A Fan's Guide to the North Carolina State Dual Tournament
Overall notes:
Remember this is a Fan’s Guide to the state dual tournament. For those of you that are less knowledgable regarding the specifics of duals vs. tournaments … duals are like other traditional sports where one team competes directly against another to accumulate the most points. Matchups at weight classes can play a huge role in the outcome and the ability of coaches to “move around” wrestlers to create favorable matchups can be critical to the outcome.
Order: Most of the time the dual begins at 106 and proceeds through the weight classes and concludes at heavyweight. That is not mandatory and the dual can start anywhere in the 14 weight classes … so if the dual starts at 145 it will proceed through the weight classes until it finishes at 138. As you can see in the example below … the 7A State Final began at 285 and then concluded at 220.
Scoring: An individual match is scored just like it always is … 2 points for a takedown, etc. The dual is scored the same way you may have seen throughout the season … but in case you were confused here is a brief idea of how it is done:
A fall is worth 6 pts
A technical fall (difference between individual wrestlers is 15 or more points) is worth 5 pts.
A major decision (difference between individual wrestlers is 8 or more, but under the 15) is worth 4 points.
A regular decision (basically a win without a fall, tech fall, or major), is worth 3 points.
Teams can be deducted points for a variety of reasons, but I won’t get into that.
Below is an example from last year’s 4A State Finals between Laney and Northwest Guilford.
Outcome: The team with the most points after all 14 weight classes have wrestled is the winner and advances to the next round. The losing team is eliminated.
Before we begin down the path of looking at each of the brackets and attempting to give you an idea of what you might see this week … I want to point out that I have had a ton of help with the Fan’s Guides for both 4A and 3A. Carolinas Mat News has taken the lead on 4A and Cheryl Sinyard Baynard has been kind enough to write the 3A Fan’s Guide. Remember the purpose … to provide the average fan and idea of the teams, individuals, and potential matchups of the state duals. It is not meant as a prediction, but it might not be surprising to surmise who we think might win.
Schedule:
The first 2 rounds of the State Duals will take place on Tuesday February 4th. The 3rd round and the regional round will take place on Thursday February 6th and the State Duals Finals will be held on Saturday February 8th.
This Fan’s Guide is a collaborative effort between Carolinas Mat News, Cheryl Sinyard Banyard, and SEWrestle. The turnaround time for the duals (we received the brackets on Monday morning and wrestling begins Tuesday evening) is very short … so please keep that in mind as you look through the information.
A huge shoutout to Rankwrestlers.com - I know that for 2A and 1A I used Rankwrestlers to help understand the breakdown of each matchup.
4A
The 4A Fan’s Guide is brought to you by Coach Smithwick at Carolinas Mat News. You can find Carolinas Mat News on twitter @CarolinasMat and on Instagram at @CarolinasMatnews.
EAST BRACKET
Pinecrest Quad
Teams: Laney, Green Hope, Pinecrest and Millbrook.
If you can make it to Pinecrest, this might be the best match of the night. Laney and Pinecrest are both undefeated and heavily favored to come out as the East champion. They could meet in their second match Tuesday evening.
New Bern Quad
Teams: New Bern, Jack Britt, Cary and Lumberton
New Bern comes in undefeated but Britt, Cary, and Lumberton will have something to say about that. Lumberton and Cary will be a good matchup in the first round as will Britt and New Bern. No one gets an easy first or second round at this quad.
Middle Creek quad
Teams: Corinth Holders, Leesville Road, Middle Creek, and Riverside
I like Corinth Holders in this one. They have a young but tested team and are well-coached. Middle Creek is another team not to take likely. Riverside might be a tough test for Middle Creek in the first round.
Cardinal Gibbons Quad
Teams: Cardinal Gibbons, Holly Springs, South View, and Heritage
Cardinal Gibbons and South View are the favorites in this quad. South vVew is always well coached and Gibbons is tough. In the end, I think Gibbons moves onto Thursday.
