Banks

150 was infested with talent in ECSS, 6 kids in that bracket were ranked in the top 16. 3 of the 4 placed top 6 on Saturday. Just an absolute stacked bracket. 150 was a tough weight class across the state this year.

150 was infested with talent in ECSS, 6 kids in that bracket were ranked in the top 16. 3 of the 4 placed top 6 on Saturday. Just an absolute stacked bracket. 150 was a tough weight class across the state this year.

150 was infested with talent in ECSS, 6 kids in that bracket were ranked in the top 16. 3 of the 4 placed top 6 on Saturday. Just an absolute stacked bracket. 150 was a tough weight class across the state this year.

150 was stacked this year for sure - off the top of my head Evansville had the State Champ, State Runner-up, and 4th place finisher.  Plus, Tommy Gibbs who was ranked 3rd.  He lost to Champ and drew into runner-up.  I watched the 3rd place match at 150 and it made me hate our system.  Hats off to both wrestlers in a great match, but Tommy beat both of them.
 
120 in our Regional you had the State Champ and 4th place finisher....Plus Preston Haines.  Preston lost to the 4th place finisher and drew into the State Runner-up...so you had at semi-state #1, #2, #4 and Preston who has placed 2nd and 3rd at State.
 
There were other great wrestlers at 120 and 150.  Those are just the ones off the top of my head.  If you don't have a vested interest in another semi-state, swing by Evansville next year.  You will see dudes wrestling in the round to go that could be a semi-final state match.

Clay Guenin was a regional champion with a 36-1 record and has wins over numerous state qualifiers and medalists, yet he was rewarded with Luke Penola in the ticket round. The same scenario was the case for Tommy Gibbs, Preston Haines, Guillermo Rivera, Jaylen Young, Hruai Lian, Jacob McClure, etc. Them losing their matches isn’t the issue. It’s the fact that they proved they were among the best wrestlers in the state all year, had to wrestle another top talent in the qualifying match, and didn’t have the opportunity to wrestle back to be among the best in the group while in some cases, the common opponents they shared with the person who beat them advanced facing less quality opponents. That’s not dissing the kids, either, it’s just the facts of the matter. If you don’t see how seeding based on a full body of work done throughout the season to create separation and full consolation rounds to ensure wrestlers get their rightful chance could fix that, then we don’t need to be having this discussion. If you want to keep semi-state, that’s fine, but then discussion about eliminating sectionals or regionals needs to take place.
 
The reason I say Indiana has a subpar state tournament is because of the long, plodding month-long journey just to get to the state finals, there aren’t any consolations, and because one week in the first three is an unnecessary rehash of what could’ve already taken place. A lot of people don’t want to change it because they either aren’t positively receptive towards change or because they hold the old head “Well, if I suffered, they should too” mentality. There isn’t always testament of who the best wrestlers are, so therefore, we don’t always get a good indicator of how deep or good the field truly is as compared to other states, but that’s also not the IHSAAs priority either. So, until there is change at that level, we won’t see much, but that doesn’t mean you stop voicing what is right for the sport and cease work on improving the system.

So I will start this prediction off with a warning, I will be showing some biased towards my kids. I think that is common knowledge as most people would assume. I like to think my kids can beat anyone if they wrestle well. Also these are not in place order just who i think the top 4 will be. So now that we got that outta the way, here are my predictions.
106
Mason Jones
Alonzo Chantea
Teigan Newell 
Kolby Robinson
106 is a weight that I personally think there are only 3 real locks. Mason Jones is the obvious top dog at this weight. Coming at 32-0 he is having a pretty impressive senior year. Last year placing 5th at the state finals with his only loss being Nathan Rioux. The next lock is Alonzo Chantea, this kid is having a year that I dont think anyone expected. As it stands he is 42-2 and his only losses are to John Bissmeyer and Justus Thrasher. Alonzo was put out last year at regionals at 113. Now to be a top 16 ranked wrestler in the state is impressive to say the least. I'm excited to see he and Mason Jones in the finals this weekend. The next lock is Teigan Newell he is currently 17-8. Currently he is ranked number 13 putting on a good freshman season for Crown Point. He has lost to Chantea this season at the Al smith 11-4. Teigan and Alonzo will meet in the semis Saturday. Next I'm not sure, I think the last ticket will come down to Kolby Robinson and Grant Holloway. I'll admit I do not know much about Kolby he is currently 43-2 having himself a great freshman year, I have seen Grant wrestle a few times this year. Grant is currently 17-4 and if I'm not mistaken 2 of those losses are to Chantea.  I'm not sure what to expect of this match. But I think im going to lock in Kolby Robinson of Rensselaer.
113
Lewis
Harper
Halfarce
McNees
113 is our next stop of weights. Im kind of in the same boat as 106 when it comes to who I think punches their ticket. I think the two most obvious are Gavin Lewis and Brady Harper. Two very tough freshmen from two very good programs. This is a match that I hope we get to see Saturday evening. The next kid is Bryce McNees. From what I have seen out of McNees this year it wouldn't surprise me if he punches his ticket. Very tough wrestler with a mission to end his senior year with a trip down to Evansville. But he will have a test with Rensselaer Centrals Beck Doughty. This junior is currently sitting with an impressive 42-5 record. Im excited for this ticket round match for sure. The last quarter bracket will lead us to Mario Orueta and Caleb Halfacre. This is a match up of number 14 and number 18. These always excite me because of the amount that's on the line. One senior and one a junior makes more a heck of a match. In the end I think Halfacre walks away with a ticket, but I wouldn't be surprised if the outcome was reversed. 
120
Jendreas
Aubin
Dallinger
Origel
The more I write my predictions the more I realize the competition level across the board at all weights is tight. I believe Jendreas and Aubin are 2 locks for obvious reason. Just sucks that they will have to meet in the semis, I really wish that was the finals match. The 3rd quarter bracket is an interesting one. Ryan Schmidtendorff looks great this year but will run into Crown points Adrian Origel. This is one of those matches that could go either way IMO so picking one is tough. But if I had to put marbles on one of them I would put them on the senior Origel. Lastly I'll take the senior Aiden Dallinger, currently he is 33-2 and if im not mistaken he has past state experience. A senior with a mission to make it back is a scary senior. 
126
Bennett
Maldonado
Horn
Hawkins
I think 126 is the most clear cut and dry so far when it comes to who is punching their ticket. Starting with Bennett, he will more than likely have Wyatt Strickler in the ticket round and this comes down to two hungry seniors. Im going to put my marbles on Dylan Bennett. Next is a hard one for me, Obviously Plymouths Coen Kramer is one of my kids and he has wrestled Maldonado twice this year.  The first time Maldonado won by points and the second time was by fall. I'm not making excuses for my kid or taking anything away from Matthew but neither of those matches was Coen healthy, with that being said I'm excited to see this match again with both kids hopefully at their best. Lastly, Hawkins. Not much else needs to be said.

132
Demarco
Robson
Rivera
Wright
I think we all can agree that Demarco is the clear number 1 in this weight class. Sitting at 40-0 his senior year, he has put on an impressive campaign so far. I wouldnt be surprised to see him under the light in Evansville. The next quarter bracket is actually really interesting. We dont have a single state ranked wrestler in this weight. First round is a tough draw for Drews and Fritz. Two tough kids with impressive records this year. Drews has lost to Demarco and Sessa this year but it wasnt without a fight. His lost to Demarco was only a 1 point difference and the Sessa match was a 2 point difference. Fritz does have state experience being a qualifier last year. This is a bummer of a match to have first round. On the other side of the bracket there is Seth Wright. Senior with a record of 34-8. Having a good senior year and hoping to punch his ticket before the shoes are unlaced. Either of these 3 kids can make it through, it's going to be an exciting match up in the ticket round for this quarter bracket. I'll take my chances with Dalton Robson in the next quarter bracket. A sophomore with a 30-5 record. Currently ranked number 25 in the state, he will have Devin Basham of Rochester. Devin is a tough kid and wants to cap off his senior with a trip down to Evansville but it will be a tough match between Basham and Robson in the ticket. Next is an unfortunate quarter bracket. Number 6 and number 8 are meeting in the ticket round. These are the kind of matches that make me hate the way semi state is ran. No wrestle backs mean one of these potential state placers aren't going to be punching their ticket. With that being said I'm going to take the Junior from Lake Central Guillermo Rivera.
138
Shepherd
Smith
Reid
Fritz
Here we are at a weight where in my mind its a pretty clear picture for our 4 qualifiers. Shepherd is putting on one of the most impressive freshman campaigns that I can remember. Ranked number 1 in the state. Beating Kyrell former state champ and state place winner Wesley Smith at the Al Smith is as hard as it could get. So hats off to Clinton for that. With that being said Im showing biased here again, Wesley Smith is that kid who has been working to get back the only loss he has this year, that coming from Shepherd. This is another example of poor work on the IHSSA. These two kids are the obvious number 1 and 2 in the semi state and will meet in the semis. Either way an exciting match that I cant wait for. Next Im taking Luke Reid who is 22-1 and ranked number 10. I dont see anyone in this quarter bracket stopping him. For my last pick give me the undefeated senior Drake Fritz. Number 19 in the state with a pretty 40-0 record is something to be proud of.
144
Huyvaert
Stanley
Kirksy
Walker
Again another weight where the top 4 seem very clear. Jeffrey Huyvaert is putting on an absolute amazing season. He has done everything you could do this season. He now holds the single season takedown record. The only thing left to do with get his hand raised saturday night down in Evansville to have a perfect season. A tough match to watch first round is Christopher Firebaugh and Michael Ortega . This is going to be an excting first round match. Avery Stanley is the next pick for 144. 36-3 ranked number 17 and only a junior. Having an impressive year and i see him punching his ticket this weekend. Marlone Kirksy is having a great junior year currently sitting at 33-2 and ranked 12th. This is a sleeper kid who could be a placer down in Evansville. And to wrap up 144 is Zar Walker. Zar is a senior on a mission to end his high school career with a win under the light down in Evansville. He has looked good so far this year and has the potential to go very far.
150
Harper
Kasprzak
Bohn
Smith
Man oh man, this weight class breaks my heart. With 5 ranked seniors who are all capable of being state placer and on top of that 6 kids in this weight are ranked top 16 and we will lose a couple of them. This will be the weight class to watch Saturday. Please IHSSA let this bracket be an example of why we need to run things differently. But, onto my predictions. Wesley Harper and Jayden Lewis is an exciting match up. Two tough kids with state experience. Sucks to see one of these kids not punch their ticket. Wesley is a physical upper body wrestler with a leg riding top game. Jayden is a very technical and efficient wrestler. This is such an exciting match up and I cant wait to see this.  Next is a little easier of a pick with Chase Kazprzak, he has losses to Bohn, Smith and harper, but he got the draw to avoid all of them. So I see him punching his ticket. The next match up is undefeated Christopher Bohn and Wyatt Davis. Another one of those electric match ups. Two top 16 kids battling it  out to punch their ticket. I going with the undefeated senior from Munster. Lastly the most unfortunate draw of this weight class. Two top 10 wrestlers who both were one win away last year from being down at Gainbridge. This is a match up that intrigues me. Caydn Smith is a bull on his feet and has been a hammer on top this season. Kaptur Nowaczyk is a counter wrestler and a backpack on top of kids. I think this is a close competitive match all the way through. But again, Im taking the Plymouth kid Caydn Smith.
 
