholic, Hamilton Heights, Lapel, Noblesville, Pendleton Heights, Tipton, Tri-Central.
20. Â Indianapolis Arlington (9)
Brebeuf Jesuit, Indiana Blind, Indianapolis Arlington, Indianapolis Bishop Chatard, Indianapolis Cathedral, Lawrence Central, Lawrence North, North Central (Indianapolis), Park Tudor.
21. Indianapolis Northwest (13)
Indianapolis Arsenal Technical, Indianapolis Broad Ripple, Indianapolis Cardinal Ritter, Indianapolis Crispus Attucks, Indianapolis Howe, Indianapolis Manual, Indianapolis Northwest, Indianapolis Scecina, Indianapolis Washington, Perry Meridian, Pike, Southport, Speedway.
22. Â Warren Central (10)
Beech Grove, Franklin Central, Greenfield-Central, Indianapolis Marshall, Mt. Vernon (Fortville), New Palestine, Roncalli, Shelbyville, Triton Central, Warren Central.
23. Â Shenandoah (11)
Blue River Valley, Cambridge City Lincoln, Centerville, Eastern Hancock, Hagerstown, Knightstown, New Castle, Northeastern, Richmond, Shenandoah, Tri.
24. Â South Dearborn (10)
Batesville, Connersville, East Central, Franklin County, Lawrenceburg, Milan, Oldenburg Academy, Rushville, South Dearborn, Union County.
25. Avon (10)
Avon, Ben Davis, Brownsburg, Cascade, Cloverdale, Danville, Greencastle, North Putnam, South Putnam, Tri-West Hendricks.
26. Mooresville (10)
Center Grove, Decatur Central, Franklin Community, Greenwood, Indian Creek, Martinsville, Monrovia, Mooresville, Plainfield, Whiteland.
27. Northview (10)
Bloomington North, Bloomington South, Edgewood, North Knox, Northview, Owen Valley, Sullivan, Terre Haute North, Terre Haute South, West Vigo.
28. Â Southridge (9)
Bedford North Lawrence, Crawford County, Forest Park, Jasper, Mitchell, Paoli, Salem, Southridge, Washington.
29. Jennings County (10)
Brown County, Columbus East, Columbus North, Greensburg, Jennings County, Madison, Scottsburg, Seymour, Southwestern (Hanover), Switzerland County.
30. Â Jeffersonville (9)
Charlestown, Christian Academy of Indiana, Corydon Central, Eastern (Pekin), Floyd Central, Jeffersonville, New Albany, New Washington, Providence.
31. Castle (10)
Boonville, Castle, Evansville Bosse, Evansville Harrison, Evansville Memorial, Evansville Reitz, Heritage Hills, Mt. Vernon, South Spencer, Tell City.
32. Evansville Central (10)
Evansville Central, Evansville Mater Dei, Evansville North, Gibson Southern, North Posey, Pike Central, Princeton, Tecumseh, Vincennes Lincoln, Wood Memorial.
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19102013 IHSAA Regional Brackets
Date: Saturday, Feb. 2, 2013.
Admission: $7.
Advancement: The top four place winners in each weight class advance to the semi-state tournament.
1.   Calumet
Feeder Sectionals: Calumet, East Chicago Central.
2.   Crown Point
TrackWrestling Link
Feeder Sectionals: Crown Point, LaPorte.
3.   Rochester
Feeder Sectionals: Mishawaka, Plymouth.
4.   Logansport
Feeder Sectionals: Lafayette Jefferson, Twin Lakes.
5.   Goshen
Feeder Sectionals: Elkhart Memorial, Westview.
6.   Carroll (Fort Wayne)
TrackWrestling Link
Feeder Sectionals: Carroll (Fort Wayne), New Haven.
7.   Peru
Feeder Sectionals: Oak Hill, Peru.
8.   Jay County
Feeder Sectionals: Delta, Jay County.
9.   North Montgomery
Feeder Sectionals: Crawfordsville, Zionsville.
10. Pendleton Heights
Feeder Sectionals: Hamilton Heights, Indianapolis Arlington.
11. Perry Meridian
TrackWrestling Link
Feeder Sectionals: Indianapolis Northwest, Warren Central.
12. Richmond
Feeder Sectionals: Shenandoah, South Dearborn.
13. Mooresville
Feeder Sectionals: Avon, Mooresville.
14. Bloomington South
Feeder Sectionals: Northview, Southridge.
15. Jeffersonville
Feeder Sectionals: Jeffersonville, Jennings County.
16. Castle
Feeder Sectionals: Castle, Evansville Central.
5372013 Merrillville Semi-State Preview
The Merrillville Semi State has been a premier site to watch top quality wrestling as the staff does an admirable job with the facility and they always make the finals special for the kids. The addition of of the consolation wrestle back this year might just be the straw that broke the camel's back when it comes to looking for a new facility.
106
The wee wrestlers have a pretty deep field that has talent coming from all over the semistate. #6 Michael Garza and #2 Jake Sinkovics appear to be a cut above the rest of the field. Both have been this far before with Garza pinning Sinko last year at semi-state. Sinkovics has stormed back this year and has run the table with impressive dominating victories over both Garza and Garrett's Hayden Lee at the Al Smith Invite.
In the upper half of the bracket, I like Penn's #13 Drew Hildebrandt and Lafayette Harrison's Daniel Davis to survive their quarter brackets. Both must survive challenging ticket round battles. Hildebrandt will likely battle New Prairie's physical Chris Trent and Davis might have his hands full with Plymouth's Cody Allmon.
Winner – Sinkovics
Runner UP – Hildebrandt
#3 – Garza
Hoping not to draw Red – Davis
Mike's Cold Hard Locks
1. Jake Sinkovics Mishawaka
2. Chris Trent- New Prairie
3. Mike Garza-Merrillville
4. Daniel Davis- Lafayette Harrison
113
There are a few stone cold, lead pipe locks at Merrillville and the 113 weight class provides one of them in junior Stevan Micic. The top-ranked Micic has not been seriously challenged this year. Second ranked Zach Davis is in this bracket but I have serious doubts that there is anyone in the state who will test Micic, who is also ranked 2nd nationally by FloWrestling.
Penn's Zach Davis is the clear number two wrestler at this weight and he will likely be joined on the podium by South Bend Clay's #14 Jacob Hartman and the winner of the best ticket round match, Portage's #7 Gaige Torres and Benton Central's Cole Lukaszka.
Winner – Micic
Runner UP – Davis
#3 – Torres
Banker's Life trip - Hartman
Mike's Cold Hard Locks
1. Stevan Micic Hanover Central
2. Gaige Torres- Portage
3. Zach Davis- Penn
4. Jacob Hartman- Clay
120
A very compelling semi final clash will highlight this weight class if the bracket “follows chalkâ€. A veteran Region rumbler, #5 ranked Adam Garcia of Merrillville will attempt to reverse a loss to Lowell's third ranked super frosh, Drew Hughes, that he suffered back in late December. Hughes has been basically unchallenged at this weight and his name has been thrown around as a state title contender.
In the other half of the bracket, Warsaw's Luis Munoz will have to fight off challenges from Hammond Morton's Ruben Rodriguez and veteran Lake Central lightweight, Matt Lechowicz to reach the finals. Munoz is very slick on his feet and his neutral work might be enough to carry him to the finals.
Winner – Hughes
Runner UP – Munoz
#3 – Garcia
#4 – Lechowicz
Mike's Cold Hard Locks
1. Drew Hughes-Lowell
2. Matt Lechowicz- Lake Central
3. Adam Garcia- Merrillville
4. Ruben Rodriguez- Morton
126
Crown Point will get on the Merrillville podium at 126 when 27-0 Josh Fuqua dispatches all challengers this Saturday. Fuqua will have the memory of last year's tough ticket round loss to Adam Garcia driving him toward his goal of being a semi state champion. Fuqua's will probably battle the winner of the Blake Denton-Max Buckley match up. Valparaiso's 12th ranked Buckley has battled injury throughout his career but is battle tested. Twin Lakes' sixth ranked Denton is not your typical Logansport regional kid. He is very good on his feet and is already a two time state qualifier as a junior.
Winner – Fuqua
Runner UP – Denton
3rd – Scott Warner – South Bend Riley
4th – Buckley
Mike's Cold Hard Locks
1. Josh Fuqua Crown Point
2. Blake Denton- Twin Lakes
3. Max Buckley- Valparaiso
4. Dylan Logsdon- Portage
132
The 132 weight class might just be the deepest in the field at Merrillville. The injury to Portage's highly ranked Julian Torres is a blow but the class remains deep and talented. Look for South Bend Clay's second ranked Mitch Hartman to shake off a couple of frustrating losses the last two weekends and reach the finals. He will likely have to defeat Merrillville upstart, freshman Jacob Covaciu. The 7th ranked Covaciu will have his own ticket round thriller versus Penn senior Josh Curcio.
The bottom half of the bracket will likely play out with a couple of battle hardened seniors reaching the semi finals in Mishawaka's eighth ranked Grant Martsoff and Crown Point's sixth ranked Trevor Burlison. This match up will be a tactical low scoring affair but I like the way Martsoff has handled himself the past two weeks and look for him to take the narrow victory.
Winner – Martsoff
Runner UP – Hartman
#3 – Burlison
#4 – Covaciu
Mike's Cold Hard Locks
1. Trevor Burlison- Crown Point
2. Julian Torres- Portage
3. Grant Martsolf- Mishawaka
4. Jacob Covaciu- Merrillville
138
The second stone cold lead pipe lock at Merrillville looks to be Mishawaka's super soph, Tommy Forte. He is ranked first in the state and 20th nationally. The bracket is set up for him to cruise into the finals where he will face the winner of the highly anticipated ticket round battle between three time state finalist Anthony McHugh of Culver Military and 6th ranked Crown Point Bulldog Darden Schurg.