WEST BRACKET
NW Guilford Quad
Teams: NW Guilford, Mallard Creek, Hickory Ridge, and West Forsyth
NW Guilford is one of the favorites to win the West Region after their State Championship last year. The experience and tradition of the Vikings will be too much for a well-coached team from Mallard Creek. West Forsyth should emerge on top against Hickory Ridge setting them up with NW in the final match.
Glenn Quad
Teams: Glenn, High Point Central, McDowell and Lake Norman
Glenn looks to be the clear favorite in this quad. McDowell is a team to watch in the future as Coach Calloway begins to mold them into a championship team. Lake Norman has a new coach and should be back to prominence in the next few years. Lake Norman wrestles one of the toughest schedules in all of NC. I expect them to meet Glenn after the first round with Glenn moving on to Thursday’s round.
Hough Quad
Teams: Hough, East Mecklenburg, Olympic and Ragsdale
Hough is a clear favorite in this quad, the West Region and the State. They always seem like they do not have to rebuild just reload. Lots of huskies are ready to help their team win their first team title and they are led by All-American Richard Treanor. Olympic and East Meck are some of the best that CMS has to offer but will not be enough to get past Hough and Riverside. Hough and Riverside should be a good 2nd round match.
Mooresville Quad
Teams: Mooresville, Porter Ridge, Ardrey Kell, and Davie County
Last year's West region runner up Mooresville looks like a clear favorite here. They are another team that never seems to rebuild but just reload. They did lose a lot to graduation but come in battle-tested. They are also the two-time defending Individual State tournament team champions. Porter Ridge is well-coached but will not be able to stop Mooresville. Davie should win over Ardrey Kell. Daive fans always travel well and are passionate and knowledgable. Mooresville vs Davie should be match to close out Tuesday night.Sent from my iPhone
3A - by Cheryl Sinyard Banyard
Dual Team matchups are all the talk in the 3A world this week. Conference tournaments are out of the way. First/Second round sites have been chosen. We go into tomorrow’s round 1 with 32 teams and walk out on Saturday with only 1 champion.
West Carteret 25-4 meets Person County 13-5 at Southern Nash High School.
200 miles separate these two teams but they come together in a big way tomorrow night. Junior #7 182lb Josh Anderson (45-5), Senior #2 195lb Jake Reynolds (24-2), and Senior #7 220lb Manuel Jaurequi form a trifecta of ranked upper weights for West Carteret. While in the lower weights they have Junior #9 126lb Jacob Bennett (43-5) and Sophomore #10 106lb Hayden Augenstein (39-12). While Person County has Junior #8 152lb Dawson Thibodeau(37-5) and Junior #10 120lb Diego Jiminez (32-9).
CB Aycock23-3 meets Southern Nash 22-13 at Southern Nash High School.
When these 2 teams met back on December 10th, the Aycock Golden Falcons took the W with a final score of 54-21. With Senior #1 113lb Christian Decateur (52-0) and Senior #1 152lb Tyler Hughes (50-0) remaining undefeated and breaking records, the consensus is that Aycock will come out on top again. Although Southern Nash brings no wrestlers ranked in the top 10, the rematch to watch seems to be at the 145lb division. Cameron Small (Southern Nash) vs Seth Lupton (Aycock) ended with Small winning 9-7 in OT at their December meeting.
Topsail 22-8 meets Clayton12-6 at Clayton High School
Having not met this season, Topsail brings in Freshman #3 106 Ethan Blevins (39-4) and Senior #4 126lb state placer Ben Baker (23-2) while Clayton delivers no one ranked higher than #20 with Senior 138lb Jermiah Mattocks. Clayton over Topsail would truly be an upset.
Fike 29-4 meets Gray’s Creek 14-6 at Clayton High School
Fike Demons come in hot with a stack of ranked starters beginning with Senior #1 170lb state champion Aaron Bancroft II (42-0) and following up with Junior #6 152lb Vincent Page (25-6), Senior #7 106lb Jahmez Settles (37-8), Junior #9 145lb McCulleh Patrick (42-5) and Junior #9 195lb Jayleen Bullock (39-3). Gray’s Creek brings Sophomore #6 120lb Richard Williams (27-8) and Senior #7 152lb Jalen Keith (35-7) and Junior #9 285lb Garrett Crocket(8-2).