157
Van Tichelt
Pellot
Frost
Brabender
 
An exciting weight where the number 1 and 2 are separated and will meet in the finals. With our first ticket puncher I have Griffin Van Tichelt. Ranked number 10 I think its safe to say he will get through his quarter bracket. He will have a senior from Rensselaer Central. I never count seniors out. They are wrestling with nothing left to prove, that makes anyone dangerous. Next Pellot is gonna cruise through his quarter bracket. Very tough kid with great cardio. Excited for him and Brabender in the finals. Again, another quarter bracket with only one clear kid. Javon Frost 31-1 ranked 19th is the winner of that quarter bracket. Last but not least number one in the state, Beau Brabender. Last match up with Pellot was a barn burner and I can't wait for this rematch. Both kids are great in the respective ways.
 
165
Mavros
Beck
Rinehart
Sinks
 
I enjoy weights where the top 4 are pretty easy to point out. The only real unfortunate match up is Rinehart and Kennedy. Will Kennedy is the number 11 ranked 165lber in the state and has a tall mountain to climb with the number 1 ranked wrestler Anthony Rinehart. The rest is pretty much a lock. Beck should get through without many problems. This also goes for Mavros, he is looking like the clear one to walk away with the ticket out of that quarter bracket. Lastly Issac Sinks will punch his way through and make a trip down to Evansville to compete for a spot under the infamous light. 
 
175
Popp
Crisp
White
Costello
 
This is an interesting weight. We have one quarter bracket with the number 10 and 13 ranked kids wrestling each other for a ticket down to evansville. Then just one quarter bracket down we have 4 unranked kids battling for a spot. It always sucks to lose a top 16 kid at semi state and its going to happen again at this weight. Popp number 7 will wrestle John Glenns Kobelt in the ticket round, although Kobelt is tough I see Popp punching the ticket. Next is the awful draw and number 10 and 13. Merrillvilles Cameron Crisp and Penns Zymarion Hollyfield. Two really tough kids with some crazy athleticism trying to end their senior year down in Evansville.  Im taking Crisp with the only reasoning being his loss to Costello was 3-1 and Hollyfield was pinned by Costello in 54 seconds. I know styles make match ups, thats why im excited for this match up.
 
190
Weiand
Reading
Bisping
Freeman
 
Another one of those pretty clear brackets. All except for the first quarter bracket. Where number 16 ranked freshman Aleksandar Tatum will faceoff against Senior Colin Weiand. There is something exciting about a freshman vs senior for a ticket down to the state finals. Aleksandar is wrestling for a chance to be a 4 time qualifier and Weiand is wrestling to close his senior year down south at the state tournament. With all that I will take the senior 90% of the time and that is the case with this match up. The next 3 quarter brackets are pretty one sided IMO. Crown Points Reading and McCutcheons Finney will battle for their ticket. Reading is 18-5 and Finney is 27-3. I'll take my chances with Austin Reading. In the 3rd quarter bracket Kenneth Bisping is having a pretty dominate season currently sits 33-1 and ranked 7th in the state. Lastly Vinny Freeman will punch his ticket down to evansville.  This 31-2 sophomore is the number 4 ranked kid in the 190 weight class. Im amped to see his and Bispings match in the Semis this weekend.

 
215
Chicoine
Clark
Deming
Bartoszek
 
This is another bracket that kinda stinks because the number 1 and number 2 kids in the state will wrestle in the semis. But I'll
 take Chicoine in his quarter bracket. Last year was a runner up and hes looking to change that this year. In the next quarter bracket we have Will clark. As we all know the Clark brothers are absolute tanks. This is an exciting match up to have between Clark and Chicoine, just a bummer that it has to be the semis. Next up we have Alex Deming of Rochester Another undefeated Senior currently ranked number 5. This is another kid who is eager to get under the light. The winner of Clark and Chicoine will have Deming and thats a very fun match up. Lastly is our hardest quarter bracket. Between number 15 Everett Mcclelland and number 12 Jayden Bartoszek. These two have wrestled once this year and Bartoszek came of with the win. It was a close match and I expect the same thing this weekend when these two battle for a ticket to the state finals.

 
285
Beck
McNutt
Popi
Clark
 
Here is another example of poor draws for good kids. But how lucky are we as a semi state to have 4 of the top 5 heavy weights? In the first quarter bracket number 2 Brady Beck of Rochester will face number 6 Collin Foy of Hanover Central. These two kids should both be leaving the Ford Center with state medals but, only one will leave this weekend with a ticket down to Evansville. There is something heart breaking about 2 seniors wrestling to either continue their season or go home. With that being said I think the undefeated Brady beck leaves that quarter bracket with the ticket.  The next 3 quarter brackets are simple. Aramis McNutt clears his quarter bracket to meet Beck in the Semis and we will have the Number 2 and 3 battle to face Paul clark in the finals. The 3rd quarter bracket Anthony Popi should punch his ticket for the second time and meet Clark in the semis. The final quarter bracket is the monster of a kid Paul Clark. I don't think I need to say anything else?

So I will start this prediction off with a warning, I will be showing some biased towards my kids. I think that is common knowledge as most people would assume. I like to think my kids can beat anyone if they wrestle well. Also these are not in place order just who i think the top 4 will be. So now that we got that outta the way, here are my predictions.
106
Mason Jones
Alonzo Chantea
Teigan Newell 
Kolby Robinson
106 is a weight that I personally think there are only 3 real locks. Mason Jones is the obvious top dog at this weight. Coming at 32-0 he is having a pretty impressive senior year. Last year placing 5th at the state finals with his only loss being Nathan Rioux. The next lock is Alonzo Chantea, this kid is having a year that I dont think anyone expected. As it stands he is 42-2 and his only losses are to John Bissmeyer and Justus Thrasher. Alonzo was put out last year at regionals at 113. Now to be a top 16 ranked wrestler in the state is impressive to say the least. I'm excited to see he and Mason Jones in the finals this weekend. The next lock is Teigan Newell he is currently 17-8. Currently he is ranked number 13 putting on a good freshman season for Crown Point. He has lost to Chantea this season at the Al smith 11-4. Teigan and Alonzo will meet in the semis Saturday. Next I'm not sure, I think the last ticket will come down to Kolby Robinson and Grant Holloway. I'll admit I do not know much about Kolby he is currently 43-2 having himself a great freshman year, I have seen Grant wrestle a few times this year. Grant is currently 17-4 and if I'm not mistaken 2 of those losses are to Chantea.  I'm not sure what to expect of this match. But I think im going to lock in Kolby Robinson of Rensselaer.
113
Lewis
Harper
Halfarce
McNees
113 is our next stop of weights. Im kind of in the same boat as 106 when it comes to who I think punches their ticket. I think the two most obvious are Gavin Lewis and Brady Harper. Two very tough freshmen from two very good programs. This is a match that I hope we get to see Saturday evening. The next kid is Bryce McNees. From what I have seen out of McNees this year it wouldn't surprise me if he punches his ticket. Very tough wrestler with a mission to end his senior year with a trip down to Evansville. But he will have a test with Rensselaer Centrals Beck Doughty. This junior is currently sitting with an impressive 42-5 record. Im excited for this ticket round match for sure. The last quarter bracket will lead us to Mario Orueta and Caleb Halfacre. This is a match up of number 14 and number 18. These always excite me because of the amount that's on the line. One senior and one a junior makes more a heck of a match. In the end I think Halfacre walks away with a ticket, but I wouldn't be surprised if the outcome was reversed. 
120
Jendreas
Aubin
Dallinger
Origel
The more I write my predictions the more I realize the competition level across the board at all weights is tight. I believe Jendreas and Aubin are 2 locks for obvious reason. Just sucks that they will have to meet in the semis, I really wish that was the finals match. The 3rd quarter bracket is an interesting one. Ryan Schmidtendorff looks great this year but will run into Crown points Adrian Origel. This is one of those matches that could go either way IMO so picking one is tough. But if I had to put marbles on one of them I would put them on the senior Origel. Lastly I'll take the senior Aiden Dallinger, currently he is 33-2 and if im not mistaken he has past state experience. A senior with a mission to make it back is a scary senior. 
126
Bennett
Maldonado
Horn
Hawkins
I think 126 is the most clear cut and dry so far when it comes to who is punching their ticket. Starting with Bennett, he will more than likely have Wyatt Strickler in the ticket round and this comes down to two hungry seniors. Im going to put my marbles on Dylan Bennett. Next is a hard one for me, Obviously Plymouths Coen Kramer is one of my kids and he has wrestled Maldonado twice this year.  The first time Maldonado won by points and the second time was by fall. I'm not making excuses for my kid or taking anything away from Matthew but neither of those matches was Coen healthy, with that being said I'm excited to see this match again with both kids hopefully at their best. Lastly, Hawkins. Not much else needs to be said.

