Insider Breakdown: Top 20 High School Team Analysis
Insider Breakdown: Top 20 High School Team Analysis
Unlock this article, live events, and more with a subscription!
Already a subscriber? Log In
Top 20 High School Team Analysis
Willie Saylor, Editor
Parity
Willie Saylor, Editor
Parity
I’m excited about this season. In recent years, the Top 5, maybe even Top 10 were clearly defined in the preseason. Even as those seasons progressed, there was little movement among the Top 10.
Whether or not that turns out to be the case again, this season, at least on paper and before the season starts, seems to offer more intrigue and parity from a team perspective. The Top 3, in my opinion, are firmly entrenched in their positions. But, from #4 and into the double digits, there couldn’t question marks. There are several worthy contenders and candidates.
Format Dilemma
As always, high school team rankings are made increasingly difficult when you have to consider format. Team A might have (on paper) a better dual line-up than Team B, but B may have the horses to beat Team A in a tournament.
For an example, look at Minnesota, where Apple Valley and St. Michael-Albertville are ranked #1 and #2, respectively, in AAA. STMA (11) has more state-ranked kids than AV (10). In eight of the fourteen weight classes, STMA kids are ranked ahead of Valley kids. And I would probably pick them, barring unforeseen bonus points, to win a dual over Apple Valley. However, in a tournament (and depending upon how deep the tournament field is), I’d probably lean towards Apple Valley.
The same type of argument could be made at the #2 spot, where Seminary is more balanced, but St. Johns appears to have more top end types.
That’s the Catch 22. And also what makes the season so interesting. That’s why they wrestle the matches.
Tiers
The first three appear to be in a class by themselves. Then there is a five team group ending with #8. After that, it’s relative chaos. Without much differentiation on paper, don’t be surprised to a great deal of movement as the season wears on.
Editorial Notes:
I’ll start off the year with the Top 20 teams and details of their line-ups and strengths. In December, I’ll move to a Top 25 with Honorable Mention. Going forward, Flowrestling’s National Team Rankings will be published every Tuesday morning throughout the season.
Here are the team capsules and breakdowns:
Rank - School - (Last Year's Final Ranking) - Head Coach
Rank - School - (Last Year's Final Ranking) - Head Coach
1. Blair Academy Buccaneers, NJ (1) - Charles Danhof
Strength: Dual and Tournament Format
Key Losses: Max Hvolbeck (126), Mark Grey (132), Todd Preston (138), Michael Mocco (182), David Farr (220)
Key Additions: Matt Kolodzik (120, TR-Miami, OH); Will Pickett (126, Virginia), Mason Manville (138, TR-Apple Valley, MN)
Ranked Individuals: #3-Jordan Kutler, 106; #6-Chaz Tucker, 113; #2-Matt Kolodzik, 120; #20-PJ Klee, 132; #9-Mason Manville, 138; #4-Dylan Milonas, 145; #7-Russ Parsons, 152; #14-Patrick Coover, 160; #5-Frank Mattiace, 195; #2-Brooks Black, HWT
Breakdown: Longtime Head Coach Jeff Buxton has moved on, but his footprint remains all over this Blair team and the national title hunt. While their line-up might not be as star studded as recent Blair squads, there are virtually no holes. 10 of their 14-man line-up are ranked nationally in the Top 20. Equally adept in both dual and tournament formats, Blair is the clear leader for another national championship.
It should be noted that Joey McKenna, who would be #1 nationally at 126lbs, suffered a serious, surgery-requiring injury at Cadet Worlds and will most likely miss his entire JR campaign.