Cleveland 8-1 meets Northern Guilford 44-3 at Orange High School
With nearly 5 times more dual matches in their pocket this season than their first round competition, Northern Guilford also jumps out ahead with 7 top 10 ranked wrestlers compared to Cleveland’s highest ranked wrestler Senior #15 152lb Alex Toback (10-2). Northern Guilford is relying on Senior #1 138lb state runner up Heath Gonyer (50-0) to lead, Senior #3 220lb Jacob Barlow (49-1), Junior #5 106lb Kory Paschal (46-5), Senior #6 132lb Max Benfield (45-5), Freshman #8 126lb Garrett Benfield (42-5), Senior #8 170lb Owen Elwonger (43-5) and Senior #10 145lb Zachary White (26-4).
Union Pines 26-4 meets Orange 23-3 at Orange High School
When these 2 teams met up at the individual Tiger Holiday Classic, Orange dominated and it wasn’t readily apparent how close they really are. While only Union Pines has any top 10 ranked wrestlers, they are both tough teams. Union Pines comes in sporting Senior #4 152lb state placer Jonathan Ross (44-1) and Junior #6 138 Aaron Faison (37-10). Orange shows up with Junior #11 126lb Kessel Summers (35-9). Two must see matches should be the 152lb match Jonathan Ross (Union Pines) vs Noah Davis (Orange) and the 126lb match Kessel Summers (Orange) vs Andrew Clark (Union Pines). Orange is the coach’s choice on this one.
Cape Fear 7-1 meets Havelock 26-4 at Chapel Hill High School
While Cape Fear took it easy on the dual meet trail this season, they are not concerned about the match count. Senior #1 145 state champion Dallas Wilson (35-0), Senior #1 220lb state placer Nick Minacapelli (24-2) and Sophomore #9 170lb Jaden Paul (29-8) are leading the Colts in their fight against the Rams. Havelock, with a much younger team, has the Junior #10 220lb Derek Waiau (33-9) as their only top 10 wrestler. Even with the inexperience, Havelock outscored Cape Fear at the Dash Classic individual tournament in January by 30.5 points.
Chapel Hill 20-5 meets Triton 11-4 at Chapel Hill High School
Residing on opposite sides of our state capital, these two teams never crossed paths this season. Chapel Hill brings Senior #5 160lb Can Kilic (28-8) and Sophomore #7 145lb Alexander Gunning (28-7). Triton is a young team, lead by Senior #5 285lb Michael Carvin (36-1).
Asheboro 44-3 meets Enka 25-6 at Central Cabarrus High School
Asheboro and Enka are yet another fresh match up this season. Enka has been ranked high all season, with a total of 8 top 10 ranked wrestlers at this point. Lead by Senior #2 126lb Corbin Dion (49-5), Senior #3 170lb Garrett Pugh (45-7), Junior #4 160lb Luke Artz (46-8), Junior #4 195lb Colby Maxwell (43-8), Senior #5 182lb Eli Vassey(36-5), Sophomore #8 132lb Greyson Harris (50-8), Junior #10 152lb Tony Torres (40-8) and Junior #9 138lb Eli Foster (45-13). Asheboro stacks up only 3 top 10 ranked wrestlers, Senior #8 145lb Kyle Hicks (33-3), Junior #8 220lb Drew Bullins (37-5) and Sophomore #9 160lb Logan Lambeth. This one was voted one to watch.