The other two state finalists are a little less clear cut. I like Penn's Alex Rinehart to win a close battle with Rensselaer Central's regional champ Hunter Hickman and Kankakee Valley's Jimmy Marich to prevail over Merrillville's Isaac Rentas.
Winner – Forte
Runner UP – McHugh
3rd – Rinehart
4th – Marich
Mike's Cold Hard Locks
1. Tommy Forte- Mishawaka
2. Darden Schurg- Crown Point
3. Alex Rinehart- Penn
4. Isaac Rentas- Merrillville
145
The Jason Tsirtsis era is over at 145 so this weight class opens up for a host of new challengers. This is another bracket where the best match might just be in the semi finals. A pair of one loss titans will likely square off when Mishawaka's 4th ranked Tristan Macri battles 6th ranked Chris Katsafaros in a rematch of the Al Smith finals back in December. Conditioning appeared to play a factor in Macri's narrow win so if Cheese Towner has that part of his game tightened up, expect a donnybrook.
The other side of the bracket will likely pit Lowell senior and 9th ranked Mitch Roadruck against the winner of the top ticket round match between Penn's Joey Mammolenti and Portage's Stephon Wilkins.
Winner – Macri
Runner UP – Roadruck
#3 – Katsafaros
#4 – Mammolenti
Mike's Cold Hard Locks
1. Chris Katsafaros- Chesterton
2. Mitch Roadruck- Lowell
3. Tristan Macri- Mishawaka
4. Joe Mammolenti- Penn
152
The 152 pound class might be a mirror image of the the 138 pound class with Rochester regional foes squaring off again under the lights at Merrillville. South Bend Adams' 11th ranked Sam Ferdig is a long, lean and mean tilting machine and his conference foe is Penn's stout grinder Trevor Manspeaker. The only thing preventing a finals match up for the third week in a row is a Bulldog named Schurg from Crown Point. Schurg the Elder (Dustin) is the class of this bracket and will be standing on top of the podium Saturday night. His conference rival, Danny Roach of Portage is the likely 4th member of this class to make his way to Indy.
Winner – Schurg
Runner UP – Ferdig
Third – Manspeaker
#4 – Roach
Mike's Cold Hard Locks
1. Dustin Schurg- Crown Point
2. Danny Roach- Portage
3. Sam Ferdig- Adams
4. Trevor Manspeaker- Penn
160
In the northern half of the state, this weight class has been owned by Kenny Hughes of Lowell. The #2 ranked Hughes has pinned most of his opponents this year and this semi state bracket will be his for the taking. Hughes has separated himself from the field. He will likely face conference rival Mark Maldonado of Highland in the semis. Maldo's lone loss on the season is to Hughes.
In the top half of the bracket, Bishop Noll's Damien Gomez is likely to repeat in his bid for spot at Banker's Life. The last spot is really a toss up as three talented ranked grapplers will duke it out. South Bend Riley's Chase Hack, Merrillville's Matthew Hollins, and Crown Point's Dax Jones all have a realistic shot punching their respective ticket to Indy.
Winner – Hughes
Runner UP – Gomez
#3 – Maldonado
#4 – Hack
Mike's Cold Hard Locks
1. Kenny Hughes- Lowell
2. Damien Gomez- Bishop Noll
3. Mark Maldonado- Highland
4. Matthew Hollins- Merrillville
170
The third of my stone cold lead pipe locks is at 170 with the ultra talented and top ranked Merrillville Pirate, Bobby Steveson. His likely finals foe is longtime rival Scottie Sopko of Hobart. Sopko had a hiccup at the Al Smith tournament but has been locked in ever since. Sopko should face a ticket round challenge from Rochester regional champ, Jeff Wiseman of Penn.
The other state qualifiers are more of a toss up as LaPorte's talented junior Mike Eldridge is likely to be pushed in his opener versus Kelly Kolat of South Bend Washington and conference rival Jeff Brassea of Lake Central. The final quarter bracket looks to be wide open.
Winner – Steveson
Runner UP – Sopko
Third – Mark Hurford
Fourth – Mike Eldridge
Mike's Cold Hard Locks
1. Bobby Steveson- Merrillville
2. Scottie Sopko- Hobart
3. Mike Eldridge- LaPorte
4. Jade Doty- West Lafayette
182
Senior two time state finalist Matt Hurford of Culver Community looks to be the class of the field at 182. The top ranked Cavalier will look to be a semi state champ for the first time. He will likely face the winner of the Tyler Scott/Exvonte Jones ticket round battle. I feel that Scott will be the winner in a tightly contested match.
The other half of the bracket features Hobart senior Tony Rodriguez who will be tested by South Bend St. Joseph or Kankakee Valley's Tim Schoonveld in a ticket round tilt. The final spot has set up nicely for Crown Point's Matt Langbehn.
Winner – Hurford
Runner UP – Rodriguez
Third – Scott
Fourth – Langbehn
Mike's Cold Hard Locks
1. Matt Hurford- Culver Community
2. Antonio Rodriguez- Hobart
3. Exvonte Jones- Portage
4. Matt Langbehn- Crown Point
195
The 195 class returns a couple of wrestlers with state level experience. Last year's semi state runner up, Jacob Ricks of Benton Central appears on a collision course with Crown Point's undefeated sophomore, Morgan Kral. Ricks lone loss on the season was to Mason Nickell of Roncalli at the Connersville Classic. Kral has proved his mettle in a few close matches this season.
The top quarter bracket has set up nicely for Lowell's big man, Ryan Patterson. He will likely face Merrillville grinder Alex Jara in a ticket round matchup. South Bend Clay's Jaylin Allen will look to join the Hartman brothers on the floor of Bankers Life but might be tested in the ticket round if Twin Lakes' Kevin Winkle is healthy.
Winner – Ricks
Runner UP – Kral
#3 – Allen
#4 – Ryan Patterson
Mike's Cold Hard Locks
1. Jacob Ricks- Benton Central
2. Jaylin Allen- Clay
3. Ryan Patterson- Lowell
4. Morgan Kral- Crown Point
220
The last of the stone cold lead pipe locks is at 220 where Lake Central's electric Gelen Robinson is a man among boys in this bracket. Robinson is one of the most exciting wrestlers in the state. We shall see if anyone wants to go toe to toe, chest to chest with the big Indian. His first round opponent, Tyler Schmitt is a talented thrower in his own right so get your popcorn early for a potential show.
The second quarter bracket should feature an excellent ticket round tilt when Mishawaka's Braxton Eby will likely face Kankakee Valley's Matt Berdine. The bottom half of the bracket will likely pit LaPorte's Benni Standifer against South Bend Adams' Kenan Boyd.
Winner – Robinson
Runner UP – Kenan Boyd
3rd – Braxton Eby
4th – Benni Standifer
Mike's Cold Hard Locks
1. Gelen Robinson- Lake Central
2. Roberto Yanez- River Forest
3. Braxton Eby- Mishawaka
4. Seth Meyer- Harrison
285
Can the legend of the Rochester Regional and Merrillville semi state continue in 2013? The regional and semi state have produced the last two state champions in the big boy division. The regional's best hope lies in mammoth Shakir Carr of South Bend Clay. The D-1 football recruit battled to the end and won the Rochester regional in exciting fashion. By doing so, Carr avoided the toughest quarter bracket which includes Merrillville's freshman phenom Shawn Streck, West Lafayette's John Duvall and South Bend Adams' Kali Boyd. The other two quarter brackets have set up nicely for Chesterton's athletic Riley Harlow and Hanover Central's Josh Bartoszek.
Winner – Streck
Runner UP – Carr
3rd – Bartoszek
4th - Harlow
Mike's Cold Hard Locks
1. Shawn Streck- Merrillville
2. Shakir Carr- Clay
3. Joshua Bartoszek- Hanover Central
4. Riley Harlow- Chesterton
8352013 Evansville Semi-State Preview
By Dustin Bentz
Edited by Phillip Wimpee
Well, it’s that time of year again; I hope everyone in Southern Indiana is ready for best show on ice at Ford Arena. This year’s Evansville Semi-State is shaping up to be sensational due to the fact that, with the exception of a few dominant wrestlers, there is so much depth and parity in the weights. This tournament should also be an example to all non-wrestle back fans as to why wrestle backs are so important, with some gut busting ticket round matches.
And here we go, starting off at 106 lbs.
106 –
Ticket Punchers – Terrance Kennedy, Griffin Schermer, DJ Smith, Brock Hudkins
Best Curtain Jerkers (1st rd) – Isaac Gomez (Plainfield) vs. Cale McCoy (Northview)
Best R2G (Round to Go) – Tyler Ferguson vs. DJ Smith
Dark Horses –
Tyler Ferguson (Not really a dark horse, but the draw makes him one) and Isaac Gomez
113 –
Ticket Punchers – The Castle Flush - Jacob Brown, Damon Kuhn, Mitch Lehman, Matthew Mastison
Best Curtain Jerkers – Ryan Koerner vs. Brian Rassbach
Best R2G – Jacob Brown vs Elliot Molloy (Can the frosh break up the Castle Stronghold?), Hunter Fox vs. Damon Kuhn (Both returning State Qualifiers)
Dark Horses –
The Little Brothers (They’ve been in shadows, can they break out?) Elliot Molloy and Devin Hupp
120 –
Ticket Punchers – Bailey Lahue, Josh Davis, Anthony Schoettle, Nick Etienne
Best Curtain Jerkers – Julian Suar (Mount Vernon) vs. Zack Runyon (Bloomington South), Nathan Schitter (Jasper) vs. Nick Meyers (Heritage Hills)
Best R2G – Bailey Lahue (Corydon) vs. Alex Johnson (Mater Dei), Josh Davis (Evansville Reitz) vs. Chris Whitley (Floyd Central) It’s Castle’s two best vs. Jeff’s two best, should be great matches!
Dark Horses –
Nathan Schitter/Nick Meyers – Both have always been close to breaking through, can they finally break through when it matters most?