132
Demarco
Robson
Rivera
Wright
I think we all can agree that Demarco is the clear number 1 in this weight class. Sitting at 40-0 his senior year, he has put on an impressive campaign so far. I wouldnt be surprised to see him under the light in Evansville. The next quarter bracket is actually really interesting. We dont have a single state ranked wrestler in this weight. First round is a tough draw for Drews and Fritz. Two tough kids with impressive records this year. Drews has lost to Demarco and Sessa this year but it wasnt without a fight. His lost to Demarco was only a 1 point difference and the Sessa match was a 2 point difference. Fritz does have state experience being a qualifier last year. This is a bummer of a match to have first round. On the other side of the bracket there is Seth Wright. Senior with a record of 34-8. Having a good senior year and hoping to punch his ticket before the shoes are unlaced. Either of these 3 kids can make it through, it's going to be an exciting match up in the ticket round for this quarter bracket. I'll take my chances with Dalton Robson in the next quarter bracket. A sophomore with a 30-5 record. Currently ranked number 25 in the state, he will have Devin Basham of Rochester. Devin is a tough kid and wants to cap off his senior with a trip down to Evansville but it will be a tough match between Basham and Robson in the ticket. Next is an unfortunate quarter bracket. Number 6 and number 8 are meeting in the ticket round. These are the kind of matches that make me hate the way semi state is ran. No wrestle backs mean one of these potential state placers aren't going to be punching their ticket. With that being said I'm going to take the Junior from Lake Central Guillermo Rivera.
138
Shepherd
Smith
Reid
Fritz
Here we are at a weight where in my mind its a pretty clear picture for our 4 qualifiers. Shepherd is putting on one of the most impressive freshman campaigns that I can remember. Ranked number 1 in the state. Beating Kyrell former state champ and state place winner Wesley Smith at the Al Smith is as hard as it could get. So hats off to Clinton for that. With that being said Im showing biased here again, Wesley Smith is that kid who has been working to get back the only loss he has this year, that coming from Shepherd. This is another example of poor work on the IHSSA. These two kids are the obvious number 1 and 2 in the semi state and will meet in the semis. Either way an exciting match that I cant wait for. Next Im taking Luke Reid who is 22-1 and ranked number 10. I dont see anyone in this quarter bracket stopping him. For my last pick give me the undefeated senior Drake Fritz. Number 19 in the state with a pretty 40-0 record is something to be proud of.
144
Huyvaert
Stanley
Kirksy
Walker
Again another weight where the top 4 seem very clear. Jeffrey Huyvaert is putting on an absolute amazing season. He has done everything you could do this season. He now holds the single season takedown record. The only thing left to do with get his hand raised saturday night down in Evansville to have a perfect season. A tough match to watch first round is Christopher Firebaugh and Michael Ortega . This is going to be an excting first round match. Avery Stanley is the next pick for 144. 36-3 ranked number 17 and only a junior. Having an impressive year and i see him punching his ticket this weekend. Marlone Kirksy is having a great junior year currently sitting at 33-2 and ranked 12th. This is a sleeper kid who could be a placer down in Evansville. And to wrap up 144 is Zar Walker. Zar is a senior on a mission to end his high school career with a win under the light down in Evansville. He has looked good so far this year and has the potential to go very far.
150
Harper
Kasprzak
Bohn
Smith
Man oh man, this weight class breaks my heart. With 5 ranked seniors who are all capable of being state placer and on top of that 6 kids in this weight are ranked top 16 and we will lose a couple of them. This will be the weight class to watch Saturday. Please IHSSA let this bracket be an example of why we need to run things differently. But, onto my predictions. Wesley Harper and Jayden Lewis is an exciting match up. Two tough kids with state experience. Sucks to see one of these kids not punch their ticket. Wesley is a physical upper body wrestler with a leg riding top game. Jayden is a very technical and efficient wrestler. This is such an exciting match up and I cant wait to see this.  Next is a little easier of a pick with Chase Kazprzak, he has losses to Bohn, Smith and harper, but he got the draw to avoid all of them. So I see him punching his ticket. The next match up is undefeated Christopher Bohn and Wyatt Davis. Another one of those electric match ups. Two top 16 kids battling it  out to punch their ticket. I going with the undefeated senior from Munster. Lastly the most unfortunate draw of this weight class. Two top 10 wrestlers who both were one win away last year from being down at Gainbridge. This is a match up that intrigues me. Caydn Smith is a bull on his feet and has been a hammer on top this season. Kaptur Nowaczyk is a counter wrestler and a backpack on top of kids. I think this is a close competitive match all the way through. But again, Im taking the Plymouth kid Caydn Smith.
 
157
Van Tichelt
Pellot
Frost
Brabender
 
An exciting weight where the number 1 and 2 are separated and will meet in the finals. With our first ticket puncher I have Griffin Van Tichelt. Ranked number 10 I think its safe to say he will get through his quarter bracket. He will have a senior from Rensselaer Central. I never count seniors out. They are wrestling with nothing left to prove, that makes anyone dangerous. Next Pellot is gonna cruise through his quarter bracket. Very tough kid with great cardio. Excited for him and Brabender in the finals. Again, another quarter bracket with only one clear kid. Javon Frost 31-1 ranked 19th is the winner of that quarter bracket. Last but not least number one in the state, Beau Brabender. Last match up with Pellot was a barn burner and I can't wait for this rematch. Both kids are great in the respective ways.
 
165
Mavros
Beck
Rinehart
Sinks
 
I enjoy weights where the top 4 are pretty easy to point out. The only real unfortunate match up is Rinehart and Kennedy. Will Kennedy is the number 11 ranked 165lber in the state and has a tall mountain to climb with the number 1 ranked wrestler Anthony Rinehart. The rest is pretty much a lock. Beck should get through without many problems. This also goes for Mavros, he is looking like the clear one to walk away with the ticket out of that quarter bracket. Lastly Issac Sinks will punch his way through and make a trip down to Evansville to compete for a spot under the infamous light. 
 
175
Popp
Crisp
White
Costello
 
This is an interesting weight. We have one quarter bracket with the number 10 and 13 ranked kids wrestling each other for a ticket down to evansville. Then just one quarter bracket down we have 4 unranked kids battling for a spot. It always sucks to lose a top 16 kid at semi state and its going to happen again at this weight. Popp number 7 will wrestle John Glenns Kobelt in the ticket round, although Kobelt is tough I see Popp punching the ticket. Next is the awful draw and number 10 and 13. Merrillvilles Cameron Crisp and Penns Zymarion Hollyfield. Two really tough kids with some crazy athleticism trying to end their senior year down in Evansville.  Im taking Crisp with the only reasoning being his loss to Costello was 3-1 and Hollyfield was pinned by Costello in 54 seconds. I know styles make match ups, thats why im excited for this match up.
 
190
Weiand
Reading
Bisping
Freeman
 
Another one of those pretty clear brackets. All except for the first quarter bracket. Where number 16 ranked freshman Aleksandar Tatum will faceoff against Senior Colin Weiand. There is something exciting about a freshman vs senior for a ticket down to the state finals. Aleksandar is wrestling for a chance to be a 4 time qualifier and Weiand is wrestling to close his senior year down south at the state tournament. With all that I will take the senior 90% of the time and that is the case with this match up. The next 3 quarter brackets are pretty one sided IMO. Crown Points Reading and McCutcheons Finney will battle for their ticket. Reading is 18-5 and Finney is 27-3. I'll take my chances with Austin Reading. In the 3rd quarter bracket Kenneth Bisping is having a pretty dominate season currently sits 33-1 and ranked 7th in the state. Lastly Vinny Freeman will punch his ticket down to evansville.  This 31-2 sophomore is the number 4 ranked kid in the 190 weight class. Im amped to see his and Bispings match in the Semis this weekend.

 
215
Chicoine
Clark
Deming
Bartoszek
 
This is another bracket that kinda stinks because the number 1 and number 2 kids in the state will wrestle in the semis. But I'll
 take Chicoine in his quarter bracket. Last year was a runner up and hes looking to change that this year. In the next quarter bracket we have Will clark. As we all know the Clark brothers are absolute tanks. This is an exciting match up to have between Clark and Chicoine, just a bummer that it has to be the semis. Next up we have Alex Deming of Rochester Another undefeated Senior currently ranked number 5. This is another kid who is eager to get under the light. The winner of Clark and Chicoine will have Deming and thats a very fun match up. Lastly is our hardest quarter bracket. Between number 15 Everett Mcclelland and number 12 Jayden Bartoszek. These two have wrestled once this year and Bartoszek came of with the win. It was a close match and I expect the same thing this weekend when these two battle for a ticket to the state finals.

 
285
Beck
McNutt
Popi
Clark
 
Here is another example of poor draws for good kids. But how lucky are we as a semi state to have 4 of the top 5 heavy weights? In the first quarter bracket number 2 Brady Beck of Rochester will face number 6 Collin Foy of Hanover Central. These two kids should both be leaving the Ford Center with state medals but, only one will leave this weekend with a ticket down to Evansville. There is something heart breaking about 2 seniors wrestling to either continue their season or go home. With that being said I think the undefeated Brady beck leaves that quarter bracket with the ticket.  The next 3 quarter brackets are simple. Aramis McNutt clears his quarter bracket to meet Beck in the Semis and we will have the Number 2 and 3 battle to face Paul clark in the finals. The 3rd quarter bracket Anthony Popi should punch his ticket for the second time and meet Clark in the semis. The final quarter bracket is the monster of a kid Paul Clark. I don't think I need to say anything else?

Wrestle backs is the answer to all the problems. 

Wrestle backs is the answer to all the problems. 