First Competition: Walsh Ironman, Dec. 7th & 8th
Key Dates: @ Beast of the East, Dec. 22nd; @Powerade, Dec. 28th; vs. #19-St. Paris Graham, Jan. 5th; @NHSCA Final Four, Jan. 12th; @ #4-St. Edward, Feb. 2nd
2. Wyoming Seminary Blue Knights, PA (9) - Scott Green
Strength: Dual and Tournament Format
Key Losses: Evan Botwin, (120), Dom Malone (126), Connor Wasson (182), AJ Vizcarrando (220)
Key Additions: Jeremy Schwartz (113, TR-Central Dauphin, Pa); Will Crisco (120, Hand, Connecticut); Judson Preskitt (126, TR-Bishop Lynch, TX); Joey Nelson (138, Stoughton, WI); Chris Weiller (152, FR, Pa); Nicky Hall (160, Longwood, NY); Garrett Ryan (220, Horizon, AZ)
Ranked Individuals: HM-Danny Boychuck, 106; HM-Jeremy Schwartz, 113; HM-Will Crisco, 120; HM-Judson Preskitt, 126; HM-Joey Nelson, 138; HM-Chris Weiller, 152; HM-Nicky Hall, 160; #1-Eric Morris, 182; #5-Garrett Ryan, 220; #6-Michael Johnson, Jr., HWT
Breakdown: Now entering his third campaign at Seminary, Scott Green is pushing the envelope of development and success for the Blue Knights. There’s a lot of turnover on this team, but a full load of reinforcements have arrive. As you can see above, they have a gang of kids (through the light and middle weights) on the cusp on national rankings. Watch for Weiller, a double Fargo AA who is ranked 8th on our Freshmen Big Board.
Where Sem is strongest and most experienced is in the back half of their line-up, where most teams are weak. The Knights are probably a better dual meet team than a tournament team, but the studs at the top will keep them in the thick of things in any format.
First Competition: Caruso Tournament, Dec. 1st.
Key Dates: @ Ironman, Dec. 7th; Beast of the East, Dec. 22nd; Hurricane Classic, Dec. 28th; Doc Buchanan, Jan. 4th; NHSCA Final Four, Jan. 12th
3. St. Johns Redwings, MI (7)
Strength: Duals and Tournament Format
Key Losses: Rory Bender (130), Jordan Wohlfert (160), Taylor Massa (170)
Key Additions: Angus Arthur (171, TR-Lowell)
Ranked Individuals: #6-Zach Hall, 125; #6-Jacob Schmitt, 130; #10-Logan Massa, 135; HM-Brant Schafer, 140; HM-Josh Pennell, 145; #2-Ben Whitford, 152; #19-Angus Arthur, 171; #12-Payne Hayden, 189
Breakdown: St. Johns lost two huge pieces in state champs Wohlfert and Massa and Bender who was 4th. But they gained transfer Arthur (State 5th) and the middle of their line-up is absolutely loaded. They have six state finalists returning along with state placers Pennell and Arthur.
The thing that stinks is that Michigan has stringent rules regarding competition. While they will certainly be dominant in state, their position at #3 is tentative. The middle is down right sick, but production at the first three weights will be critical. We'll find out the most about them on January 12th.
First Competition: @ East Kentwood Invitational, Dec. 8th
Key Dates: Goodrich Invitational, Dec. 29th; Detroit Catholic Central Invitational, Jan. 12th
4. St. Edward Eagles, OH (2) - Greg Urbas
Strength: Duals and Tournament Format
Key Losses: Alex Moore (113), Nick Barber (138); Matt Van Curen (152); Jacob Davis (160); Mark Martin (170); James Suvak (195); Ty Walz (220); Greg Kuhar (HWT)
Key Additions:
Ranked Individuals: HM-LJ Bentley, 106; #1-Dean Heil, 132; HM-Colin Heffernan, 138; #5-Edgar Bright, 145; #20-Markus Scheidel, 152; #4-Domenic Abounader, 195
Breakdown: St. Ed’s is coming off an amazing season that saw them feature what was perhaps the best back half of the line-up ever. They lose eight starters from that team. But Ed’s almost never has a down year. They were National Runners-Up last year to Blair and have won 15 of the last 16 big school state titles in one of the nation’s toughest battlegrounds.
I always applaud Coaches Urbas and Heffernan for their tough off season schedule. They hit all the big events and the benefits are annually seen in their kids’ development and improvement. Look for guys like LJ Bentley (FR National Champ), Colin Heffernan, and Parker Knapp (Fargo AA) to be vastly improved and to bolster the Ed’s line-up to be better than you might have thought heading into the season.
I think they are an oddly sneaky team; the Eagles have enough studs to pace them in deep tournaments like Ironman, and enough depth to beat nearly everyone in duals.