Alex Johnson – Never count Mater Dei out in Evansville!
Chris Whitley – a win over Lahue last year shows he can win the big ones, two close losses to Lahue the last two weeks shows he’s close to getting over his injury. It’s now or never for the Highlander.
126 –
Ticket Punchers – Luke Welch, Tyler Fleener, Austin Jamison, Cory Orndorff
Best Curtain Jerkers – Austin Jamison (New Albany) vs. Bailey Schober (Greenwood), Tyler Fleener (Center Grove) vs. Austin Ward (Floyd Central)
Best R2G – Cory Orndorff (Sullivan) vs. Angelo Robles (Decatur Central)
Dark Horses –
Dalton (or is it Dustin?) Noblitt (Columbus East) – Convincing wins over Holwager and Ward combined w/ a close loss to Jamison shows this Olympian can shake thing up.
Bailey Schober – (Greenwood) Mooresville’s 126 was insanely tough, as was Schober’s sectional. As navigating through that made him prime to pull the Upset?
132 –
Ticket Punchers – Levi Moss, Devin Broukal, Skyler Lykins, Logan Wedding
Best Curtain Jerkers – Korbin Karges (Princeton) vs. Skyler Lykins (Franklin)
Best R2G – Devin Broukal (Bloomington South) vs. Josh Pierre (Mater Dei)
Dark Horses –
Josh Pierre (Evansville Mater Dei) – He has state experience and lost a close 2-1 decision to Broukal back at IHSWCA Duals.
138 –
In short, this weight class is loaded. I could have nailed all the Ticket Punchers or after the dust settles I might miss all 4. Don’t miss 138 on Saturday!Ticket Punchers – Tyler Hupp, Isaiah Kemper, Cory Troutman, Brady Meenach
Best Curtain Jerkers – Don’t leave your seats, lots of interesting first round match ups here that could really shake up brackets. Brennan Barlow (Bloomington South) vs. Zach Batts (Cascade), Austin Spray (Southwestern) vs. Branson Schroeder (Mater Dei), Patrick Schnell (Castle) vs. Brady Meenach (New Washington), Cory Troutman (Floyd Central) vs. Charlie Allen (Boonville), Ruger Kersteins (Jasper) vs. Jonah Thompson (Greenwood).
Best R2G – Isaiah Kemper (Evansville Central) vs. Zach Batts (Cascade), Cory Troutman vs. Ruger Kersteins, Phoenix Adams vs. Brandy Meenach, Tyler Hupp vs. Branson Schroeder
Dark Horses – Anybody not listed in the Ticket Punchers section!
145 –
Ticket Punchers – Neal Molloy, Brent McCreary, Brendon Kelly, Logan Weinzapfel
Best Curtain Jerkers – Can I just move some 38lb matches down here? Only one SS ranked match is Alex Riegel (Reitz) vs. Brent McCreary (Mooresville)
Best R2G – Mike Wayant vs. Logan Weinzapfel
Dark Horses –
Grant Brescher (Jasper) – Has a returning SQ in the R2G but this Jasper Junior has had a great year.
152 –
Ticket Punchers – Brayden Montgomery, Jacob Stevenson, Kyle Stillinger, Kody Henshaw
Best Curtain Jerkers – John Meldrum (Floyd Central) vs. Jacob Mundy (Southridge)
Best R2G – Jordan Partee (Madison) vs. Jacob Stevenson (Franklin), Cody Helms (Terre Haute South) vs. Kody Henshaw (Memorial)
Dark Horses –
Jordan Partee (Madison) – He’s been to SS 3 times and now is a two time Regional Champ. Can he finally get over the hump w/ a tough draw R2G match looming?
Ashton Forzerly (Mater Dei) – I think I said it earlier, Never count out Mater Dei in Evansville
160 –
Ticket Punchers – Mahlon Parkinson, Luke Kriech, Seth Seitzinger, Jacob Franklin
Best Curtain Jerkers – Jacob Franklin (New Washington) vs Kyle Reeves (Danville) , Cole Kreilein (Jasper) vs. Michael Rynkiewich (Mount Vernon), Dalton Wheeler (Center Grove) vs. Chase Herron (Floyd Central)
Best R2G – All of them… Very competitive weight class… Luke Kriech (Franklin) vs. Cole Kreilen (Jasper). Kriech’s style of winning close matches and Kreilen’s big move finishers could produce an exciting match.
Dark Horses –
Gabe Koontz (Edgewood) – Having Seitzinger two weeks in a row has gotten this very talented sophomore battle ready for Evansville.
Cole Kreilen (Jasper) – see R2G explanation above
Dalton Wheeler – He’s been in the R2G before, he has experience
170 –
Ticket Punchers – Jake Rickenbaugh, Connor Galvin, Larry Schaffer, Evan Elmore
Best Curtain Jerkers – Jordan Frye (Mooresville) vs. Alex Schneider (Mater Dei)
Best R2G – Connor Galvin (Bloomington South) vs. Jordan Frye (Mooresville), Jimmy Fisher (Columbus East vs. Evan Elmore (Avon), Garrett Fentz (Franklin) vs. Larry Schaffer (Owen Valley)
Dark Horses –
Jimmy Fisher (Columbus East) – I really like Fisher but didn’t want to buck my own rankings. Call it stubbornness. Fisher has multiple wins over Ethan Lee of New Albany while Elmore has lost to him. Fisher has bounced through the tourney almost untouched, will that help or hurt him Saturday?
Alex Schneider (Evansville Mater Dei) – Not really favored to win either the Curtain jerker or the R2G, see above descriptions. Don’t count out Mater Dei in Evansville
182 –
Regional outcomes threw this weight class on its head!!Ticket Punchers – Dakota Thacker, Duvante Lane, Jonah Zoringer, Damien Chambers
Best Curtain Jerkers – Gabe Konerding (Heritage Hills) vs. Michael Petrole (Franklin), Duvante Lane (Evansville North) vs. Connor Ludwig (Brownsburg) ?This could be a finals match!
Best R2G – Gabe Konerding (Heritage Hills) vs. Dakota Thacker (Bloomington South)
Dark Horses –
Michael Petrole (Franklin) – Not wrestling Konerding could help him, having wrestled Thacker could also help him if he gets passed Konerding.
Tanner Thompson (South Putnam) – The Senior from South Putnam could turn some heads
Ian Songer (Jasper) – With lots of the attention on Lane/Ludwig, the winner might be thinking of Bankers Life while the Jasper Sophomore will be preparing to give them there Swan SONG(er).
195 –
Ticket Punchers – Clayton Fiddler, Kalob Salkill, Mitchell Sandlin, Moises Valenciano
Best Curtain Jerkers – Kalob Salkill (South Spencer) vs. Randy Scott (Mooresville)
Best R2G – Rudy Harris (South Putnam) vs. Moises Valenciano (Jasper)
Dark Horses –
Autry Pickens (Danville) – With only 3 losses and the schedule Danville wrestles shows this junior is no slouch.
Ben Patton (Edgewood) – This Senior has had a great year, can he put together 2 more matches to end it in Bankers Life?
220 –
Ticket Punchers – Jared Boehm, Dylan Jones, Connor Tolley, Boyd Haley
Best Curtain Jerkers – Tyler Harlan (Brownsburg) vs. CJ Andry (Paoli)
Best R2G – Body Haley (Bloomington South) vs. Austin Pace (Evansville Central)
Dark Horses –
Tyler Harlan (Brownsburg) – Does this senior have what it takes to knock off Boehm in the R2G?
285 –
Flip-A-Coin weight classTicket Punchers – Austin Little, Ethan Schwoeppe, Nathan Wright, Drew Ponder
Best Curtain Jerkers – Ummm… two top five state ranked wrestlers right off the bat? Austin Little (North Posey) vs. Justin Sampson (Northview)!!
Best R2G – pick one… I’ll go with Guss Dajani (Bloomington South) vs. Drew Ponder (Center Grove) and Gavin Jolley-Little (Jeffersonville) vs. Ethan Schwoeppe (Southridge)
Dark Horses –Dalton Miller (Pike Central) – The junior has some big wins already on the year
Adam Wolka (Seymour) – Can Fozzie Bear pull off two big wins to punch that ticket?
Rob McKee (Columbus East) – I mean he does have minimal TripleB and TSkin training… That should be enough….
With so many big matches in the first two rounds, and some big time upsets brewing, fans should really appreciate the action this weekend. Don’t forget your blankets and hand warmers folks and remember, it takes a real man to eat Dippin Dots in a 60 degree arena.
Good Luck This Weekend!
23662013 IHSAA Semi-State Brackets
Date: Saturday, Feb. 9, 2013.
Admission: $7 (Final session only); $10 (Season ticket).
Advancement:Â The top four place winners in each weight class advance to the state finals.
1.   Merrillville(TrackWrestling link)
IndianaMat Brackets
Pick'ems
Preview
Feeder Regionals: Calumet, Crown Point, Logansport, Rochester.
2.   Fort Wayne Snider (at Allen County War Memorial Coliseum)(TrackWrestling link)
IndianaMat Brackets
Pick'ems
Preview
Feeder Regionals: Carroll (Fort Wayne), Goshen, Jay County, Peru.
3.   New Castle(TrackWrestling link)
IndianaMat Brackets
Pick'ems
Preview
Feeder Regionals: North Montgomery, Pendleton Heights, Perry Meridian, Richmond.
4.   Evansville Reitz (at Ford Center)(TrackWrestling link)
IndianaMat Brackets
Pick'ems
Preview
Feeder Regionals: Bloomington South, Castle, Jeffersonville, Mooresville.
7762013 Fort Wayne Semi-State Preview
106lbs
Head of the Class: Hayden Lee- Garrett
State Streeters:Garrett Pepple- East Noble, Cael McCormick- Yorktown, Blake Glogouski- Fairfield
The Skinny:
Returning semi-state champion Hayden Lee returns to this weight class and might have to go through a family member to defend his title. Undefeated Garrett Pepple of East Noble looks to be his toughest challenger, but he will have to go through a tough Cael McCormick to get to his cousin.