Making wrestle backs doesn’t make kids soft? For example, should Hunter May or Tommy Gibbs not be able to wrestle back to the state tournament? The number 2 and number 3 kid in the state aren’t qualifying because of poor tournament structure. I’m sure Hunter and Tommy both have worked as hard as they possibly could. Again, tradition doesn’t justify IHSAA not looking at different routes to produce the best state tournament possible. I understand there won’t ever be a “perfect” tournament but there can 100% be more effort put into giving us a better tournament series.

The idea that “ it’s always been this way why change it now” is an odd way to look at it to me. I get the excitement about the “worst ticket round matches”. But this isn’t about spectator excitement. this is about the best 16 kids making it. Until there is a change you’ll never have the top 16 of each weight on the state floor. I can appreciate you love for the randomness and exciting semi state matches. But just because it has been this way doesn’t mean it shouldn’t ever change. 

Making wrestle backs doesn’t make kids soft? For example, should Hunter May or Tommy Gibbs not be able to wrestle back to the state tournament? The number 2 and number 3 kid in the state aren’t qualifying because of poor tournament structure. I’m sure Hunter and Tommy both have worked as hard as they possibly could. Again, tradition doesn’t justify IHSAA not looking at different routes to produce the best state tournament possible. I understand there won’t ever be a “perfect” tournament but there can 100% be more effort put into giving us a better tournament series.

The idea that “ it’s always been this way why change it now” is an odd way to look at it to me. I get the excitement about the “worst ticket round matches”. But this isn’t about spectator excitement. this is about the best 16 kids making it. Until there is a change you’ll never have the top 16 of each weight on the state floor. I can appreciate you love for the randomness and exciting semi state matches. But just because it has been this way doesn’t mean it shouldn’t ever change. 

Whether it is a 3 tier or 4 tier structure makes no difference. Going to a 3 tier structure is only going to condense the steps.
 
The only thing that will make a difference or not is if wrestlebacks are added or not. A 3 tier structure without wrestlebacks would change nothing.

Keep current setionals then go to 8 regionals
 
32 man brackets at state
 
Full wrestlebacks from Regionals on
 
LFG!!!!!

The other thing other states do as well is have wrestlebacks. Ensuring the most deserving competitors, on that day, are the ones advancing to the next round.
 
I often hear people say that wrestlebacks are needed to ensure the best wrestlers move on. I just want to see the wrestlers who competed the best, on that day, move on rather than have a random draw play a hand in deciding who qualifies.

I see a lot of posts complaining and asking why Indiana doesnt' have wrestle backs.  And since this is the time of the year we need them the most, I thought id construct the list of reasons/theories/hypotheses or plain conspiracies as why the great wrestlers of Indiana dont have the essential tool granted to every other state in their state series.  Here's my list In David Letterman style!!!!!!
 
10.We cant be like Illinois theory: In Indiana's continuous competition with Illinois and the resulting inferiority complex, Indiana had to do something different and in the name of conservative stubborness, we found a great avenue to differentiate from the Land of Lincoln,  "We wont have wrestlebacks like those woke liberal dudes to the west".
 
9. The Hunger Games theory:  In the the modern action novel where each district's humble heroes travel to the capitol and are placed in an arena to fight each other to die or move on for the ultimate reward solely for the purpose of the audience's bloody lust for entertainment.  Just like the Hunger games, we in Indiana travel to the capitol and are entertained by the Friday night circus called the ticket round where we love to see our humble wrestlers reach immediate state placing glory.  But also, we love the sudden agony of defeat and seeing ranked wrestler's dreams and hope of destroyed abruptly.  Wrestlers, "May the odds ever be in your favor".
 
8.  Save the IHSAA beautiful mats:  The IHSAA has great mats.   Buy eliminating wrestle backs, were cutting out 29% of wrestling from the tournament thus saving our mats for future years.
 
7.  Let's hang out at Tilted Kilt more theory:   Not that I've ever been there, but by eliminating wrestle backs this opens up more time for the great wrestling fans of the Hoosier state to patronize the abundant downtown dining places like the Tilted Kilt (come on, you guys tipped big).  We love places like "Dicks last resort, St Elmo's (love the Shrimp cocktail) or Fog De Chao for those with big appetite.  Even though I was disappointed when the kid i was cheering for lost and didn't have a wrestle back match, I did have extra time and the consolation to sincerely enjoy some tasty pasta at Buca.  The East Chicago equivalents are Portillo's or El Gran Taco.  But Ive heard Region Rat recommend PoleKatz for their excellent bar food and service.  In Evansville, the wrestling community and guys like TripleB  utilizes the extra time to spend at "Taco Bell, Panda Express and Pizza King".
 
6. Indiana Loves Quality over Quantity hypothesis:  We just want to see good matches and not be distracted by a plethora of matches created by "wrestlebacks".    If it has the word consolation in it, then you're going to have to console us from watching it. The winner's bracket is just so much more watchable and cool. Why stymie the tournament with consolation matches.  Is anybody watching the Ravens vs the Lions this weekend?      Come on everybody likes to see perennial winners and champions like Patrick Mahomes and the Chiefs and i guess that other team from California.  But they ain't watching the consolation bowl.
 
 
5.  The biased IHSAA board makeup theory:   The IHSAA board, which has the overarching power to decide wrestling competition rules, is made up of former basketball, baseball and football coaches.  We have very little wrestling representation on the board.  Remember Indiana is a basketball state and those guys get power.   When asked to include wrestle backs, they say we don't have baseball backs, basketball backs, tennis backs or football backs, why should wrestlers get wrestle backs?  Its only a matter of fairness they say.   We did have some hope when the swimming coach on the board did show some interest in the idea, and curiously asked are wrestling backs like the backstroke?
 
4. Sinister Y2CJ41 conspiracy theory:  While Joe Caprino was thinking of ways to improve Indianamat participation and patronization, he conspired this idea in his lair at Victory Bay (yes it exists).  With his capacity to pull strings in Indiana wrestling, and his overreaching influence on the gatekeepers of the wrestling community he, came up with the idea to create controversy and blowup discussion on the Indianamat forum by secretly eliminating wrestle backs in the state tournament.  You notice "wrestle backs" is a common controversial topic????? You ever wonder why we don't have class wrestling????? Just saying i heard something on Qanon. I swear.
 
3. I didnt have wrestle backs when i wrestled:  How many grizzled veterans of the Indiana state tournament post they love the format, and that we have the best tournament in the country.  Even though many were scarred by their bad draws and robbed of placing or their lots were thrown wheel of luck. Its really just a psychological perception to block progress because they didn't have the same advantage.   Old stuck in its ways says: "Why should these young cocky, "soft" spoiled wrestlers have an advantage we didn't.   It's just not fair".    Thus were continually stuck in this circular state of no progress.   These are the same dudes that walked to school 6 miles in the snow and loved it.
 
,
2.  We just arent trying or working hard enough theory!!  Under the current format, we will get bad draws and the better wrestlers wont advance.  But this could be overcome if everybody worked more or tried harder.   If every Indiana wrestler tried harder, we would never have a bad draw regardless of no wrestlebacks.  This is also the same reason we haven't found Sasquatch yet.
 
1. The Ricky Bobby Impact:  "If you aren't first, you're last".   That's the message we're getting.  Anyway, it's all about finding the one champion. That's what counts.  If you lose to the champion, then it doesn't really matter when you lost to him.  You're not important because you're not the champion. See #6 on consolation.   Yes, those silly non- first place medals are just over glorified system of participation trophies.  Why should we spend more time on silly consolation wrestle backs that's only irrelevant purpose is to separate the losers.
 
 
 

So I will start this prediction off with a warning, I will be showing some biased towards my kids. I think that is common knowledge as most people would assume. I like to think my kids can beat anyone if they wrestle well. Also these are not in place order just who i think the top 4 will be. So now that we got that outta the way, here are my predictions.
106
Mason Jones
Alonzo Chantea
Teigan Newell 
Kolby Robinson
106 is a weight that I personally think there are only 3 real locks. Mason Jones is the obvious top dog at this weight. Coming at 32-0 he is having a pretty impressive senior year. Last year placing 5th at the state finals with his only loss being Nathan Rioux. The next lock is Alonzo Chantea, this kid is having a year that I dont think anyone expected. As it stands he is 42-2 and his only losses are to John Bissmeyer and Justus Thrasher. Alonzo was put out last year at regionals at 113. Now to be a top 16 ranked wrestler in the state is impressive to say the least. I'm excited to see he and Mason Jones in the finals this weekend. The next lock is Teigan Newell he is currently 17-8. Currently he is ranked number 13 putting on a good freshman season for Crown Point. He has lost to Chantea this season at the Al smith 11-4. Teigan and Alonzo will meet in the semis Saturday. Next I'm not sure, I think the last ticket will come down to Kolby Robinson and Grant Holloway. I'll admit I do not know much about Kolby he is currently 43-2 having himself a great freshman year, I have seen Grant wrestle a few times this year. Grant is currently 17-4 and if I'm not mistaken 2 of those losses are to Chantea.  I'm not sure what to expect of this match. But I think im going to lock in Kolby Robinson of Rensselaer.
113
Lewis
Harper
Halfarce
McNees
113 is our next stop of weights. Im kind of in the same boat as 106 when it comes to who I think punches their ticket. I think the two most obvious are Gavin Lewis and Brady Harper. Two very tough freshmen from two very good programs. This is a match that I hope we get to see Saturday evening. The next kid is Bryce McNees. From what I have seen out of McNees this year it wouldn't surprise me if he punches his ticket. Very tough wrestler with a mission to end his senior year with a trip down to Evansville. But he will have a test with Rensselaer Centrals Beck Doughty. This junior is currently sitting with an impressive 42-5 record. Im excited for this ticket round match for sure. The last quarter bracket will lead us to Mario Orueta and Caleb Halfacre. This is a match up of number 14 and number 18. These always excite me because of the amount that's on the line. One senior and one a junior makes more a heck of a match. In the end I think Halfacre walks away with a ticket, but I wouldn't be surprised if the outcome was reversed. 
120
Jendreas
Aubin
Dallinger
Origel
The more I write my predictions the more I realize the competition level across the board at all weights is tight. I believe Jendreas and Aubin are 2 locks for obvious reason. Just sucks that they will have to meet in the semis, I really wish that was the finals match. The 3rd quarter bracket is an interesting one. Ryan Schmidtendorff looks great this year but will run into Crown points Adrian Origel. This is one of those matches that could go either way IMO so picking one is tough. But if I had to put marbles on one of them I would put them on the senior Origel. Lastly I'll take the senior Aiden Dallinger, currently he is 33-2 and if im not mistaken he has past state experience. A senior with a mission to make it back is a scary senior. 
126
Bennett
Maldonado
Horn
Hawkins
I think 126 is the most clear cut and dry so far when it comes to who is punching their ticket. Starting with Bennett, he will more than likely have Wyatt Strickler in the ticket round and this comes down to two hungry seniors. Im going to put my marbles on Dylan Bennett. Next is a hard one for me, Obviously Plymouths Coen Kramer is one of my kids and he has wrestled Maldonado twice this year.  The first time Maldonado won by points and the second time was by fall. I'm not making excuses for my kid or taking anything away from Matthew but neither of those matches was Coen healthy, with that being said I'm excited to see this match again with both kids hopefully at their best. Lastly, Hawkins. Not much else needs to be said.