Central Cabarrus 18-4 meets Stuart Cramer 16-4 (Wild Card) at Central Cabarrus High School
Wild cards are always interesting to watch. They have everything to prove and nothing to lose so they tend to come out strong. This match should be all it’s hyped up to be. Stuart Kramer has the #1 ranked wrestler in the super tough 126lb weight class with Sophomore Zachery Karagias (33-2). They follow up with Junior #7 285lb Omar Cerna (33-2) and Senior #10 138lb Tyreese Morris (25-2). Central Cabarrus enters with their only top 10 ranked wrestler Sophomore #2 113lb Marcus Jackson (43-1).
Western Guilford 13-5 meets Cox Mill 21-20 at Piedmont High School
With a whopping 41 dual matches under their belt going into this week, Cox Mill is well prepared for a few more rounds, even with no one ranked in the top 10. Western Guilford is lead by Senior #1 195lb state runner up Charles Swiggett (33-0) and Junior #8 182lb Aaron Berry (28-4).
Piedmont 24-10 meets Southeast Guilford 20-7 at Piedmont High School
Last time these two teams met, it ended in a 39-27 Piedmont win. Coming into this week, Piedmont is lead by Junior #2 120lb state placer Jake Cauble (47-5), Junior #3 126lb state champion Tripp Collins (52-1) and Senior #3 145lb state placer Bailey Wicker. Southeast Guilford is not going to be an easy day at work with their 7 top 10 ranked wrestlers. Most noticeably their 3 Senior #1’s at 132lb state place Josh Wilson (41-0), 160lb Brooks Hunt (4-0 out since November but rumored to possibly be making a return this week) and 285lb state placer Johnathan King (27-0). The team is rounded out by Junior #6 182lb Max Steele (31-4), Sophomore #6 220lb Alex McCalop (34-3), Freshman #7 113lb Johnathan Lopez (25-6) and Junior #8 120lb state placer Dylan Muir (29-3). The match to watch here would be at 145lb, Garrett Britt (Piedmont) beat Xavier Jones (SEG) back in December 13-12 in ultimate overtime.
Statesville 30-7 meets North Henderson 18-8 at St. Stephens High School
Stateville has made the rounds this season, racking up nearly 40 dual matches, while North Henderson prefers the individual tournament trail focusing on events such as Holy Angels. It will be interesting to see which approach pays off. Statesville claims a lone top 10 ranked wrestler, Senior #2 285lb state placer Jason Shuford. North Henderson comes in with Junior #2 106lb state placer Lazaro Vasquez (41-3), Junior #2 220lb state placer Triston Norris (51-3), Freshman #7 120 Henry Portela (33-8), Junior #8 138 Trevon Hill (31-10) and Senior #9 113lb Kyle Randall (20-4).
St. Stephens 30-8 meets King’s Mountain 32-13 at St. Stephens High School
A young St. Stephens team does not necessarily mean an inexperienced St. Stephens team. They’ve got nearly 40 duals under their belt. They come in with Senior #4 113lb state placer Jovanny Urzua (42-2), Sophomore #5 195lb Andy Britt (47-4), and Junior #9 120lb Coy Reid (44-8). King’s Mountain heads into the first round with no top 10 ranked wrestlers. Coach’s polled say St. Stephen’s has this one.
North Gaston 19-15 meets Cuthbertson 18-3 at West Henderson High School
North Gaston has made the rounds this season with their only top 10 wrestler, Junior #3 113lb Chance Cottingham (46-6). Cuthbertson has three ranked at #5, Sophomore 132lb Nicholas Schutz (28-1), Junior 138lb Grant Kahlenberg (14-4) and Senior 152lb William Swan (34-5).
West Henderson 21-0 meets West Rowan 21-4 at West Henderson High School
West Henderson broke their own dual match win streak this season back at
16-0, then continued to keep winning, all the way through conference for the first time since 1996. Their senior lead team boasts only 2 top 10 ranked wrestlers, #2 152lb state placer Stephen Baynard (39-4) and #2 170lb Auden Brennan (42-5). Having not yet this season, West Rowan comes into the first round with 3 top 10 ranked, Senior #7 138lb Lane Adkins (33-6), Junior #7 170lb Seth Simmerson (27-3) and Senior #8 195lb Baiden Suddarth (23-4).