Early Round Key Matches:
Ben Cauffman- Carroll vs. Cael McCormick- Yorktown
Blake Glogouski- Fairfield vs. Shane Garretson- Peru
113lbs
Head of the Class: Connor Knapp- East Noble
State Streeters: Logan Aldrich- Northrop, Sawyer Miller- South Adams, Alan Mock- North Miami
The Skinny:
This weight class will be quite a battle from start to finish with three returning state qualifiers coming back. Returning state 4th place finisher Sawyer Miller of South Adams will NOT be play wrestling this weekend as he will have stiff competition from Connor Knapp, Logan Aldrich and Alan Mock.
Early Round Key Matches:
Greg Newman- Whitko vs. Connor Knapp- East Noble
Logan Aldrich- Northrop vs. DeLawrence Gayfield- Concord
120lbs
Head of the Class: Schuyler Phillips- Yorktown
State Streeters: LJ Moser- South Adams, Sterling Lutter- East Noble, Chase Wilson- Maconaquah
The Skinny:
There is not much to talk about in this weight...oh wait yes there is! This weight has one of those draws that have the fans and wrestlers just cringe in the potential ticket round match between Forrest Glogouski of Fairfield and Schuyler Phillips of Yorktown. Phillips wrestled under the lights last year and Glogouski finished 6th, both at 113lbs. Phillips defeated Glogouski 3-2 at semi-state last year, however Glogouski topped Phillips at freestyle state later in the spring. Beyond the crazy ticket round match you have to watch the super Starfire LJ Moser and the battlin' Brave Chase Wilson.
Early Round Key Matches:
Forrest Glogouski- Fairfield vs. Schuyler Phillips- Yorktown
Andrew Ledford- Kokomo vs. Sterling Lutter- East Noble
126lbs
Head of the Class: Nick Crume- Jimtown
State Streeters: Cody Walburn- Adams Central, Steven Cardenas- Carroll, Brett Martz- Fairfield
The Skinny:
Semi-state champion and two-time 3rd place finisher Nick Crume returns to 126lbs this year with nothing less than a state title in mind. He will be challenged by Flyin' Jet Cody Walburn who has a chip on his shoulder after dropping a ticket round match last year. Don't sleep on Steven Cardenas or Brett Martz who are both tough competitors.
Early Round Key Matches:
Cody Walburn- Adams Central vs. Bobby Humphrey- Snider
Kegan Kern- Peru vs. Brett Martz- Fairfield
132lbs
Head of the Class: Zach Krumlauf- Dekalb
State Streeters: Dalton Baysinger- Yorktown, Benjamin Fiechter- Southern Wells, Cody Koebel- Jimtown
The Skinny:
This weight class features three very strong wrestlers that will battle it out for the top step on the podium. Two-time state qualifier Zach Krumlauf would love to take the next step to the top of the semi-state, but he will be challenged by stalwarts Dalton Baysinger and Benjamin Fiechter.
Early Round Key Matches:
Tanner Shippley- Huntington North vs. Cody Koebel- Jimtown
Benjamin Fiechter- Southern Wells vs. Christian Hall- Kokomo
138lbs
Head of the Class: Chandler Carroll- Yorktown
State Streeters: Evan Loe- Peru, Austun McCray- Garrett, Reese Sieger- New Haven
The Skinny:
The bracket gods of the IHSAA have separated the top two ranked wrestlers in this weight class which could make for an exciting finals match. Chandler Carroll has two state medals already, while Evan Loe made the trip to Banker's Life last year. Both have had great seasons so far and will look to claim the top spot on the podium in 2013.
Early Round Key Matches:
Austun McCray- Garrett vs. Jacob Weimer- East Noble
Derek Ellinger- Adams Central vs. Reese Sieger- New Haven
Tylor Willms- Fremont vs. Evan Loe- Peru
145lbs
Head of the Class: Eli Walker- Yorktown
State Streeters: Levi McKee- North Miami, Kyle Jolas- Huntington North, Tyler Housholder- East Noble
The Skinny:
This weight class is filled with wrestlers ready to make a name for themselves. Lead by two-time state qualifier Kyle Jolas and Eli Walker, this weight class has the potential to go one of about 12 different ways. Jolas and Walker cannot sleep on tough wrestlers like Levi McKee and Tyler Housholder or else they could be facing a tough draw at state.
Early Round Key Matches:
Eli Walker- Yorktown vs. Donovan Elliot- Eastbrook
Levi McKee- North Miami vs. Hunter Randolph- Wapahani
152lbs
Head of the Class: Isaiah Bradley- Muncie South
State Streeters: Connor Brummett- Dekalb, Sebastian Eckert- Huntington North, Chad Gaddis- Kokomo
The Skinny:
This weight class features a heavy favorite and a couple wrestlers eager to get over the hump. Returning state champion Isaiah Bradley is the class of the field, but he will be challenged by hungry competitors like Connor Brummett and Sebastian Eckert. Eckert and Brummett have both lost tough matches in the ticket round over the past few years with this year looking to be their time to breakout.
Early Round Key Matches:
Chad Gaddis- Kokomo vs. Tristan Wilson- Carroll
Sebastian Eckert- Huntington North vs. Tim Deters- Northridge
160lbs
Head of the Class: Rhett Hiestand- Yorktown
State Streeters: Spencer Malcolm- Carroll, Johnny Tredway- Elkhart Central, Kaleb Hammersley- Peru
The Skinny:
This weight class seems to be very spread out between all the regionals. Returning state qualifier Rhett Hiestand leads the way, but his spotlight could be hogged by a tough Spencer Malcolm.
Early Round Key Matches:
Spencer Malcolm- Carroll vs. Kaine Luginbill- Adams Central
Kaleb Hammersley- Peru vs. Rashad Jackson-Tatum- New Haven
Johnny Tredway- Elkhart Central vs. Shea Pyle- South Adams
170lbs
Head of the Class: Riley Lefever- Carroll
State Streeters: Tanner Adams- Jimtown, Anthony Linnear- North Side, Luke Akers- Northwestern
The Skinny:
The action will heat up at 170lbs this year with quite a barnburner ahead. Thankfully the bracket gods separated the best wrestlers which will give us a great semi-final and finals match. Super Charger Riley Lefever leads the way, but he will be pushed by the winner of the future Findlay Oiler Anthony Linnear and Tanner Adams semi-final.
Early Round Key Matches:
Luke Akers- Northwestern vs. Jake Reed- Muncie South
Tanner Adams- Jimtown vs. Kody Jones- Concordia
Anthony Linnear- North Side vs. Keair Ross- Kokomo
182lbs
Head of the Class: Brad Busse- Bellmont
State Streeters: Ben Pfister- Adams Central, Ben Evans- Bishop Dwenger, Russell Hazelet- Columbia City
The Skinny:
This will also be a great weight to watch as on any given day about one in six wrestlers could come away with the title. Returning state placer Brad Busse leads the way, but will be pushed to the limit by Adams County rival Ben Pfister, Ben Evans and even NHC rival Russell Hazelet.
Early Round Key Matches:
Ben Evans- Bishop Dwenger vs. Zach Telschow- Northwood
Corey Hinkle- Western vs. Ben Pfister- Adams Central
Russell Hazelet- Columbia City vs. Neil Snep- Manchester
195lbs
Head of the Class: Kyle Garringer- Jay County
State Streeters: Joseph Ross- Northfield, Tieshawn Johnson- Elkhart Memorial, Everett Green- Bishop Luers
The Skinny:
The Dunkirk Dragonslayer Kyle Garringer heads into semi-state this year with an unblemished record and looks to keep it intact after the dust settles. He will be pushed by tough wrestlers like the fighting Norseman Joe Ross and Tieshawn Johnson.
Early Round Key Matches:
Everett Green- Bishop Luers vs. Zach Goodyear- West Noble
Tieshawn Johnson- Elkhart Memorial vs. Brian Richardson- Churubusco
220lbs
Head of the Class: Fletcher Miller- Kokomo
State Streeters: Nolan Wilson- Leo, Jason Nicodemus- Churubusco, Bradley Joseph Sadilek- Carroll
The Skinny:
As with last year this weight class features two undefeated wrestlers, along with that the only returning state qualifier has only one blemish on his record. Fletcher Miller of Kokomo and Jason Nicodemus have both had breakout seasons and come into the Memorial Coliseum undefeated. Don't sleep on the ferocious Lion Nolan Wilson as he is the only one in the field with state experience.
Early Round Key Matches:
Fletcher Miller- Kokomo vs. Jacob Strauch- Muncie Southside
Nolan Wilson- Leo vs. Brandon Joest- East Noble
Brad Sadilek- Carroll vs. Briar Gerber- Bluffton
285lbs
Head of the Class: Eric Hemmelgarn- Jay County
State Streeters: Matt Beard- Eastside, Drake DeMuyt- East Noble, Hayden Schmucker- Goshen
The Skinny:
Leaving before the heavyweights are done will be a grave mistake this year. This weight class is probably the most even throughout and could boast a big upset in every round. Lead by the pride of Portland Eric Hemmelgarn this weight will also feature undefeated the Butler Bully Matt Beard and double D Drake DeMuyt.