132
Demarco
Robson
Rivera
Wright
I think we all can agree that Demarco is the clear number 1 in this weight class. Sitting at 40-0 his senior year, he has put on an impressive campaign so far. I wouldnt be surprised to see him under the light in Evansville. The next quarter bracket is actually really interesting. We dont have a single state ranked wrestler in this weight. First round is a tough draw for Drews and Fritz. Two tough kids with impressive records this year. Drews has lost to Demarco and Sessa this year but it wasnt without a fight. His lost to Demarco was only a 1 point difference and the Sessa match was a 2 point difference. Fritz does have state experience being a qualifier last year. This is a bummer of a match to have first round. On the other side of the bracket there is Seth Wright. Senior with a record of 34-8. Having a good senior year and hoping to punch his ticket before the shoes are unlaced. Either of these 3 kids can make it through, it's going to be an exciting match up in the ticket round for this quarter bracket. I'll take my chances with Dalton Robson in the next quarter bracket. A sophomore with a 30-5 record. Currently ranked number 25 in the state, he will have Devin Basham of Rochester. Devin is a tough kid and wants to cap off his senior with a trip down to Evansville but it will be a tough match between Basham and Robson in the ticket. Next is an unfortunate quarter bracket. Number 6 and number 8 are meeting in the ticket round. These are the kind of matches that make me hate the way semi state is ran. No wrestle backs mean one of these potential state placers aren't going to be punching their ticket. With that being said I'm going to take the Junior from Lake Central Guillermo Rivera.
138
Shepherd
Smith
Reid
Fritz
Here we are at a weight where in my mind its a pretty clear picture for our 4 qualifiers. Shepherd is putting on one of the most impressive freshman campaigns that I can remember. Ranked number 1 in the state. Beating Kyrell former state champ and state place winner Wesley Smith at the Al Smith is as hard as it could get. So hats off to Clinton for that. With that being said Im showing biased here again, Wesley Smith is that kid who has been working to get back the only loss he has this year, that coming from Shepherd. This is another example of poor work on the IHSSA. These two kids are the obvious number 1 and 2 in the semi state and will meet in the semis. Either way an exciting match that I cant wait for. Next Im taking Luke Reid who is 22-1 and ranked number 10. I dont see anyone in this quarter bracket stopping him. For my last pick give me the undefeated senior Drake Fritz. Number 19 in the state with a pretty 40-0 record is something to be proud of.
144
Huyvaert
Stanley
Kirksy
Walker
Again another weight where the top 4 seem very clear. Jeffrey Huyvaert is putting on an absolute amazing season. He has done everything you could do this season. He now holds the single season takedown record. The only thing left to do with get his hand raised saturday night down in Evansville to have a perfect season. A tough match to watch first round is Christopher Firebaugh and Michael Ortega . This is going to be an excting first round match. Avery Stanley is the next pick for 144. 36-3 ranked number 17 and only a junior. Having an impressive year and i see him punching his ticket this weekend. Marlone Kirksy is having a great junior year currently sitting at 33-2 and ranked 12th. This is a sleeper kid who could be a placer down in Evansville. And to wrap up 144 is Zar Walker. Zar is a senior on a mission to end his high school career with a win under the light down in Evansville. He has looked good so far this year and has the potential to go very far.
150
Harper
Kasprzak
Bohn
Smith
Man oh man, this weight class breaks my heart. With 5 ranked seniors who are all capable of being state placer and on top of that 6 kids in this weight are ranked top 16 and we will lose a couple of them. This will be the weight class to watch Saturday. Please IHSSA let this bracket be an example of why we need to run things differently. But, onto my predictions. Wesley Harper and Jayden Lewis is an exciting match up. Two tough kids with state experience. Sucks to see one of these kids not punch their ticket. Wesley is a physical upper body wrestler with a leg riding top game. Jayden is a very technical and efficient wrestler. This is such an exciting match up and I cant wait to see this.  Next is a little easier of a pick with Chase Kazprzak, he has losses to Bohn, Smith and harper, but he got the draw to avoid all of them. So I see him punching his ticket. The next match up is undefeated Christopher Bohn and Wyatt Davis. Another one of those electric match ups. Two top 16 kids battling it  out to punch their ticket. I going with the undefeated senior from Munster. Lastly the most unfortunate draw of this weight class. Two top 10 wrestlers who both were one win away last year from being down at Gainbridge. This is a match up that intrigues me. Caydn Smith is a bull on his feet and has been a hammer on top this season. Kaptur Nowaczyk is a counter wrestler and a backpack on top of kids. I think this is a close competitive match all the way through. But again, Im taking the Plymouth kid Caydn Smith.
 
157
Van Tichelt
Pellot
Frost
Brabender
 
An exciting weight where the number 1 and 2 are separated and will meet in the finals. With our first ticket puncher I have Griffin Van Tichelt. Ranked number 10 I think its safe to say he will get through his quarter bracket. He will have a senior from Rensselaer Central. I never count seniors out. They are wrestling with nothing left to prove, that makes anyone dangerous. Next Pellot is gonna cruise through his quarter bracket. Very tough kid with great cardio. Excited for him and Brabender in the finals. Again, another quarter bracket with only one clear kid. Javon Frost 31-1 ranked 19th is the winner of that quarter bracket. Last but not least number one in the state, Beau Brabender. Last match up with Pellot was a barn burner and I can't wait for this rematch. Both kids are great in the respective ways.
 
165
Mavros
Beck
Rinehart
Sinks
 
I enjoy weights where the top 4 are pretty easy to point out. The only real unfortunate match up is Rinehart and Kennedy. Will Kennedy is the number 11 ranked 165lber in the state and has a tall mountain to climb with the number 1 ranked wrestler Anthony Rinehart. The rest is pretty much a lock. Beck should get through without many problems. This also goes for Mavros, he is looking like the clear one to walk away with the ticket out of that quarter bracket. Lastly Issac Sinks will punch his way through and make a trip down to Evansville to compete for a spot under the infamous light. 
 
175
Popp
Crisp
White
Costello
 
This is an interesting weight. We have one quarter bracket with the number 10 and 13 ranked kids wrestling each other for a ticket down to evansville. Then just one quarter bracket down we have 4 unranked kids battling for a spot. It always sucks to lose a top 16 kid at semi state and its going to happen again at this weight. Popp number 7 will wrestle John Glenns Kobelt in the ticket round, although Kobelt is tough I see Popp punching the ticket. Next is the awful draw and number 10 and 13. Merrillvilles Cameron Crisp and Penns Zymarion Hollyfield. Two really tough kids with some crazy athleticism trying to end their senior year down in Evansville.  Im taking Crisp with the only reasoning being his loss to Costello was 3-1 and Hollyfield was pinned by Costello in 54 seconds. I know styles make match ups, thats why im excited for this match up.
 
190
Weiand
Reading
Bisping
Freeman
 
Another one of those pretty clear brackets. All except for the first quarter bracket. Where number 16 ranked freshman Aleksandar Tatum will faceoff against Senior Colin Weiand. There is something exciting about a freshman vs senior for a ticket down to the state finals. Aleksandar is wrestling for a chance to be a 4 time qualifier and Weiand is wrestling to close his senior year down south at the state tournament. With all that I will take the senior 90% of the time and that is the case with this match up. The next 3 quarter brackets are pretty one sided IMO. Crown Points Reading and McCutcheons Finney will battle for their ticket. Reading is 18-5 and Finney is 27-3. I'll take my chances with Austin Reading. In the 3rd quarter bracket Kenneth Bisping is having a pretty dominate season currently sits 33-1 and ranked 7th in the state. Lastly Vinny Freeman will punch his ticket down to evansville.  This 31-2 sophomore is the number 4 ranked kid in the 190 weight class. Im amped to see his and Bispings match in the Semis this weekend.

 
215
Chicoine
Clark
Deming
Bartoszek
 
This is another bracket that kinda stinks because the number 1 and number 2 kids in the state will wrestle in the semis. But I'll
 take Chicoine in his quarter bracket. Last year was a runner up and hes looking to change that this year. In the next quarter bracket we have Will clark. As we all know the Clark brothers are absolute tanks. This is an exciting match up to have between Clark and Chicoine, just a bummer that it has to be the semis. Next up we have Alex Deming of Rochester Another undefeated Senior currently ranked number 5. This is another kid who is eager to get under the light. The winner of Clark and Chicoine will have Deming and thats a very fun match up. Lastly is our hardest quarter bracket. Between number 15 Everett Mcclelland and number 12 Jayden Bartoszek. These two have wrestled once this year and Bartoszek came of with the win. It was a close match and I expect the same thing this weekend when these two battle for a ticket to the state finals.