2A - by SEWrestle
Top Quarter of the Bracket:
North Pitt Quad:
Northeastern vs. Wheatmore
North Pitt vs. West Craven
Interesting quad with Wheatmore and Northeastern to get us started. Wheatmore is led by returning State Champ and Super 32 top 8 Ethan Oakley. Oakley is an absolute hammer, but in duals he can only get you 6 … so Wheatmore will rely on Daugherty, Hinson, Miller, and Nelson to get many of the additional points. Wheatmore matches up well with Northeastern and should face the winner of North Pitt and West Craven.
North Pitt returns 2 State Placers in Jones and Everett … Craven has Jon Ward. None of the hammers match-up so the dual will likely come down to a few other matches. I missed recognizing Cameron Jones - ranked 11th by RankWrestlers.com … Cameron, Raheem, along with Espinosa-Johnson and Everett give North Pitt an advantage (although the Cameron Jones vs. Shay Delph match could be a good one). They will look to Andrew Mizell to wrestle Ward tough … Hoffner vs. Bell at 106 and Bullock vs. Moore at 120 look like toss-ups.
If we get a Wheatmore vs. North Pitt match - it will be the strong lightweights of Wheatmore and the tough upperweights of North Pitt getting points. The difference could come down to those in the middle …
Bunn Quad:
Bunn vs. SW Edgecombe
St. Paul’s vs. Washington
I’d expect that Bunn is the favorite in this quad. The squad is led by Sam Kagarise and Jeremy Cope as well as freshman Scottie Spencer. How far Bunn advances will probably depend on how well Brandon Davidson (106), Erik Foltz (145), and Levi Smith (285) wrestle. Bunn matches up well with Southwest Edgecombe - especially since SW Edgecombe looks to be missing a 106 and 120. St Pauls will look to JR Ethan Roberts at heavyweight to lead the way. Roberts is 22-10 on the year according to RankWrestlers.com. Washington will look to a pair of SRs Brodie Moore - a returning State Placer and Mykel Warren (currently ranked 15th). Washington - like I said with Bunn - will rely on points from their hammers, but it will be the success of Zack Warren (113), Isaac Campbell (120), Hayden Anderson (170), Walt Gerard (182), and Christian Whitney (195) that will determine how far they get in the playoffs.
2nd Quarter of the Bracket:
Dixon Quad:
Trinity vs. Dixon
Reidsville vs. Morehead
A very good quad of teams that could feature some excellent individual matchups. Trinity enters with 6 wrestlers ranked in the top 15 - Dixon have 4 … but those 4 are definite point-getters for the Bulldogs. Both Trinity and Dixon appear to have a gap at one weight class in their lineup, but I’d be surprised to see either give up 6 points with a forfeit (even if that means bumping someone up). Keep an eye on Makupson vs. Bolman at 126 and Talent vs. Proffitt at 170. Will Dixon bump Edens up to try to get points in a matchup with Ayden Prevatte?
Reidsville and Morehead both have hammers, but they aren’t close in weight … meaning each team will look for their hammers to score bonus points and then work to get wins in potential toss up matches. Williamson vs. Lundsford - which gives us a match of two freshmen is the type of match the dual could come down to. Miller, Floyd, and Lindsay will be important for Reidsville - Searcy (who I missed in the rankings - comes in at #13), White, and Richardson will be important for Morehead. Keep an eye on the Miller vs. D’Antae Richardson match at 145.
Croatan Quad:
Currituck vs. Cummings
Croatan vs. West Davidson
It appears that Currituck has the edge on Cummings, but it probably doesn’t matter much because Croatan looks like the team to beat in the quad. They have 8 wrestlers ranked in the top 15 in 2A with Jacob Caldwell at #3 at 106 and returning State Placer Walker Gladwell at 220. Sam Hodge and Trent Walker are tough outs for Currituck, but the rest of the squad has two possible forfeits and a bevy of freshman (5 in all). West Davidson could make the dual with Croatan interesting if they can win from 113-138 (and get bonus points along the way … but that is certainly not a given).