Early Round Key Matches:
Matt Beard- Eastside vs. Jacob Peckham- Monroe Central
Chris Travis- Eastern vs. Hayden Schmucker- Goshen
4802013 New Castle Semi-State Preview
New Castle Semi-State 2012-2013
Things heat up this weekend in New Castle, as 77 ranked wrestlers, including ten competitors ranked #1 or #2, will take the mat in an effort to earn an all-important Golden Ticket, also known as a state qualification. All-world 195 lb Mitch Sliga of Fishers is the lone returning state champion, although there are four returning state runners-up. Like last year, New Castle’s biggest strength is depth. Like last year, this semistate should get more than its fair share of state placers. Can this weekend’s competitors top last year’s three state champs from the New Castle semistate? It’s likely that, at the very least, this year’s version will have at least 3 champs and more like 4 or even 5. There are 5 nationally ranked wrestlers competing this weekend, including two at 285. The strongest weights, depth-wise, are 126, 160, 170, 220 (7 state-ranked grapplers in each), 145 (8 state rankers) and 285 (5 ranked athletes, including #1, #2 and #3). Lastly, some rough circumstances deprived this semistate of some really strong competitors, including Tommy Cash, Barry McGinley and Blake Giffin.
“Accept the challenges so that you can feel the exhilaration of victory.†-- George S. Patton
“Age wrinkles the body. Quitting wrinkles the soul.†-- Douglas Macarthur
“There is no victory at bargain basement prices.†-- Dwight D. Eisenhower
“Always mystify, mislead and surprise the enemy if possible.†-- Stonewall Jackson
106
Nationally ranked freshman Chad Red of New Palestine is an extremely strong favorite in this opening weight class. There are only 3 ranked wrestlers here, including #1 Red, which could make for some surprise qualifiers. Another freshman, #9 Matt McKinney of Warren Central, looks very strong on the bottom half of the bracket. It’s very possible that Red and McKinney could repeat last week’s regional finals matchup, won by Red. Despite the lack of top-level depth, there are some good young wrestlers competing in this weight, and the lack of predictability makes it exciting. Look for more domination by Red.
Last year's champ: Nathan Boston, Lawrence North
Last year's Dingo Pack picks: 3/4, 75%
Ranked wrestlers:
#1 Chad Red, New Palestine (nationally, #6 InterMat , #7 The Open Mat/AWN, #13 WIN Magazine)
#9 Matt McKinney, Warren Central
#19 Brett Johnson, Perry Meridian
Epic matchups:
Tyler Flood, Pendleton Heights vs. Johnson (Opening round) – A couple of tough freshmen go at it to get the day started. Flood was a regional champ, and Johnson finished 4th in a truly nasty regional, but Johnson is much, much better than his record indicates. It’s tough to wrestle the Perry schedule and come away without a few setbacks.
#9 McKinney vs. #1 Red (Championship match) – Two of the very best freshmen in the entire semistate will likely battle for the crown and the all-important #1 seed at Banker’s Life. Barring injury, it’s tough to bet against Red, who pinned McKinney at regionals.
Dingo's Pack picks to advance:
Johnson, McKinney, Briggeman and Red
The Alpha Dog:
Chad Red
113
This weight class lacks some of the firepower found in some of the other weight classes. There are three ranked wrestlers at 113, as a fourth, #13 Vance Ellis of Roncalli, who didn’t make it to the postseason. Unlike 106, there isn’t a clear heavy favorite. Instead, there are two wrestlers who appear to be a cut above the rest in the field: #3 Jacob Cottey of Perry Meridian and #5 Jack Chastain of Hamilton Southeastern. Between the two, they have only one loss on the season.
Last year's champ: Brandon James, Perry Meridian
Last year's Dingo Pack picks: 3/4, 75%
Ranked wrestlers:
#3 Jacob Cottey, Perry Meridian
#5 Jack Chastain, Hamilton Southeastern
#10 Riley Newkirk, Lawrence Central
Epic matchups:
#10 Newkirk vs. Mitch Weber, Zionsville (Ticket round) – Both kids are seniors and each is hungry to advance to state. Newkirk, especially, has had some disappointments in past years and would love to cap his high school career with a state finals qualification. With the parity at this weight, each wrestler will have to avoid the upset in his opening bout
Alton Jenkinson, Centerville vs. Charlie Baker, Crispus Attucks (Ticket round) – If each young man can navigate his opening match, this ticket battle will pit a 40-4 Jenkinson vs. a 38-2 Baker.  Could be a doozy between two very tough, slightly lesser-known wrestlers. A win here will put one of them on the state map.
#5 Chastain vs. #3 Cottey (Championship match) – Cottey is a returning state placer and has managed to win every bout this year except one (in OT against the #2 wrestler at 113), despite competing against the very best in the state week in and week out. Not to be outdone, Chastain has yet to lose this year, and Hamilton Southeastern doesn’t exactly schedule a lot of cupcakes. While this should be a suspenseful, skillful and tight match, Cottey’s experience might be the difference.
Dingo's Pack picks to advance:
Newkirk, Baker, Chastain and Cottey
The Alpha Dog:
Jacob Cottey
120
Five top-13 wrestlers will vie for the title in this strong weight class. Undefeated Deondre Wilson of Warren Central and last year’s state qualifier Andrice Martin of Franklin Central are two of the favorites at this weight. Eleven competitors have 6 or fewer losses on the season, which shows the depth at this weight. While Wilson has been sharp the entire season, there is enough talent here that we could have a surprise champion. That said, Wilson is the house favorite.
Last year's champ: Mason Todd, Pendleton Heights
Last year's Dingo Pack picks: 4/4, 100%
Ranked wrestlers:
#2 Deondre Wilson, Warren Central
#6 Andrice Martin, Franklin Central
#8 Aidan Kenny, Perry Meridian
#9 Alex Sparks, Lawrence North
#13 Evan Eldred, Westfield
Epic matchups:
Adam Oyler, Lawrenceburg/Ben Lock, Shelbyville vs. #13 Eldred (Ticket round) – Oyler won his regional last weekend and opens with the junior Lock, who finished 4th in a loaded regional. This could go either way, and the winner should give Eldred a very tough match. Eldred is one tough freshman, and like many of Coach O’Neill’s wrestlers in recent years, he is wrestling very well this postseason. He lost a heartbreaker to Mantel last weekend and looks to redeem himself with a state berth as a freshman.
#6 Martin vs. #9 Sparks (Ticket round) – This potential contest is one of the truly excellent matchups in the round to go. Either wrestler will be a strong candidate to place at Banker’s Life….if only he can make it there.
Preston Mantel, Zionsville vs. #8 Kenny (Ticket round) – Mantel is an excellent wrestler, a three-time semistate qualifier and, for the third straight year, he has to beat a Perry Meridian wrestler to advance. Mantel had the misfortune of running into Cottey the past two years at New Castle, dropping both matches. Can he get some payback vs. Kenny this year? Mantel looked excellent in wrestling until the final buzzer to come from behind and stun Eldred last week at North Montgomery. This should be a dandy.
#6 Martin vs. #2 Wilson (Championship match) – Wilson has had Martin’s number so far this season, but the gap isn’t so wide that Martin isn’t capable of revenge. To get to this matchup, Wilson will have to get by the tenacious Eldred and Martin will have to beat Kenny and Sparks, neither of which are particularly easy tasks.
Dingo's Pack picks to advance:
Eldred, Martin, Kenny and Wilson
The Alpha Dog:
Deondre Wilson
126
This is the first truly loaded weight class. Led by last year’s 3rd place finisher, #2 Brandon James of Perry Meridian, seven ranked wrestlers will compete in this field. While James is a pretty reliable favorite, the other tickets are up for grabs, as are the finishing spots 2-4. Tickets will be earned with blood, sweat and/or tears at this weight.
Last year's champ: Cody LeCount, Perry Meridian
Last year's Dingo Pack picks: 3/4, 75%
Ranked wrestlers:
#2 Brandon James, Perry Meridian
#5 Tom Gettinger, Connersville
#8 Ben Harvey, Cathedral
#9 Chandler Moore, Southmont
#10 Evan Smiley, Beech Grove
#11 A.J. Belden, Westfield
#13 Nick Reel, Warren Central
Epic matchups:
#9 Moore vs. #10 Smiley (Ticket round) – This should be very close; both have wrestled tough opponents all season.
#8 Harvey vs. #13 Reel (Ticket round) – Harvey might have a slight edge with his excellent postseason run a year ago. He has already won a ticket match and a state match. Reel could have his hands full with his opening round match vs. Broyles of New Castle.
Dingo's Pack picks to advance:
Moore, Harvey, Gettinger and James
The Alpha Dog:
Brandon James
132
State #1 and defending state runner-up (not to mention nationally ranked) Cody LeCount of Perry Meridian is a very strong favorite in this solid group. There doesn’t appear to be anyone here who can truly challenge LeCount, but the other three qualifying spots are pretty wide open.  Aside from the presumptive favorite LeCount, three former state qualifiers could collide. The bottom of the bracket could feature an all-Fishers area semifinals, if Lile and Snyder can win some tough matches.
Last year's champ: Jared McKinley, Perry Meridian
Last year's Dingo Pack picks: 3/4, 50%
Ranked wrestlers:
#1 Cody LeCount, Perry Meridian (nationally, #12 AWN/The Open Mat, #19 InterMat, #14 WIN Magazine)
#12 Hugo Perez, Frankfort
#14 Jordan Lile, Fishers
#15 Mitch Snyder, Hamilton Southeastern
#17 Sam Locke, Greenfield Central
Epic matchups:
Austin Fuller, Union County vs. #14 Lile/#17 Locke (Ticket round) – Two of these three are former state qualifiers and any of the three could earn this year’s qualifying spot. The hot wrestler will advance from this group.
#15 Snyder vs. #14 Lile/#17 Locke/Fuller (Semifinal round) – Like the ticket match described above, this is wide open and features a quartet of excellent wrestlers. It’s very possible we could have the battle for Fishers, with Snyder and Lile doing battle yet again. They have split two matches already this year. Locke owns an OT win over Lile this season, too.