 
285
Beck
McNutt
Popi
Clark
 
Here is another example of poor draws for good kids. But how lucky are we as a semi state to have 4 of the top 5 heavy weights? In the first quarter bracket number 2 Brady Beck of Rochester will face number 6 Collin Foy of Hanover Central. These two kids should both be leaving the Ford Center with state medals but, only one will leave this weekend with a ticket down to Evansville. There is something heart breaking about 2 seniors wrestling to either continue their season or go home. With that being said I think the undefeated Brady beck leaves that quarter bracket with the ticket.  The next 3 quarter brackets are simple. Aramis McNutt clears his quarter bracket to meet Beck in the Semis and we will have the Number 2 and 3 battle to face Paul clark in the finals. The 3rd quarter bracket Anthony Popi should punch his ticket for the second time and meet Clark in the semis. The final quarter bracket is the monster of a kid Paul Clark. I don't think I need to say anything else?

So I will start this prediction off with a warning, I will be showing some biased towards my kids. I think that is common knowledge as most people would assume. I like to think my kids can beat anyone if they wrestle well. Also these are not in place order just who i think the top 4 will be. So now that we got that outta the way, here are my predictions.
106
Mason Jones
Alonzo Chantea
Teigan Newell 
Kolby Robinson
106 is a weight that I personally think there are only 3 real locks. Mason Jones is the obvious top dog at this weight. Coming at 32-0 he is having a pretty impressive senior year. Last year placing 5th at the state finals with his only loss being Nathan Rioux. The next lock is Alonzo Chantea, this kid is having a year that I dont think anyone expected. As it stands he is 42-2 and his only losses are to John Bissmeyer and Justus Thrasher. Alonzo was put out last year at regionals at 113. Now to be a top 16 ranked wrestler in the state is impressive to say the least. I'm excited to see he and Mason Jones in the finals this weekend. The next lock is Teigan Newell he is currently 17-8. Currently he is ranked number 13 putting on a good freshman season for Crown Point. He has lost to Chantea this season at the Al smith 11-4. Teigan and Alonzo will meet in the semis Saturday. Next I'm not sure, I think the last ticket will come down to Kolby Robinson and Grant Holloway. I'll admit I do not know much about Kolby he is currently 43-2 having himself a great freshman year, I have seen Grant wrestle a few times this year. Grant is currently 17-4 and if I'm not mistaken 2 of those losses are to Chantea.  I'm not sure what to expect of this match. But I think im going to lock in Kolby Robinson of Rensselaer.
113
Lewis
Harper
Halfarce
McNees
113 is our next stop of weights. Im kind of in the same boat as 106 when it comes to who I think punches their ticket. I think the two most obvious are Gavin Lewis and Brady Harper. Two very tough freshmen from two very good programs. This is a match that I hope we get to see Saturday evening. The next kid is Bryce McNees. From what I have seen out of McNees this year it wouldn't surprise me if he punches his ticket. Very tough wrestler with a mission to end his senior year with a trip down to Evansville. But he will have a test with Rensselaer Centrals Beck Doughty. This junior is currently sitting with an impressive 42-5 record. Im excited for this ticket round match for sure. The last quarter bracket will lead us to Mario Orueta and Caleb Halfacre. This is a match up of number 14 and number 18. These always excite me because of the amount that's on the line. One senior and one a junior makes more a heck of a match. In the end I think Halfacre walks away with a ticket, but I wouldn't be surprised if the outcome was reversed. 
120
Jendreas
Aubin
Dallinger
Origel
The more I write my predictions the more I realize the competition level across the board at all weights is tight. I believe Jendreas and Aubin are 2 locks for obvious reason. Just sucks that they will have to meet in the semis, I really wish that was the finals match. The 3rd quarter bracket is an interesting one. Ryan Schmidtendorff looks great this year but will run into Crown points Adrian Origel. This is one of those matches that could go either way IMO so picking one is tough. But if I had to put marbles on one of them I would put them on the senior Origel. Lastly I'll take the senior Aiden Dallinger, currently he is 33-2 and if im not mistaken he has past state experience. A senior with a mission to make it back is a scary senior. 
126
Bennett
Maldonado
Horn
Hawkins
I think 126 is the most clear cut and dry so far when it comes to who is punching their ticket. Starting with Bennett, he will more than likely have Wyatt Strickler in the ticket round and this comes down to two hungry seniors. Im going to put my marbles on Dylan Bennett. Next is a hard one for me, Obviously Plymouths Coen Kramer is one of my kids and he has wrestled Maldonado twice this year.  The first time Maldonado won by points and the second time was by fall. I'm not making excuses for my kid or taking anything away from Matthew but neither of those matches was Coen healthy, with that being said I'm excited to see this match again with both kids hopefully at their best. Lastly, Hawkins. Not much else needs to be said.

132
Demarco
Robson
Rivera
Wright
I think we all can agree that Demarco is the clear number 1 in this weight class. Sitting at 40-0 his senior year, he has put on an impressive campaign so far. I wouldnt be surprised to see him under the light in Evansville. The next quarter bracket is actually really interesting. We dont have a single state ranked wrestler in this weight. First round is a tough draw for Drews and Fritz. Two tough kids with impressive records this year. Drews has lost to Demarco and Sessa this year but it wasnt without a fight. His lost to Demarco was only a 1 point difference and the Sessa match was a 2 point difference. Fritz does have state experience being a qualifier last year. This is a bummer of a match to have first round. On the other side of the bracket there is Seth Wright. Senior with a record of 34-8. Having a good senior year and hoping to punch his ticket before the shoes are unlaced. Either of these 3 kids can make it through, it's going to be an exciting match up in the ticket round for this quarter bracket. I'll take my chances with Dalton Robson in the next quarter bracket. A sophomore with a 30-5 record. Currently ranked number 25 in the state, he will have Devin Basham of Rochester. Devin is a tough kid and wants to cap off his senior with a trip down to Evansville but it will be a tough match between Basham and Robson in the ticket. Next is an unfortunate quarter bracket. Number 6 and number 8 are meeting in the ticket round. These are the kind of matches that make me hate the way semi state is ran. No wrestle backs mean one of these potential state placers aren't going to be punching their ticket. With that being said I'm going to take the Junior from Lake Central Guillermo Rivera.
138
Shepherd
Smith
Reid
Fritz
Here we are at a weight where in my mind its a pretty clear picture for our 4 qualifiers. Shepherd is putting on one of the most impressive freshman campaigns that I can remember. Ranked number 1 in the state. Beating Kyrell former state champ and state place winner Wesley Smith at the Al Smith is as hard as it could get. So hats off to Clinton for that. With that being said Im showing biased here again, Wesley Smith is that kid who has been working to get back the only loss he has this year, that coming from Shepherd. This is another example of poor work on the IHSSA. These two kids are the obvious number 1 and 2 in the semi state and will meet in the semis. Either way an exciting match that I cant wait for. Next Im taking Luke Reid who is 22-1 and ranked number 10. I dont see anyone in this quarter bracket stopping him. For my last pick give me the undefeated senior Drake Fritz. Number 19 in the state with a pretty 40-0 record is something to be proud of.
144
Huyvaert
Stanley
Kirksy
Walker
Again another weight where the top 4 seem very clear. Jeffrey Huyvaert is putting on an absolute amazing season. He has done everything you could do this season. He now holds the single season takedown record. The only thing left to do with get his hand raised saturday night down in Evansville to have a perfect season. A tough match to watch first round is Christopher Firebaugh and Michael Ortega . This is going to be an excting first round match. Avery Stanley is the next pick for 144. 36-3 ranked number 17 and only a junior. Having an impressive year and i see him punching his ticket this weekend. Marlone Kirksy is having a great junior year currently sitting at 33-2 and ranked 12th. This is a sleeper kid who could be a placer down in Evansville. And to wrap up 144 is Zar Walker. Zar is a senior on a mission to end his high school career with a win under the light down in Evansville. He has looked good so far this year and has the potential to go very far.
150
Harper
Kasprzak
Bohn
Smith
Man oh man, this weight class breaks my heart. With 5 ranked seniors who are all capable of being state placer and on top of that 6 kids in this weight are ranked top 16 and we will lose a couple of them. This will be the weight class to watch Saturday. Please IHSSA let this bracket be an example of why we need to run things differently. But, onto my predictions. Wesley Harper and Jayden Lewis is an exciting match up. Two tough kids with state experience. Sucks to see one of these kids not punch their ticket. Wesley is a physical upper body wrestler with a leg riding top game. Jayden is a very technical and efficient wrestler. This is such an exciting match up and I cant wait to see this.  Next is a little easier of a pick with Chase Kazprzak, he has losses to Bohn, Smith and harper, but he got the draw to avoid all of them. So I see him punching his ticket. The next match up is undefeated Christopher Bohn and Wyatt Davis. Another one of those electric match ups. Two top 16 kids battling it  out to punch their ticket. I going with the undefeated senior from Munster. Lastly the most unfortunate draw of this weight class. Two top 10 wrestlers who both were one win away last year from being down at Gainbridge. This is a match up that intrigues me. Caydn Smith is a bull on his feet and has been a hammer on top this season. Kaptur Nowaczyk is a counter wrestler and a backpack on top of kids. I think this is a close competitive match all the way through. But again, Im taking the Plymouth kid Caydn Smith.
 
157
Van Tichelt
Pellot
Frost
Brabender
 
An exciting weight where the number 1 and 2 are separated and will meet in the finals. With our first ticket puncher I have Griffin Van Tichelt. Ranked number 10 I think its safe to say he will get through his quarter bracket. He will have a senior from Rensselaer Central. I never count seniors out. They are wrestling with nothing left to prove, that makes anyone dangerous. Next Pellot is gonna cruise through his quarter bracket. Very tough kid with great cardio. Excited for him and Brabender in the finals. Again, another quarter bracket with only one clear kid. Javon Frost 31-1 ranked 19th is the winner of that quarter bracket. Last but not least number one in the state, Beau Brabender. Last match up with Pellot was a barn burner and I can't wait for this rematch. Both kids are great in the respective ways.
 