3rd Quarter of the Bracket:
Lincolnton Quad:
West Wilkes vs. South Point
Central Academy vs. Lincolnton
The Lincolnton quad is outstanding and features two of the best teams in 2A … Central Academy of Technology and Arts (CATA) and West Wilkes. Lincolnton and South Point are both solid squads that have some very good wrestlers - especially South Point with 2019 State Placers Corbin Allen and Andrew Warren, but CATA and West Wilkes are solid from top to bottom. This entire quarter of the bracket is extremely tough … if you are a casual fan and want to watch some quality teams compete - this is the place for you.
CATA vs. West Wilkes is your likely 2nd round matchup and it really should happen later in the tournament. But it isn’t so who wins and advances? CATA is just nasty down low … 106-160 are all solid and the group is led by returning State Champ Kyle Montaperto and senior returning State Placers Hunter Ross and Jake Dodson. So how does West Wilkes match that? Well the one positive for Wilkes is that they are strong up top and could get points from 170-220. In my opinion (and take that for what it is worth) - for Wilkes to win and advance it will come down to winning at 106 (Shaw vs. Nasta) and 113 (Federico vs. Haney) and get bonus points at 170-220. If that happens then they will have a shot. Add in Ball vs. Scarborough and Heater vs. Brady Ross and you have an outstanding dual and some outstanding individual matches.
West Lincoln Quad:
Foard vs. Mt Pleasant
West Lincoln vs. Central Davidson
Another outstanding quad and as I said before … this quarter of the bracket is absolutely stacked. Foard has to be the team to beat here … they have a top 15 ranked wrestler at 12 of the 14 weights including returning State Champ Landon Foor and returning State Placer Hunter Lloyd. The depth that Foard has gives them a ton of flexibility to move wrestlers around to create the best opportunities (whether that is getting bonus points, avoiding giving up bonus points, or getting a close win). It seems likely we will have a Foard vs. CATA dual on Thursday night that will be fireworks.
But let’s not get ahead of ourselves because every time I begin to go down that line of thinking - West Lincoln surprises (well not really surprises given how good they are) and knocks everyone off. Bridges and Hoffman, both returning Placers, lead the way for a team that can beat anyone in the tournament. Just like top of this quarter … one team (likely Foard or West Lincoln) will not make it beyond Tuesday that has all the ability to win the entire thing. This is not a criticism of Mt Pleasant or Central Davidson, but both got a very tough draw. Potential individual matchups abound here with Whalen vs. Miller at 152, Weaver vs. Pickard at 160, Belton vs. Kluttz at 195, Scronce vs. Wilson at 220 and then the possible West Lincoln and Foard matchups make this one to watch.
Bottom Quarter of the Bracket:
RS Central Quad:
RS Central vs. North Forsyth
Pisgah vs. Ledford
126. Yes it is the state duals, but it is hard to miss the potential matchups at 126. Two 2019 State Champs are here (Braden Riggs and Zachariah Lewis) plus fabulous freshman Easton Shelley of Ledford (who is ranked #4). In terms of duals it would be surprising if RS Central didn’t down North Forsyth and advance to meet either Pisgah or Ledford. Pisgah and Ledford have some potentially great matchups and they will probably have a huge impact on who wins the dual … but if they happen to split 126, 132, 138/145, and 152 then it will likely come down to 170-220.
Lewis should be waiting for either Riggs or Shelley and that match could be a preview of the state finals. On paper it looks like the Pisgah/Ledford winner should advance to Thursday …
Bunker Hill Quad:
Madison vs. Bunker Hill
Surry Central vs. East Henderson
On paper it looks like a showdown between Bunker Hill and Surry Central to see who will advance to Thursday. Bunker Hill has 4 wrestlers ranked in the top 15 and Madison has 1 … Surry Central has 3 including #1 ranked Jeremiah Price at 145 and East Henderson has 2. This quad will likely come down to bonus points and winning toss-up matches.