Dingo's Pack picks to advance:
Perez, Lile, Snyder and LeCount
The Alpha Dog:
Cody LeCount
138
Five ranked wrestlers help populate this weight class, led by multiple time state placers Luke Blanton of Alexandria and Nick Bova of Perry Meridian. Outside of the two heavy favorites, the other two spots are pretty wide open. Fortunately for half the bracket, Bova and Blanton will face off in the semis, meaning someone else will earn a two seed at Bankers Life. Senior Dan Barrett of Southmont is undefeated this season and might be the best of the rest.
Last year's champ: Josh Farrell, Greenfield Central
Last year's Dingo Pack picks: 4/4, 100%
Ranked wrestlers:
#2 Luke Blanton, Alexandria
#4 Nick Bova, Perry Meridian
#6 Dan Barrett, Southmont
#11 Chase Watson, Hamilton Southeastern
#15 Juwan Bartlett, Lawrence North
Epic matchups:
#11 Watson vs. #4 Bova (Ticket round) – Watson dropped a very close match to Barrett in the regional championship last weekend, very nearly getting a takedown with time expiring. That tough loss is the difference between having a nice road to a 2nd place semistate finish and having to beat the rugged, battle-tested Bova to make it to State. Like football, wrestling is sometimes a game of inches.
#8 Barrett vs. Gordon Wagner, New Palestine (Ticket round) – Barrett’s closest match all season was last week’s battle against Watson. He has been sharp all season and looks very confident and comfortable on the mat this postseason.
#2 Blanton vs. #4 Bova (Semifinal round) – This one could go either way. Will Blanton’s funk play into Bova’s fundamental excellence? Or will Blanton secure a top seed at State to make a state title run? Or will Bova? Questions will be answered this Saturday.
Dingo's Pack picks to advance:
Bova, Barrett, Bartlett and Blanton
The Alpha Dog:
Luke Blanton
145
Just like last year at this semistate, this weight is absolutely stacked with depth. Also like last year, there isn’t a clear favorite, but there are 8 ranked wrestlers (a ninth ranked wrestler in the semistate, #13 Eric Dobbins of Pike, didn’t make it out of regionals) vying for the strap. Basically, the winner of this weight class will be whoever is hot throughout the day, and it’s quite possible that if you held the semistate on five different days, you might get five different winners. That said, the unpredictability of this weight class makes it exciting. Handley is my pick, but there are realistically several wrestlers who could win it.
Last year's champ: Vinny Corsaro, Cathedral
Last year's Dingo Pack picks: 2/4, 50%
Ranked wrestlers:
#5 Cody Handley, Northeastern
#7 Shabaka Johns, Warren Central
#8 Robbie Elsea, New Palestine
#10 Collin Campbell, Lebanon
#12 Brant Larson, Cathedral
#14 Michael Thomas, Perry Meridian
#17 Scott Swingle, Lawrence Central
#19 Michael Steele, Westfield
Epic matchups:
#7 Johns vs. #17 Swingle (Ticket round) – Johns is coming off of an impressive regional title. Swingle is always game, but Johns might be a little too much this time.
#10 Campbell vs. #14 Thomas (Opening round) – Campbell was impressive at regionals, while Thomas had a 4th place finish. Still, this is a pick ‘em.
#5 Handley vs. #12 Larson (Opening round) – When there are so many ranked wrestlers in a bracket, it’s just going to happen like this—lots of tough matches early and often. Handley will have his work cut out for him to get by the tough Irish junior.
Derek Noon, Noblesville/Chandler Hale, Shenandoah vs. #8 Elsea/#19 Steele (Ticket round) – This is a brutal quartet, and it wouldn’t be a complete shocker to see any of the four advance out of this group. The most likely ticket match is Noon vs. Elsea, which should be great viewing.
Dingo's Pack picks to advance:
Johns, Campbell, Noon and Handley
The Alpha Dog:
Cody Handley
152
Two returning state runners-up headline the action at 152. Vinny Corsaro of Cathedral and Josh Farrell of Greenfield Central appear to be on a collision course for the trophy and all-important #1 seed at Bankers Life. Each of these two are returning semistate champions as well. Joining these two studs are four additional ranked wrestlers, including two ranked in the top-8. Additionally, several non-ranked wrestlers in the bracket are competing at a high level and could be dangerous.
Last year's champ: Conner Mullins, New Castle
Last year's Dingo Pack picks: 2/4, 50%
Ranked wrestlers:
#2 Josh Farrell, Greenfield Central
#3 Vinny Corsaro, Cathedral
#6 Nick Borta, North Montgomery
#8 Jackson Bennett, Hamilton Southeastern
#14 Keanu Cooper, Perry Meridian
#15 Luke Decker, New Castle
Epic matchups:
Cody Steele, Connersville vs. #6 Borta (Ticket round) – Borta has competed at a high level all season, but Steele comes in as the regional champ. These two juniors appear pretty evenly matched, but one will likely be heading to Indianapolis the following weekend.
#3 Corsaro vs. #14 Cooper (Ticket round) – These two have battled already this season, with Cooper sticking Corsaro in their earliest meeting. However, it’s tough to bet against Corsaro this time of year. Last year and the year before, he really turned it on during the postseason en route to placing at state both times. Can Cooper stop the Corsaro New Castle mojo? Stay tuned and grab your popcorn.
#2 Farrell vs. #15 Decker (Ticket round) – Multiple time state placer has had great success at New Castle during his career. The Purdue signee should be challenged by Decker, who has strong bloodlines and excellent ability. Despite Decker’s prowess, a win by the New Castle wrestler would qualify as a huge upset.
#2 Farrell vs. #3 Corsaro/#6 Borta (Championship round) – Tons of talent in this trio, but it should come down to New Castle superstars Corsaro and Farrell. Farrell already owns a win over the Irish standout.
Dingo's Pack picks to advance:
Corsaro, Borta, Bennett and Farrell
The Alpha Dog:
Josh Farrell
160
This weight class is pretty loaded, as four members of the top-8 in the state will be competing on Saturday. Leading the way is top-ranked Austin McCloskey of Western Boone, owner of some of the best defense in the state. Nipping at his heels is Hamilton Southeastern’s John Tatom, a state-placer last year and a runner-up to McCloskey at sectionals and regionals. Both championship matches were extremely close and as physical as high school wrestling gets. Tatom, however, has a tough road to the semis, as #8 Riley McClurg of Perry Meridian is lurking in the Ticket Round. Look for strong performances from Cathedral freshman standout Blake Rypel, South Dearborn senior Jimmy Shaw, a regional champ and Ed Pendoski-coached standout Ben Krege of Carmel. Last year’s 160 group contained the state champ and the state runner-up.
Last year's champ: Brian Harvey, Cathedral
Last year's Dingo Pack picks: 3/4, 75%
Ranked wrestlers:
#1 Austin McCloskey, Western Boone
#3 John Tatom, Hamilton Southeastern
#7 Blake Rypel, Cathedral
#8 Riley McClurg, Perry Meridian
#14 Conner James, Roncalli
#16 Ben Krege, Carmel
#18 Jimmy Shaw, South Dearborn
Epic matchups:
#3 Tatom vs. #8 McClurg (Ticket round) – Tatom is a returning state placer and is mean and aggressive on his feet. McClurg has been on the cusp of making it to state and has earned a number of big wins in his career. While Tatom might have an advantage on his feet, McClurg likely owns an advantage on the mat. One of the most intriguing ticket matches of the weekend.
#18 Shaw vs. #16 Krege (Ticket round) – The senior Shaw will be looking for a breakthrough win against the talented Greyhound wrestler. Krege has improved greatly this year and has shown he can bang with the big boys at the weight. This is basically a pick ‘em.
#1 McCloskey vs. #14 James (Ticket round) – Unfortunately for the Rebel standout James, he must get by #1 McCloskey to make it to the Big Show. McCloskey has phenomenal defensive timing and monstrous hips, making him just about impossible to score on when on his feet. James’ best shot is to try to keep it low-scoring, as the WeBo standout sometimes wrestles conservatively, counting on his defense to win tight matches. As good as James is, it would be a shocker to see the #1 wrestler in the state fall here.
#1 McCloskey vs. #3 Tatom (Championship round) – McCloskey/Tatom Part III should be one of the real highlights of this weekend’s festivities, as it was at sectionals and regionals. In both prior matches, Tatom didn’t back down at all against the Star stud. If anyone here can overthrow the top dog, and become the Alpha Dog himself, it’s Tatom.
Dingo's Pack picks to advance:
Tatom, Shaw, Rypel and McCloskey
The Alpha Dog:
Austin McCloskey
170
Seven ranked athletes will strap it on at 170. This group is as wide open as any in the semistate, as the highest ranked wrestlers here, #3 Austin Neibarger of Hamilton Southeastern and #4 Jeff Scott of Clinton Central, both lost last weekend. The competitor who beat both is #11 Logan Floor of Westfield, who was on fire last weekend. However, Floor beat Neibarger at regionals last year, too, and couldn’t quite parlay that into a state berth. At this weight, pick your favorite wrestler and let it ride—could be almost anyone at this weight.
Last year's champ: Jake Masengale, Perry Meridian
Last year's Dingo Pack picks: 3/4, 75%
Ranked wrestlers:
#3 Austin Neibarger, Hamilton Southeastern
#4 Jeffrey Scott, Clinton Central
#10 Mitch Hensley, Noblesville
#11 Logan Floor, Westfield
#12 Austin Rose, Greenfield Central
#13 Nathan Warman, Perry Meridian
#17 KC Hedger, Lawrenceburg
Epic matchups:
#11 Floor vs. #13 Warman (Opening round) – This is a rough reward for regional champ Floor, as he gets the Falcon junior for his opening match. Floor has a great gastank and tends to wrestle to the level of his opponent. Hopefully, if you’re a Floor fan, he doesn’t overlook Warman, or he will be sorry.
#12 Rose/Manns vs. #10 Hensley/#17 Hedger (Ticket round) – This foursome could play out in many different ways. Even the unranked Manns was a sectional champ, and he won’t be an easy match for the senior Rose. If things play out like the rankings say, Rose and Hensley should match up in a rugged Ticket match. However, don’t be surprised if Hedger or Manns pulls a fast one.