First Competition: Vs. Cuyahoga Valley Christian Academy, Dec. 1st
Key Dates: Ironman, Dec. 7th; Dvorak, Dec. 22nd; Medina Invite, Dec. 28th; @ Detroit CC Invite, Jan. 12th; vs. #19-St. Paris-Graham, Jan. 19th; vs. #1-Blair Academy, Feb. 2nd
5. Canon McMillan Big Macs, PA (4) - Chris Mary
Strength: Deep Tournaments
Key Losses: Colton Shorts (126), Dario Dobbin (145); Cody Klempay (HWT)
Key Additions: None
Ranked Individuals: HM-Dalton Macri (120); #3-Connor Schram (126); #3-Solomon Chishko (145); #2-Cody Wiercioch (170)
Breakdown: State Champions in both formats last year, The Big Macs are losing five starters. The good thing for them is that their top-heavy line-up features frontline stars that can make up a bunch in bonus. And their lesser-known starters are pretty capable guys that should give them otherwise surprising balance. Watch out for Powerade Runner-Up Alex Campbell (220).
First Competition: First Competition: Walsh Ironman, Dec. 7th & 8th
Key Dates: Reno TOC, Dec. 14th; Powerade, Dec. 28th
6. Brandon Eagles, FL (6) - Russ Cozart
Strength: Duals
Key Losses: Rossi Bruno (126), Clark Glass (152), Kyle Koziel (182)
Key Additions: Frankie Bruno (106/113, Fr.), Kyle Norstrem (113/120, Fr.)
Ranked Individuals: HM-Frankie Bruno, 106; HM-Kyle Norstrem 113; HM-James Flint, 120; HM-Dylan Lucas, 126; #4-Kevin Norstrem, 138; HM-Jacob Haydock, 160; HM-Travis Berridge, 170
Breakdown: Consider that last year they dualled the best teams in the country at the Clash and went down to the wire with them. Brandon lost three huge pieces from that team, but their young back end has improved dramatically since then, and they gain two talented freshman to lead off.
For examples of improvement, look at Troy Joyce (145) who was an NHSCA Runner-Up, Dakota Greene (152), who made it to quarters at S32, and upper weights Dontae McGhee (182) and Robert Enmon (195), who were both Fargo Cadet AA’s.
They might not have as much top-flight firepower as recent years, but they’ll have incredible line-up balance.
So Far: Won Hills County Tournament
This Week: Troy Smith Duals, Nov. 30th and Dec. 1st
Key Dates: Graves Tournament, Dec. 7th; Collins Hills Duals, Dec. 22nd; The Clash XI, Dec. 28th
7. Apple Valley Eagles, MN (3) - Dalen Wasmund
Strength: Duals and Tournament Format
Key Losses: Shamar Williams (132), Dakota Trom (138), Mason Manville (152), Brandon Kingsley (160), Ben Sullivan (170),
Key Additions: Gannon Volk (106, 1st Year Starter)
Ranked Individuals: HM-Maolu Woiwor, 113; #16-Seth Gross, 126; HM-Dayton Racer, 145; #1-Mark Hall, 152; #11-Daniel Woiwor, 170
Breakdown: Valley should see significant improvements from their less heralded guys like Brock Morgan, Paul Cheney (195), and Trom Peterson (220). But they lost a gang of important components.
The Eagles still have six individuals ranked 1st or 2nd in the state in AAA. But balance in duals against national opponents might make things difficult. They could be better than their preseason rankings here, but they’ll have to have some kids emerge to prove their line-up balance.
First Competition: Dick Shiels Invite, Dec. 1st
Key Dates: vs. Kasson-Mantorville, Dec. 7th; Minnesota X-Mas Tournament, Dec. 14th; The Clash XI, Dec. 28th; The Cheesehead, Jan. 4th
8. St. Michael-Albertville Knights, MN (HM) - Dan Lefebrve
Strength: Duals and Tournament Formats
Key Losses: Nick Edling (220)
Key Additions: Mitchell McKee (106, Kimball)
Ranked Individuals: #9-Mitchell McKee, 106; #3-Tommy Thorn, 120; HM-Mark Voss, 132; HM-Cole Sladek, 138
Breakdown: All four of the above guys are ranked #1 in Minnesota Class AAA, and The Knights have seven others ranked in the Top 10 of their weight. Perhaps most importantly is the ability they have at weights most teams don’t. Their final three wrestlers are each ranked 4th in the state. That combination makes for a line-up with both balance and power.
