State of the Program ... West Craven (NC)
West Craven (NC)
Head Coach: Jeremiah Hohlfelder (1st year as Head Coach)
Staff: Ronald Lollis
West Craven is definitely a team on the rise in 2022-23. After punching 5 tickets to the state tournament a season, the Eagles return all 5 this season. The quintet is led by Senior State Placer Walker Bell who finished 5th at 132 in 2022. Bell, Gerald Johnson III, and Braylin Thomas each had success in Greensboro last February and each will look to make that next step and climb high on the podium in 2023. The Eagles also return State Qualifiers Brady Stevenson and Jacob Williams. With a handful of returners who have been to the big dance and a handful of others that are looking to punch their ticket - this is a team to watch in 2023.
The Eagles will be particularly good through the middle where Bell, Johnson, Stevenson, and Williams hold down the 132-152 spots. The key for West Craven is the development of the top and bottom parts of the lineup. Keep an eye on Senior Dominec Oneto as well as Lathon Morris and Isacc Nzedowski up top and a trio of freshmen in Kaden Stevenson, Landon McCarty, and Gavin Stewart on the bottom part of the lineup. Sophomore Jamesion Wesley returns after a solid freshman campaign and will look to punch his ticket in 2023 after being a region qualifier in 2022.
“After a 3rd place finish in the conference last season, coupled with 5 returning state qualifiers we are looking to build on that season. Last year this team was really young, but has the potential to have a break out season this year. We’ve had a pretty good off season with some of our older guys and a few of the young guys and I believe their goal this season is to win a Conference title and I truly believe that they can.”
NOTE: All mentions of placers and qualifiers in the body are based on the 2021-22 season. If a wrestler placed higher or lower in a previous year it is not captured above.