Sammy Mireles, Elwood vs. #3 Neibarger (Ticket round) – Mireles was an impressive regional champion and Neibarger has been facing topnotch competition his entire career. On paper, Neibarger is a substantial favorite, but as we all know, matches aren’t wrestled on paper and Mireles won’t roll over.
#11 Floor vs. #12 Rose/#10 Hensley (Semifinal round) – While it might not be this grouping in the semis, it’s how it’s supposed to turn out rankings-wise. This is completely up in the air and the winner will simply be the hottest wrestler of the day.
#3 Neibarger vs. #4 Scott (Semifinal round) – Two tough kids from the same sectional should match up in the semis, with the winner having a nice shot at winning the weight.
Dingo's Pack picks to advance:
Floor, Hensley, Scott and Neibarger
The Alpha Dog:
Austin Neibarger
182
Returning state runner-up and semistate champion #3 Jake Masengale of Perry Meridian is the wrestler to beat at this weight, despite his subpar (for him) performance at regionals. Joining him in the hunt for the prize are three other ranked competitors and some tough competitors with some solid results, like Fishers’ Seth Riley and North Central’s Seth Isaacs. This weight had the state’s runner-up last season, and Masengale looks to improve on that result this season. However, last week showed that even someone with the credentials and performances of Masengale can have an off day and be vulnerable to some tough opposition. The field would’ve had an additional ranked wrestler, but Elwood’s #11 Will Maluvac had a tough sectional and didn’t make it out.
Last year's champ: Lukas Schaeffer, Westfield
Last year's Dingo Pack picks: 2/4, 100%
Ranked wrestlers:
#3 Jake Masengale, Perry Meridian
#5 Brian Wagner, New Palestine
#10 Katrell Moss, Warren Central
#17 Ben Elliot, Noblesville
Epic matchups:
Chris Mason, Zionsville vs. #5 Wagner (Opening round) – The Zionsville senior faces the rugged Dragon wrestler in a tough opening match. Wagner is the favorite, but Mason is game and has had an excellent season.
#10 Moss vs. #17 Elliot (Ticket round) – The regional champ Moss, also a standout on Warren Central’s vaunted football team, like Shabaka Johns, Noah Perdue and Georgio Blades was outstanding last weekend. Elliot has been outstanding all season, as evidenced by his 32-3 record. Moss is the favorite, but Elliot is capable of the upset. Both are juniors and could be back next year to do battle again.
#3 Masengale vs. #10 Moss (Championship round) – This is a potential rematch from last week’s regional, won by Moss. Masengale has such an impressive track record, though, that it’s hard to picture Moss getting the best of him again.
Dingo's Pack picks to advance:
Wagner, Riley, Moss and Masengale
The Alpha Dog:
Jake Masengale
195
Just like last season, this weight is all Mitch Sliga's. Sliga is hungry for another state title to accompany his four Fargo titles. One of the state’s true elites, he is unlikely to be challenged too severely until his appearance the following weekend at Bankers Life. Past Sliga, the field is wide open and features just three other ranked wrestlers. The rankings issue is a little misleading, though; there are eight non-ranked wrestlers with 28 or more wins and eleven non-ranked wrestlers with 25+ wins. The bottom of the bracket, especially, is wide open.
Last year's champ: Mitch Sliga, Fishers
Last year's Dingo Pack picks: 3/4, 75%
Ranked wrestlers:
#1 Mitch Sliga, Fishers (nationally, #5 AWN/The Open Mat, #4 InterMat, #3 WIN Magazine)
#5 Noah Perdue, Warren Central
#7 Mason Nickell, Roncalli
#17 Ty Webster, North Montgomery
Epic matchups:
Jason Hawkins, Milan/Zach Smith, Noblesville vs. Jeff Dixon, Hamilton Southeastern/#7 Nickell (Ticket round) – This is a tough grouping comprised of big, strong, physical athletes with excellent records on the season. If seeds and ranking hold, it should be Hawkins and Nickell in the Ticket match, with Nickell a slight favorite over the Milan standout.
Raja Burt, Cathedral/Jarrett Hooten, Batesville vs. Mike Riffle, Franklin Central/#17 Webster (Ticket round) – Just like the group above, this is a deep and talented quartet. If things play out as they are “supposed toâ€, Burt and Webster should meet up for a state qualification. However, Riffle could easily win his first two matches.
Dingo's Pack picks to advance:
Perdue, Nickell, Riffle and Sliga
The Alpha Dog:
Mitch Sliga
220
Seven ranked combatants will take the mat at 220, while an eighth couldn’t make it out of regionals (#13 Gabe Estes of New Palestine). There is some pretty strong talent here this year, unlike recent years. New Castle produced zero state placers last season, which should be improved upon this season. Cardinal Ritter’s Dylan Faulkenburg was impressive last week, winning a regional crown by pinning Warren Central’s beastly Maximiliano Hernandez. That could be reversed this weekend. Of course, with the group Hernandez is in, he might not make it out of the Ticket round. In an impressive display of talent, there are four wrestlers with zero or one loss in this group.
Last year's champ: Justin Sanders, Pike
Last year's Dingo Pack picks: 3/4, 75%
Ranked wrestlers:
#4 Maximiliano Hernandez, Warren Central
#8 Myron Hamilton, Lawrence Central
#9 Ricky Brown, East Central
#12 Jacob Aven, Zionsville
#15 Dylan Faulkenburg, Ritter
#19 Alex Lindemann, Milan
#20 Dalton Hardy, Covington
Epic matchups:
#19 Lindemann vs. #15 Faulkenburg (Ticket round) – The senior Lindemann faces off against the undefeated Faulkenburg. As hot as he is right now, and all season for that matter, it’s hard to bet against Faulkenburg.
#8 Hamilton vs. #20 Hardy (Ticket round) – Senior vs. Senior here, with Hamilton a slight favorite, primarily because of his tougher competition all season. Hardy lost his first match of the year in the regional finals.
#9 Brown vs. #4 Hernandez (Ticket round) – In my opinion, this is one of the very roughest ticket matches of them all. Either wrestler can win, and either is capable of a strong state run. Brown has been a heavyweight for much of his career, and an excellent one at that. Hernandez has been strong all year. This could go either way and should be a phenomenal match.
#15 Faulkenburg/#8 Hamilton vs. #9 Brown/#4 Hernandez (Championship round) – There are some seriously tough wrestlers vying for the title. The winner here will have earned it.
Dingo's Pack picks to advance:
Aven, Hernandez, Hamilton and Faulkenburg
The Alpha Dog:
Dylan Faulkenburg
285
In probably the toughest weight class of all, at least at the top, two nationally ranked wrestlers should meet in the finals. Cathedral’s Wesley Bernard, a returning state placer, and Perry Meridian’s Donte Winfield, a Fargo runner-up, make up as formidable a semistate finals as you will ever see. Joining the two monsters of the group are four additional ranked competitors. All told, the top-3 wrestlers at the weight are here, and one at least will not advance. In recent years, just like 220, this hasn’t been the strongest of weight classes at New Castle. That should definitely change this year, and some really talented big men won’t be competing the following weekend at Bankers Life.
Last year's champ: Donte Winfield, Perry Meridian
Last year's Dingo Pack picks: 2/4, 50%
Ranked wrestlers:
#1 Donte Winfield, Perry Meridian (nationally, #8 TOM/AWN, #10 Intermat, #16 WIN)
#2 Wesley Bernard, Cathedral (nationally, #15 Intermat, #15 WIN)
#3 Georgio Blades, Warren Central
#10 Nate Trawick, Richmond
#16 Tyler Uhls, Shelbyville
#18 Joe Garland, Rushville
Epic matchups:
#2 Bernard vs. #3 Blades (Ticket round) – Wow! That’s about all I can say. This match is an embodiment of the argument for wrestlebacks, but, well, we don’t have wrestlebacks at this point, so one of them is going home. Bernard is very tough to bet against.
#16 Uhls vs. #10 Trawick (Opening round) – Two tough big men face off in an opening round match that should produce a state qualifier.
#1 Winfield vs. #2 Bernard (Championship round) – These two faced off in the semistate finals last year, with Winfield coming out on top. They have split two matches this year. Winfield has three wins over Blades, giving him a slightly better resume this year. Bernard has a little better offense, Winfield has better defense…should be an amazing matchup and one that could be repeated under the lights at Bankers Life.
Dingo's Pack picks to advance:
Bernard, Trawick, Garland and Winfield
The Alpha Dog:
Donte Winfield
3642013 IHSWCA Junior Academic All-State
2013 IHSWCA Junior Academic All-State
[table id=12 /]
Honorable Mention
[table id=13 /]
3862013 IHSWCA Senior Academic All-State
2013 IHSWCA Senior Academic All-State
[table id=15 /]
Honorable Mention
[table id=16 /]
1201State Finals: Rankings Breakdown
Overall
This year's state finals will feature 224 wrestlers from across the state. Of those 224 wrestlers 171 were in the final Panko Strength and Speed Individual Rankings along with another 21 wrestlers on our watch list. Each weight class features an average of 12.2 ranked wrestlers. The best weight class is 132lbs were 15 of the 16 qualifiers were ranked in the top 16 in the final rankings. Here is a breakdown of each weight class and the highlights of the top Friday night matches between ranked wrestlers.