Their battles with Apple Valley in both formats this year will be epic. And their national status will be confirmed at The Clash.
First Competition: STMA Invitational Dec. 1st
Key Dates: vs. #14-Simley, Dec. 7th; Minnesota X-Mas Tournament, Dec. 14th; The Clash XI, Dec. 28th
9. Montini Catholic Broncos, IL (HM) - Israel Martinez
Strength: Duals and Shallow Tournaments
Key Losses: Kevon Powell (120), Drew Vrbenec (138), Conor Winel (170),
Key Additions: Jose Champaign (132, FR.-Indiana)
Ranked Individuals: HM-Tommy Pawelski, 113; HM-Jordan Laster, 126; HM-Chris Garcia, 138; HM-Xavier Montalvo, 152; HM-Edgar Ruano, 220
Breakdown: The Broncs have nearly a full line-up of sold-but-not-spectacular guys. That will result in an incredibly tough dual squad. There are few, if any, holes in their line-up.
It should be noted however, that several key pieces will be out playing football and not available for the start of the season.
So Far: Defeated Aurora, 54-30; Defeated Marion, 50-30
This Week: vs. #18-Marist, Saturday
Key Dates: Ironman, Dec. 7th; vs. Marmion, Dec. 13th; Dvorak, Dec. 22nd; Cheesehead, Jan. 4th; at Detroit CC Invite, Jan. 12th
10. Clovis Cougars, CA (5) - Steve Tirapelle
Strength: Deep Tournaments
Key Losses: Daniel Gaytan (120), Vincente Hernandez (126), Matt Gay (132), Sergio Enloe (138), Zach Nevills (170), Ryan Davies (182), Dakota Gordon (195)
Key Additions:
Ranked Individuals: HM-Jonas Gaytan, 120; #18-Adrian Salas, 182; #3-Nick Nevills, HWT
Breakdown: Considering they lost such a glut of talent after a year in which they smashed the state record for team points, you have to be impressed with the depth the coaching staff develops by the mere fact that the Cougars are still ranked.
By no means is the cupboard completely bare, though. Looking to continue its streak of Top 10 finishes nationally, Clovis returns over 100 points from last year’s state tournament with five medalists in single-class Cali.
They’re fine at the bookends. It’s the middle that will have to come through for Clovis to hit the next echelon.
First Competition: Newbury Park Invite, Dec. 1st
Key Dates: Zinkin Classic, Dec 22nd; Powerade, Dec. 28th; Doc Buchanan, Jan. 4th; Temecula Valley, Jan. 18th
11. Allen Eagles, TX (23) - Jerry Best
Strength: Dual and Tournament Format
Key Losses: Jarrod Trotter (126), Jack Bass (145), Matt Bryan (HWT)
Key Additions: Howard Smith (106, TR-Minnesota), Daniel Cartegena (138, TR-Arizona),
Ranked Individuals: #3-Oliver Pierce, 152; #-Bo Nickal, 160; HM-Nick Cobb, 195
Breakdown: Allen’s back half of the line-up will be as about as solid as any in the country this year. The key will be what they get out of the lightweights. I have a hunch they’ll perform well. Guys like Gabe Torres (113), Mason Smout (120), and up to AJ Hinkle (145) have made great strides and Cartegena, who was already a good, will only get better working with Best.
First Competition: Broken Arrow Tri-Meet, Dec. 6th
Key Dates: Mid America Nationals, Dec. 7th; Kansas City Classic, Dec. 14th; Zinkin Classic, Dec. 22nd
12. Perry Meridian Falcons, IN (12) - Jim Tonte
Strength: Duals and Tournament Formats
Key Losses: Jared McKinley (132), Kirk Johnson (160)
Key Additions: Brett Johnson (106, FR)
Ranked Individuals: HM-Jacob Cottey, 113; MH-Brandon James, 126; #12-Cody LeCount, 132; #11-Dante Winfield, HWT
Breakdown: The Falcons return six state qualifiers from single class Indiana, and that’s not including major contributors Riley McClurg or Paul Mathews.
The thing to love about this PM team is that their talents are spread out. From their 106 prospect Johnson, to their Fargo Finalist at HWT, there are few gaps.