165
Mavros
Beck
Rinehart
Sinks
 
I enjoy weights where the top 4 are pretty easy to point out. The only real unfortunate match up is Rinehart and Kennedy. Will Kennedy is the number 11 ranked 165lber in the state and has a tall mountain to climb with the number 1 ranked wrestler Anthony Rinehart. The rest is pretty much a lock. Beck should get through without many problems. This also goes for Mavros, he is looking like the clear one to walk away with the ticket out of that quarter bracket. Lastly Issac Sinks will punch his way through and make a trip down to Evansville to compete for a spot under the infamous light. 
 
175
Popp
Crisp
White
Costello
 
This is an interesting weight. We have one quarter bracket with the number 10 and 13 ranked kids wrestling each other for a ticket down to evansville. Then just one quarter bracket down we have 4 unranked kids battling for a spot. It always sucks to lose a top 16 kid at semi state and its going to happen again at this weight. Popp number 7 will wrestle John Glenns Kobelt in the ticket round, although Kobelt is tough I see Popp punching the ticket. Next is the awful draw and number 10 and 13. Merrillvilles Cameron Crisp and Penns Zymarion Hollyfield. Two really tough kids with some crazy athleticism trying to end their senior year down in Evansville.  Im taking Crisp with the only reasoning being his loss to Costello was 3-1 and Hollyfield was pinned by Costello in 54 seconds. I know styles make match ups, thats why im excited for this match up.
 
190
Weiand
Reading
Bisping
Freeman
 
Another one of those pretty clear brackets. All except for the first quarter bracket. Where number 16 ranked freshman Aleksandar Tatum will faceoff against Senior Colin Weiand. There is something exciting about a freshman vs senior for a ticket down to the state finals. Aleksandar is wrestling for a chance to be a 4 time qualifier and Weiand is wrestling to close his senior year down south at the state tournament. With all that I will take the senior 90% of the time and that is the case with this match up. The next 3 quarter brackets are pretty one sided IMO. Crown Points Reading and McCutcheons Finney will battle for their ticket. Reading is 18-5 and Finney is 27-3. I'll take my chances with Austin Reading. In the 3rd quarter bracket Kenneth Bisping is having a pretty dominate season currently sits 33-1 and ranked 7th in the state. Lastly Vinny Freeman will punch his ticket down to evansville.  This 31-2 sophomore is the number 4 ranked kid in the 190 weight class. Im amped to see his and Bispings match in the Semis this weekend.

 
215
Chicoine
Clark
Deming
Bartoszek
 
This is another bracket that kinda stinks because the number 1 and number 2 kids in the state will wrestle in the semis. But I'll
 take Chicoine in his quarter bracket. Last year was a runner up and hes looking to change that this year. In the next quarter bracket we have Will clark. As we all know the Clark brothers are absolute tanks. This is an exciting match up to have between Clark and Chicoine, just a bummer that it has to be the semis. Next up we have Alex Deming of Rochester Another undefeated Senior currently ranked number 5. This is another kid who is eager to get under the light. The winner of Clark and Chicoine will have Deming and thats a very fun match up. Lastly is our hardest quarter bracket. Between number 15 Everett Mcclelland and number 12 Jayden Bartoszek. These two have wrestled once this year and Bartoszek came of with the win. It was a close match and I expect the same thing this weekend when these two battle for a ticket to the state finals.

 
285
Beck
McNutt
Popi
Clark
 
Here is another example of poor draws for good kids. But how lucky are we as a semi state to have 4 of the top 5 heavy weights? In the first quarter bracket number 2 Brady Beck of Rochester will face number 6 Collin Foy of Hanover Central. These two kids should both be leaving the Ford Center with state medals but, only one will leave this weekend with a ticket down to Evansville. There is something heart breaking about 2 seniors wrestling to either continue their season or go home. With that being said I think the undefeated Brady beck leaves that quarter bracket with the ticket.  The next 3 quarter brackets are simple. Aramis McNutt clears his quarter bracket to meet Beck in the Semis and we will have the Number 2 and 3 battle to face Paul clark in the finals. The 3rd quarter bracket Anthony Popi should punch his ticket for the second time and meet Clark in the semis. The final quarter bracket is the monster of a kid Paul Clark. I don't think I need to say anything else?

Making wrestle backs doesn’t make kids soft? For example, should Hunter May or Tommy Gibbs not be able to wrestle back to the state tournament? The number 2 and number 3 kid in the state aren’t qualifying because of poor tournament structure. I’m sure Hunter and Tommy both have worked as hard as they possibly could. Again, tradition doesn’t justify IHSAA not looking at different routes to produce the best state tournament possible. I understand there won’t ever be a “perfect” tournament but there can 100% be more effort put into giving us a better tournament series.

My predictions in order (Gut reaction)
106: Jones, Chantea, Newell, Cantu
113: Lewis, Orueta, Harper, Doughty
120: Jendreas, Dallinger, Aubin, Schmidtendorff
126: Hawkins, Maldonado, Horn, Bennett
132: Demarco, Rivera, Fritz, Robson
138: Shepherd, Reid, Smith, England
144: Huyvaert, Walker, Stanley, Kirksy
150: Bohn, Harper, Smith, Rice
155: Barbender, Pellot, Van Tichelt, Frost
165: Rinehart, Beck, Mavros, Sinks
175: Costello, Crisp, White, Popp
190: Freeman, Tatum, Bisping, Reading
215: Clark, Deming, Chicoine, Bartoszek
285: Clark, McNutt, Beck, Popi

So I will start this prediction off with a warning, I will be showing some biased towards my kids. I think that is common knowledge as most people would assume. I like to think my kids can beat anyone if they wrestle well. Also these are not in place order just who i think the top 4 will be. So now that we got that outta the way, here are my predictions.
106
Mason Jones
Alonzo Chantea
Teigan Newell 
Kolby Robinson
106 is a weight that I personally think there are only 3 real locks. Mason Jones is the obvious top dog at this weight. Coming at 32-0 he is having a pretty impressive senior year. Last year placing 5th at the state finals with his only loss being Nathan Rioux. The next lock is Alonzo Chantea, this kid is having a year that I dont think anyone expected. As it stands he is 42-2 and his only losses are to John Bissmeyer and Justus Thrasher. Alonzo was put out last year at regionals at 113. Now to be a top 16 ranked wrestler in the state is impressive to say the least. I'm excited to see he and Mason Jones in the finals this weekend. The next lock is Teigan Newell he is currently 17-8. Currently he is ranked number 13 putting on a good freshman season for Crown Point. He has lost to Chantea this season at the Al smith 11-4. Teigan and Alonzo will meet in the semis Saturday. Next I'm not sure, I think the last ticket will come down to Kolby Robinson and Grant Holloway. I'll admit I do not know much about Kolby he is currently 43-2 having himself a great freshman year, I have seen Grant wrestle a few times this year. Grant is currently 17-4 and if I'm not mistaken 2 of those losses are to Chantea.  I'm not sure what to expect of this match. But I think im going to lock in Kolby Robinson of Rensselaer.
113
Lewis
Harper
Halfarce
McNees
113 is our next stop of weights. Im kind of in the same boat as 106 when it comes to who I think punches their ticket. I think the two most obvious are Gavin Lewis and Brady Harper. Two very tough freshmen from two very good programs. This is a match that I hope we get to see Saturday evening. The next kid is Bryce McNees. From what I have seen out of McNees this year it wouldn't surprise me if he punches his ticket. Very tough wrestler with a mission to end his senior year with a trip down to Evansville. But he will have a test with Rensselaer Centrals Beck Doughty. This junior is currently sitting with an impressive 42-5 record. Im excited for this ticket round match for sure. The last quarter bracket will lead us to Mario Orueta and Caleb Halfacre. This is a match up of number 14 and number 18. These always excite me because of the amount that's on the line. One senior and one a junior makes more a heck of a match. In the end I think Halfacre walks away with a ticket, but I wouldn't be surprised if the outcome was reversed. 
120
Jendreas
Aubin
Dallinger
Origel
The more I write my predictions the more I realize the competition level across the board at all weights is tight. I believe Jendreas and Aubin are 2 locks for obvious reason. Just sucks that they will have to meet in the semis, I really wish that was the finals match. The 3rd quarter bracket is an interesting one. Ryan Schmidtendorff looks great this year but will run into Crown points Adrian Origel. This is one of those matches that could go either way IMO so picking one is tough. But if I had to put marbles on one of them I would put them on the senior Origel. Lastly I'll take the senior Aiden Dallinger, currently he is 33-2 and if im not mistaken he has past state experience. A senior with a mission to make it back is a scary senior. 
126
Bennett
Maldonado
Horn
Hawkins
I think 126 is the most clear cut and dry so far when it comes to who is punching their ticket. Starting with Bennett, he will more than likely have Wyatt Strickler in the ticket round and this comes down to two hungry seniors. Im going to put my marbles on Dylan Bennett. Next is a hard one for me, Obviously Plymouths Coen Kramer is one of my kids and he has wrestled Maldonado twice this year.  The first time Maldonado won by points and the second time was by fall. I'm not making excuses for my kid or taking anything away from Matthew but neither of those matches was Coen healthy, with that being said I'm excited to see this match again with both kids hopefully at their best. Lastly, Hawkins. Not much else needs to be said.