106lbs
Number of Ranked Wrestlers Qualifying: 14
Unranked qualifiers:
Caleb Bocock- Lebanon
Cody Allmon- Plymouth
First round match-ups of ranked wrestlers:
#1 Chad Red (New Palestine) vs. #15 Blake Glogouski (Fairfield)
#4 Terrance Kennedy (Floyd Central) vs. #13 Drew Hildebrandt (Penn)
#6 Mike Garza (Merrillville) vs. #5 D.J. Smith (Franklin Community )
#19 Brett Johnson (Perry Meridian) vs. #7 Garrett Pepple (East Noble)
#2 Jake Sinkovics (Mishawaka) vs. #12 Griffin Schermer (Bloomington South)
#14 Cael McCormick (Yorktown) vs. #9 Matthew McKinney (Warren Central)
113lbs
Number of Ranked Wrestlers Qualifying: 12
Unranked qualifiers:
Mitch Weber (Zionsville)
Branden Truver (Lake Central High School)
Jasi Coureur (Jeffersonville)
Charles Baker (Indianapolis Crispus Attucks
First round match-ups of ranked wrestlers:
#7 Gaige Torres (Portage) vs. #8 Jacob Brown (Castle)
#3 Jacob Cottey (Perry Meridian) vs. #15 Alan Mock (North Miami)
#11 Mathew Mastison (Evansville Harrison) vs. #2 Zachary Davis (Penn)
#6 Sawyer Miller (South Adams) vs. #5 Jack Chastain (Hamilton Southeastern)
120lbs
Number of Ranked Wrestlers Qualifying: 12
Unranked qualifiers:
Andrew Ledford (Kokomo)**Watch List**
Nathan Schitter (Jasper)**Watch List**
Chase Wilson (Maconaquah)**Watch List**
Preston Mantel (Zionsville)**Watch List**
First round match-ups of ranked wrestlers:
#1 Schuyler Phillips (Yorktown) vs. #15 Matthew Lechowicz (Lake Central High School)
#17 Zack Runyon (Bloomington South) vs. #6 Andrice Martin (Franklin Central)
#7 Bailey Lahue (Corydon Central) vs. #13 Evan Eldred (Westfield)
#14 L.J. Moser (South Adams) vs. #19 Luis Munoz (Warsaw)
126lbs
Number of Ranked Wrestlers Qualifying: 13
Unranked qualifiers:
Dylan Logsdon (Portage)**Watch List**
Bailey Schober (Greenwood)**Watch List**
Brett Martz (Fairfield)
First round match-ups of ranked wrestlers:
#3 Luke Welch (Castle) vs. #12 Maximilian Buckley (Valporaso)
#2 Brandon James (Perry Meridian) vs. #14 Cody Walburn (Adams Central)
#20 Steven Cardenas (Carroll (F.W.)) vs. #8 Ben Harvey (Indpls. Cathedral)
#17 Dalton Noblitt (Columbus East) vs. #4 Josh Fuqua (Crown Point)
#1 Nick Crume (Jimtown) vs. #10 Evan Smiley (Beech Grove)
132lbs
Number of Ranked Wrestlers Qualifying: 15
Unranked qualifiers:
Cody Koebel (Jimtown)
First round match-ups of ranked wrestlers:
#6 Trevor Burlison (Crown Point) vs. #15 Mitch Snyder (Hamilton Southeastern)
#1 Cody Lecount (Perry Meridian) vs. #7 Jacob Covaciu (Merrillville)
#9 Devin Broukal (Bloomington South) vs. #4 Zachery Krumlauf (DeKalb)
#3 Levi Moss (Ben Davis) vs. #13 Benjamin Fiechter (Southern Wells)
#12 Hugo Perez (Frankfort) vs. #2 Mitch Hartman (South Bend Clay)
#10 Dalton Baysinger (Yorktown) vs. #11 Logan Wedding (Evansville Memorial)
#8 Grant Martsolf (Mishawaka) vs. #14 Jordan Lile (Fishers)
138lbs
Number of Ranked Wrestlers Qualifying: 10
Unranked qualifiers:
Jonah Thompson (Greenwood)**Watch List**
Jacob Weimer (East Noble)
Reese Sieger (New Haven)**Watch List**
Patrick Schnell (Castle)
Isaac Rentas (Merrillville)
Gordon Wagner (New Palestine)**Watch List**
First round match-ups of ranked wrestlers:
#3 Chandler Carroll (Yorktown) vs. #18 Alex Reinhart (Penn)
#4 Nick Bova (Perry Meridian) vs. #10 Isaiah Kemper (Evansville Central)
145lbs
Number of Ranked Wrestlers Qualifying: 13
Unranked qualifiers:
Grant Brescher (Jasper)**Watch List**
Levi McKee (North Miami)**Watch List**
Seth Ferguson (Martinsville)
First round match-ups of ranked wrestlers:
#8 Robbie Elsea (New Palestine) vs. #20 Tyler Housholder (East Noble)
#1 Neal Molloy (Danville) vs. #6 Chris Katsafaros (Chesterton)
#18 Kyle Jolas (Huntington North) vs. #7 Shabaka Johns (Warren Central)
#2 Brendon Kelley (Evansville Central) vs. #11 Joe Mammolenti (Penn)
#3 Eli Walker (Yorktown) vs. #10 Collin Campbell (Lebanon)
152lbs
Number of Ranked Wrestlers Qualifying: 13
Unranked qualifiers:
Tristan Wilson (Fort Wayne Carroll)
Ashton Forzlog (Evansville Mater Dei)
Kody Hinshaw (Evansville Memorial)
First round match-ups of ranked wrestlers:
#2 Josh Farrell (Greenfield Central) vs. #16 Daniel Roach (Portage)
#4 Dusty Schurg (Crown Point) vs. #8 Jackson Bennett (Hamilton Southeastern)
#9 Jordan Partee (Madison) vs. #12 Conner Brummett (DeKalb)
#6 Nick Borta (North Montgomery) vs. #11 Samuel Ferdig (South Bend Adams)
#13 Trevor Manspeaker (Penn) vs. #3 Vinny Corsaro (Indpls. Cathedral)
160lbs
Number of Ranked Wrestlers Qualifying: 12
Unranked qualifiers:
Andy Wimpelberg (Evansville Reitz)
Rashad Jackson-Tatum (New Haven)
Kaine Luginbill (Adams Central)
Johnathan Tredway (Elkhart Central)**Watch List**
First round match-ups of ranked wrestlers:
#2 Kennith Hughes (Lowell) vs. #1 Austin McCloskey (Western Boone)
#8 Riley McClurg (Perry Meridian) vs. #12 Matthew Hollins (Merrillville)
#7 Blake Rypel (Indpls. Cathedral) vs. #11 Damien Gomez (Hammond Noll)
#10 Mark Maldonado (Highland) vs. #16 Ben Krege (Carmel)
170lbs
Number of Ranked Wrestlers Qualifying: 12
Unranked qualifiers:
Jade Doty (West Lafayette)
Evan Elmore (Avon)
Jacob Reed (Muncie Southside)
Michael Eldridge (Laporte High School)**Watch List**
First round match-ups of ranked wrestlers:
#4 Jeffrey Scott (Clinton Central) vs. #5 Anthony Linnear (F.W. North)
#8 Tanner Adams (Jimtown) vs. #3 Austin Neibarger (Hamilton Southeastern)
#2 Riley Lefever (Carroll (F.W.)) vs. #17 K.C. Hedger (Lawrenceburg)
#16 Garett Fentz (Franklin Community ) vs. #6 Scottie Sopko (Hobart)
182lbs
Number of Ranked Wrestlers Qualifying: 11
Unranked qualifiers:
Seth Riley (Fishers)**Watch List**
Ryan Jankowski (South Bend St. Joseph)
Zachary Telschow (NorthWood)**Watch List**
Matt Langbehn (Crown Point)**Watch List**
Myron Howard (Yorktown)
First round match-ups of ranked wrestlers:
#20 Exvonte Jones (Portage) vs. #15 Connor Ludwig (Brownsburg)
#1 Matt Hurford (Culver Community) vs.#4 Jonah Zorniger (Avon)
#5 Brian Wagner (New Palestine) vs. #12 Benjamin Pfister (Adams Central)
195lbs
Number of Ranked Wrestlers Qualifying: 11
Unranked qualifiers:
Rudy Harris (South Putnam)**Watch List**
Zach Goodyear (West Noble)
Brian Salmon (Woodlan)
Justin Berumen (Delphi)
Jesse Miller (Northview)
First round match-ups of ranked wrestlers:
195 #20 Ryan Patterson (Lowell) vs. #4 Kyle Garringer (Jay County)
195 #2 Clayton Fiddler (Bloomington South) vs. #5 Noah Perdue (Warren Central)
195 #17 Ty Webster (North Montgomery) vs. #19 Kalob Salkill (South Spencer)
195 #9 Joseph Ross (Northfield) vs. #6 Jaylin Allen (South Bend Clay)
220lbs
Number of Ranked Wrestlers Qualifying: 10
Unranked qualifiers:
Brad Sadilek (Carroll (F.W.))
Seth Meyer (Harrison (W.L.))
Kobe Woods (Penn)
Brandon Joest (East Noble)**Watch List**
Boyd Haley (Bloomington South)**Watch List**
Matthew Berdine (Kankakee Valley)
First round match-ups of ranked wrestlers:
#1 Gelen Robinson (Lake Central) vs. #12 Jacob Aven (Zionsville)
#17 Jason Nicodemus (Churubusco) vs. #3 Dylan Jones (Avon)
285lbs
Number of Ranked Wrestlers Qualifying: 13
Unranked qualifiers:
Hayden Schmucker (Goshen)**Watch List**
Riley Harlow (Chesterton)**Watch List**
Dakota Ramey (North Montgomery)
First round match-ups of ranked wrestlers:
#12 Drew Ponder (Center Grove) vs. #1 Donte Winfield (Perry Meridian)
#2 Wesley Bernard (Indpls. Cathedral) vs. #7 Gavan Jolley-Little (Jeffersonville)
#20 Drake DeMuyt (East Noble) vs. #6 Shakir Carr (South Bend Clay)
#17 Norman Oglesby (Ben Davis) vs. #17 Joseph Garland (Rushville)
#19 Joshua Bartoszek (Hanover Central) vs. #11 Matt Beard (Eastside)
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