First Competition: Home Tri, Dec. 8th
Key Dates: County Tournament, Dec. 15th; @ Indianapolis Cathedral, Jan. 9th
13. Christiansburg Blue Demons, VA (13) - Darryl Weber
Strengths: Deep Tournaments and Duals
Key Losses: Tyler Miles (170); Brandon Taylor (220)
Key Losses: Tyler Miles (170); Brandon Taylor (220)
Key Additions:
Ranked Individuals: #7-Coy Ozias, 113; #5-JR Wert, 120; #1-Joey Dance, 126; #8-Zach Epperly, 170
Breakdown: CBurg had a great season last year as they were carried by their four top guns. Heading into the season a year ago, I thought they’d struggle in duals. But they held their own as evidenced by their Clash and VA Duals results.
Losing their only real upperweight anchor in Taylor hurts. but the rest of their line-up is virtually in tact, meaning they should be one year more experienced.
First Competition: Tri-Meet, Nov. 30th
Key Dates: Ironman, Dec. 7th; Beast of the East, Dec. 22nd; VA Duals, Jan. 11th
14. Simley Spartans, MN (14) - Jim Short
Strengths: Deep Tournaments
Key Losses: Stephen Mincey (132), Dale Barner (152). Micah Barnes (160), Cody Hazelett (195), Matt Kadrlik (HWT)
Key Losses: Stephen Mincey (132), Dale Barner (152). Micah Barnes (160), Cody Hazelett (195), Matt Kadrlik (HWT)
Key Additions: Daniel Kirkvlet (113, JH)
Ranked Individuals: HM-Kyle Gliva, 126; #5-Jake Short, 152; #4-Nick Wanzek, 160
Breakdown: Simley is a wrestling factory with the depth in the room to plug holes from injury or graduation. But they lost a lot last year, including key upper weights that provided balance in duals. While guys like Juan Torres (132) and Mack Short (145) will strengthen the Spartans, their line-up looks a little thinner than the last few years.
First Competition: vs. Owatonna, Dec. 1st.
Key Dates: vs. #8-St. Michael-Albertville, Dec. 7th; Minnesota X-Mas Tournament, Dec. 14th; The Clash XI, Dec. 28th; Cheesehead, Jan. 4th; @ Kasson-Mantorville, Jan. 26th
15. Bethlehem Catholic Golden Hawks, PA (10) - Jeff Karam
Strength: Duals and Shallow Tournaments
Key Losses: Zane Heller (126); Randy Cruz (132); Elliot Riddick (170);
Key Losses: Zane Heller (126); Randy Cruz (132); Elliot Riddick (170);
Key Additions: Luke Karam (106, FR), Cole Karam (113, FR), Lee Todora (132, FR), Colin Hedash (170, TR-Northern Lehigh)
Ranked Individuals: #4-Darian Cruz, 120; #7-Zeke Moisey, 126, HM-Ryan Todora, 152
Breakdown: Bethlehem Catholic has been a tough dual team in state, and a legitimate national tournament team for a couple years now. Losing Randy Cruz and Riddick to graduation will hurt in the latter category. But with their additions the Golden Hawks should be fine in the dual department.
Expect BECA to be slow out of the gates as they nurse some injuries. Cole Karam, Moisey, and perhaps others won’t hit the line-up till after the holidays.
First Competition: @ Whitehall, Dec. 12th
Key Dates: King of the Mountain, Dec. 14th; Beast of the East, Dec. 22nd; Easton Invitational, Jan. 5th; Temecula Valley, Jan. 18th; vs. Easton, Jan. 26th
16. Central Dauphin Rams, PA (18) - Jeff Sweigard
Strength: Duals
Key Losses: Jeremy Schwartz (113, Transferred); Shyheim Brown (132)
Key Additions:
Ranked Individuals: #8-Tyson Dippery, 138; #8-Garrett Peppelman, 160
Breakdown: The Rams will be a little thinner this year than in the recent past when they were a staple in the the PIAA state tournament. However they still have two stop flight studs and enough depth to overwhelm most opponents. Nick Varndell, Austin Rose, Zach Elvin, Dorian Spradlin, and Terrance Parsons make for one of the better dual teams in the country.