132
Demarco
Robson
Rivera
Wright
I think we all can agree that Demarco is the clear number 1 in this weight class. Sitting at 40-0 his senior year, he has put on an impressive campaign so far. I wouldnt be surprised to see him under the light in Evansville. The next quarter bracket is actually really interesting. We dont have a single state ranked wrestler in this weight. First round is a tough draw for Drews and Fritz. Two tough kids with impressive records this year. Drews has lost to Demarco and Sessa this year but it wasnt without a fight. His lost to Demarco was only a 1 point difference and the Sessa match was a 2 point difference. Fritz does have state experience being a qualifier last year. This is a bummer of a match to have first round. On the other side of the bracket there is Seth Wright. Senior with a record of 34-8. Having a good senior year and hoping to punch his ticket before the shoes are unlaced. Either of these 3 kids can make it through, it's going to be an exciting match up in the ticket round for this quarter bracket. I'll take my chances with Dalton Robson in the next quarter bracket. A sophomore with a 30-5 record. Currently ranked number 25 in the state, he will have Devin Basham of Rochester. Devin is a tough kid and wants to cap off his senior with a trip down to Evansville but it will be a tough match between Basham and Robson in the ticket. Next is an unfortunate quarter bracket. Number 6 and number 8 are meeting in the ticket round. These are the kind of matches that make me hate the way semi state is ran. No wrestle backs mean one of these potential state placers aren't going to be punching their ticket. With that being said I'm going to take the Junior from Lake Central Guillermo Rivera.
138
Shepherd
Smith
Reid
Fritz
Here we are at a weight where in my mind its a pretty clear picture for our 4 qualifiers. Shepherd is putting on one of the most impressive freshman campaigns that I can remember. Ranked number 1 in the state. Beating Kyrell former state champ and state place winner Wesley Smith at the Al Smith is as hard as it could get. So hats off to Clinton for that. With that being said Im showing biased here again, Wesley Smith is that kid who has been working to get back the only loss he has this year, that coming from Shepherd. This is another example of poor work on the IHSSA. These two kids are the obvious number 1 and 2 in the semi state and will meet in the semis. Either way an exciting match that I cant wait for. Next Im taking Luke Reid who is 22-1 and ranked number 10. I dont see anyone in this quarter bracket stopping him. For my last pick give me the undefeated senior Drake Fritz. Number 19 in the state with a pretty 40-0 record is something to be proud of.
144
Huyvaert
Stanley
Kirksy
Walker
Again another weight where the top 4 seem very clear. Jeffrey Huyvaert is putting on an absolute amazing season. He has done everything you could do this season. He now holds the single season takedown record. The only thing left to do with get his hand raised saturday night down in Evansville to have a perfect season. A tough match to watch first round is Christopher Firebaugh and Michael Ortega . This is going to be an excting first round match. Avery Stanley is the next pick for 144. 36-3 ranked number 17 and only a junior. Having an impressive year and i see him punching his ticket this weekend. Marlone Kirksy is having a great junior year currently sitting at 33-2 and ranked 12th. This is a sleeper kid who could be a placer down in Evansville. And to wrap up 144 is Zar Walker. Zar is a senior on a mission to end his high school career with a win under the light down in Evansville. He has looked good so far this year and has the potential to go very far.
150
Harper
Kasprzak
Bohn
Smith
Man oh man, this weight class breaks my heart. With 5 ranked seniors who are all capable of being state placer and on top of that 6 kids in this weight are ranked top 16 and we will lose a couple of them. This will be the weight class to watch Saturday. Please IHSSA let this bracket be an example of why we need to run things differently. But, onto my predictions. Wesley Harper and Jayden Lewis is an exciting match up. Two tough kids with state experience. Sucks to see one of these kids not punch their ticket. Wesley is a physical upper body wrestler with a leg riding top game. Jayden is a very technical and efficient wrestler. This is such an exciting match up and I cant wait to see this.  Next is a little easier of a pick with Chase Kazprzak, he has losses to Bohn, Smith and harper, but he got the draw to avoid all of them. So I see him punching his ticket. The next match up is undefeated Christopher Bohn and Wyatt Davis. Another one of those electric match ups. Two top 16 kids battling it  out to punch their ticket. I going with the undefeated senior from Munster. Lastly the most unfortunate draw of this weight class. Two top 10 wrestlers who both were one win away last year from being down at Gainbridge. This is a match up that intrigues me. Caydn Smith is a bull on his feet and has been a hammer on top this season. Kaptur Nowaczyk is a counter wrestler and a backpack on top of kids. I think this is a close competitive match all the way through. But again, Im taking the Plymouth kid Caydn Smith.
 
157
Van Tichelt
Pellot
Frost
Brabender
 
An exciting weight where the number 1 and 2 are separated and will meet in the finals. With our first ticket puncher I have Griffin Van Tichelt. Ranked number 10 I think its safe to say he will get through his quarter bracket. He will have a senior from Rensselaer Central. I never count seniors out. They are wrestling with nothing left to prove, that makes anyone dangerous. Next Pellot is gonna cruise through his quarter bracket. Very tough kid with great cardio. Excited for him and Brabender in the finals. Again, another quarter bracket with only one clear kid. Javon Frost 31-1 ranked 19th is the winner of that quarter bracket. Last but not least number one in the state, Beau Brabender. Last match up with Pellot was a barn burner and I can't wait for this rematch. Both kids are great in the respective ways.
 
165
Mavros
Beck
Rinehart
Sinks
 
I enjoy weights where the top 4 are pretty easy to point out. The only real unfortunate match up is Rinehart and Kennedy. Will Kennedy is the number 11 ranked 165lber in the state and has a tall mountain to climb with the number 1 ranked wrestler Anthony Rinehart. The rest is pretty much a lock. Beck should get through without many problems. This also goes for Mavros, he is looking like the clear one to walk away with the ticket out of that quarter bracket. Lastly Issac Sinks will punch his way through and make a trip down to Evansville to compete for a spot under the infamous light. 
 
175
Popp
Crisp
White
Costello
 
This is an interesting weight. We have one quarter bracket with the number 10 and 13 ranked kids wrestling each other for a ticket down to evansville. Then just one quarter bracket down we have 4 unranked kids battling for a spot. It always sucks to lose a top 16 kid at semi state and its going to happen again at this weight. Popp number 7 will wrestle John Glenns Kobelt in the ticket round, although Kobelt is tough I see Popp punching the ticket. Next is the awful draw and number 10 and 13. Merrillvilles Cameron Crisp and Penns Zymarion Hollyfield. Two really tough kids with some crazy athleticism trying to end their senior year down in Evansville.  Im taking Crisp with the only reasoning being his loss to Costello was 3-1 and Hollyfield was pinned by Costello in 54 seconds. I know styles make match ups, thats why im excited for this match up.
 
190
Weiand
Reading
Bisping
Freeman
 
Another one of those pretty clear brackets. All except for the first quarter bracket. Where number 16 ranked freshman Aleksandar Tatum will faceoff against Senior Colin Weiand. There is something exciting about a freshman vs senior for a ticket down to the state finals. Aleksandar is wrestling for a chance to be a 4 time qualifier and Weiand is wrestling to close his senior year down south at the state tournament. With all that I will take the senior 90% of the time and that is the case with this match up. The next 3 quarter brackets are pretty one sided IMO. Crown Points Reading and McCutcheons Finney will battle for their ticket. Reading is 18-5 and Finney is 27-3. I'll take my chances with Austin Reading. In the 3rd quarter bracket Kenneth Bisping is having a pretty dominate season currently sits 33-1 and ranked 7th in the state. Lastly Vinny Freeman will punch his ticket down to evansville.  This 31-2 sophomore is the number 4 ranked kid in the 190 weight class. Im amped to see his and Bispings match in the Semis this weekend.

 
215
Chicoine
Clark
Deming
Bartoszek
 
This is another bracket that kinda stinks because the number 1 and number 2 kids in the state will wrestle in the semis. But I'll
 take Chicoine in his quarter bracket. Last year was a runner up and hes looking to change that this year. In the next quarter bracket we have Will clark. As we all know the Clark brothers are absolute tanks. This is an exciting match up to have between Clark and Chicoine, just a bummer that it has to be the semis. Next up we have Alex Deming of Rochester Another undefeated Senior currently ranked number 5. This is another kid who is eager to get under the light. The winner of Clark and Chicoine will have Deming and thats a very fun match up. Lastly is our hardest quarter bracket. Between number 15 Everett Mcclelland and number 12 Jayden Bartoszek. These two have wrestled once this year and Bartoszek came of with the win. It was a close match and I expect the same thing this weekend when these two battle for a ticket to the state finals.

 
285
Beck
McNutt
Popi
Clark
 
Here is another example of poor draws for good kids. But how lucky are we as a semi state to have 4 of the top 5 heavy weights? In the first quarter bracket number 2 Brady Beck of Rochester will face number 6 Collin Foy of Hanover Central. These two kids should both be leaving the Ford Center with state medals but, only one will leave this weekend with a ticket down to Evansville. There is something heart breaking about 2 seniors wrestling to either continue their season or go home. With that being said I think the undefeated Brady beck leaves that quarter bracket with the ticket.  The next 3 quarter brackets are simple. Aramis McNutt clears his quarter bracket to meet Beck in the Semis and we will have the Number 2 and 3 battle to face Paul clark in the finals. The 3rd quarter bracket Anthony Popi should punch his ticket for the second time and meet Clark in the semis. The final quarter bracket is the monster of a kid Paul Clark. I don't think I need to say anything else?

Just making it out 

IHSAA is forever going to ruin potential state placers with the lack of work on their end. I understand that some kids are going to have hard ticket round match ups, thats unavoidable. But a lot of the time there are ways to relocate matches and truly have the top 16 in each weight class make it through. But, until someone at IHSAA really takes a look at things with a mindset to fix it and make it better, every year we are going to be unsatisfied with the way this state runs the state tournament series. 

IHSAA is forever going to ruin potential state placers with the lack of work on their end. I understand that some kids are going to have hard ticket round match ups, thats unavoidable. But a lot of the time there are ways to relocate matches and truly have the top 16 in each weight class make it through. But, until someone at IHSAA really takes a look at things with a mindset to fix it and make it better, every year we are going to be unsatisfied with the way this state runs the state tournament series.