First Competition: Brandywine Tournament, Dec. 8th
Key Dates: Beast of the East, Dec. 22nd; Hurricane Classic, Dec. 28th
17. Oak Park-River Forest Huskies, IL (NR) - Mike Powell
Strength: Duals
Key Losses: Matt Garelli (120), Sammy Brooks (182)
Key Additions: Isaiah White (126, FR)
Ranked Individuals: HM-Matt Rundell, 120; #20-Isaiah White, 126; HM-Larry Early, 132; HM-Davonte Mahomes, 170; HM-Joe Ariola, 182
Breakdown: OPRF has an incredibly balanced line-up, proven by their win over Marist already. They are a little thin up top, and don’t have the horses to win a deep major, but they’ll be an in-state power and one of the toughest dual teams nationally.
So Far: Beat #18-Marist, 26-25
This Week: @ Washington Duals, Dec. 1st
Key Dates: @ The Clash XI, Dec. 28th; @ Iowa City West Duals, Jan. 5th; @ HM-Carl Sandburg, Jan. 12th; vs. #9-Montini, Jan. 23rd; @ Marmion, Jan. 24th
18. Marist Redhawks, IL (NR) - Brendan Heffernan
Strength: Duals
Key Losses: None
Key Additions: Nick Lukanich (106, First-year starting), Ethan Benoit (182, FR)
Ranked Individuals: HM-Nick Lukanich, 106; HM-Mark Duda, 120
Breakdown: Marist is built much like Oak Park; great balance but few hammers. That will serve them well in duals against national competition, but leave them suspect in deeper tournaments.
Exemplifying that is the fact that although they return all eight state qualifiers from last season, they only finished tied 10th at the state meet.
It should be noted that in their narrow dual loss to OPRF, they were without the services of key component Peter Andreotti (152).
So Far: Lost to #17-Oak Park-River Forest, 26-25
This Week: @ ECCC Tri-Meet, Dec. 29th; @ Mt. Carmel and #9-Montini, Dec. 1st
Key Dates: @ Marmion, Dec. 15th; @ Dvorak, Dec 22nd; @ The Clash XI, Dec. 28th
19. St. Paris Graham Falcons, OH (8) - Jeff Jordan
Strengths: Duals
Key Losses: Blake Kastl (145), Isaac Jordan (160), Huston Evans (182)
Key Losses: Blake Kastl (145), Isaac Jordan (160), Huston Evans (182)
Key Additions: Alex Marinelli (FR), Mario Kastl (FR), Brent Moore (FR), Garrett Jordan (FR)
Ranked Individuals: HM-Eli Stickley, 106; #10-Micah Jordan, 132; #1-Bo Jordan
Breakdown: With what the Falcons have graduated the last couple of years, there’s no surprise to see them slip a little. But they’re not as ‘down’ as you might think. They still have a few front liners. And the youngsters coming through the pipe line are supposed to be top notch. They’ll be a surprisingly tough dual team.
First Competition: vs. Huntington (WV), Dec. 1st
Key Dates: Ironman, Dec. 7th; @ #1-Blair Academy, Jan. 5th; Top Gun, Jan. 11th; vs. #4-St. Edward, Jan. 19th
20. Carl Sandburg Eagles, IL - (NR) - Eric Siebert
Strength: Duals and Deep Tournaments
Key Losses: Jim Panazzo (113), Dan Garcia (132)
Key Additions: Louie Hayes (106, FR)
Ranked Individuals: HM-Sebastian Pique, 126; #10-Colin Holler, 160; #5-Ricky Robertson, 182
Breakdown: Sandburg boasts an experienced, senior-laden roster, as ten starters will be in the final high school season. They have good balance across the board and also have the hammers to pace them in deeper tournaments. Watch for Mitch Cook (145/152) to have a breakout year.
First Competition: vs. Glenbard North, Dec. 20th; @ The Clash XI, Dec. 28th
Honorable Mention:
Bakersfield, CA
Bettendorf, IA
Blue Springs, MO
Bound Brook, NJ
Broken Arrow, OK
Columbia, ID
Collinsville, OK
Davison, MI
Detroit Catholic Central, MI
Don Bosco, NJ
Edmund North, OK
Franklin Regional, PA
Glenbard North, IL
Hermiston, OR
Kasson-Mantorville, MN
Kearney, MO
Massillon Perry, OH
McDonogh, MD
Maple Mountain, UT
Moeller, OH
Pope, GA
South Plainfield, NJ
Roseburg, OR
Stillwater, OK
Tuttle, OK