1A - by SEWrestle
Top Quarter of the Bracket:
Manteo vs. Chatham Central - Rosewood Quad
winner vs. Rosewood
Manteo has the possibility of 3 forfeits, Chatham Central could have 4. Each has a ranked wrestler in the top 10, but they won’t face one another in the dual. The winner gets Rosewood. Rosewood has 5 ranked wrestlers and should give up no forfeits. If Chatham Central beats Manteo … look for the Logan Tortual vs. Brantley Hart matchup at 113.
Granville Central vs. South Davidson - Voyager Quad
winner vs. Voyager Academy
Granville Central vs. South Davidson looks good on paper … GC has 3 wrestlers ranked in the top 10, South Davidson counters with 2019 State Placer Timothy Freeze at 126 and 3 others that are ranked. It doesn’t look like any of the ranked wrestlers will matchup … that means if their ranks hold then the other matchups like Thorpe vs. Valdez, Vargas vs. Todd, etc. could determine who moves on to take on Voyager. Voyager has some outstanding individuals, but according to Rankwrestlers only has 7 weight covered (if true that makes it tough to win a dual).
Second Quarter
South Stanly vs. North Stanly - South Stanly Quad
winner vs. East Carteret
South Stanly beat North Stanly 57-12 in late December. On paper South Stanly has 5 ranked in the top 10 and should be favored to move onto the 2nd round where they would face a tough East Carteret team. It doesn’t appear that the two teams have faced one another this year … and this could be a good matchup. Keep an eye on these possible ranked matchups:
126 Jaquavius Caraway (5th) vs. Shane Hatfield (3rd)
132 Renfere Garcia (8th) vs. James Lawrence (5th)
170 Hunter Barrier (7th) vs. Jathan Parker (6th)
285 Khris Mayo (4th) vs. Ezekial Jayne (3rd)
Albemarle vs. Neuse Charter - Uwharrie Quad
winner vs. Uwharrie Charter
Albemarle vs. Neuse Charter looks pretty even on paper … Albemarle seems to have an edge up top with Monta Hall, Adrian Little (a 2019 State Placer), and Unique Carvalho. Uwharrie Charter awaits the winner and they are one of the best teams in 1A. 11 of their 14 weights has a top 10 ranked wrestler and the group is led by returning State Placers Heaven Fitch at 106 and Jerry Jimenez at 152.
Third Quarter
Bradford Prep vs. Andrews - Avery County Quad
winner vs. Avery County
At this point - Avery County looks like the best team in 1A. If you haven’t seen them compete - you should really get out and watch this group. River Griffith and Levi Andrews are returning State Champs, Ethan Shell is a returning State Placer, and 11 of their 14 are ranked in the top 10 (4 are ranked #1 and 3 are ranked #2).
Andrews vs. Bradford Prep looks to be a good dual on paper … Bradford Prep has 2 ranked wrestlers in Boydstun and Mauro. I don’t believe the two teams have crossed paths this year. Regardless of who wins between Bradford Prep and Andrews … their run will likely end later Tuesday night when they face Avery County. I’m not one for making predictions, but on paper Avery County looks like a juggernaut that isn’t likely to be derailed anytime soon (can some team further in the tournament do it? We will see).
Swain County vs. Mitchell - Mitchell Quad
winner vs. East Wilkes
Mitchell hosts what should be two very good duals tomorrow evening. First up is Swain County vs. Mitchell. Both teams have a number of ranked wrestlers and each has returning State Placers. Mitchell should be paced by Dylan Lowery (ranked #2 at 120) and Swain County has returning State Placers Jonas Trejo, Nathan Brock, and Cody Long. With 8 of their 14 weight classes having someone ranked in the top 10 - Swain County looks like the team to beat. Keep an eye on these possible matchups:
152 - Hunter Craig (6th) vs. Cameron Greene (5th)
220 - Connor McCoy (5th) vs. Samuel Shook (7th)
Whichever team draws East Wilkes in the second match will be in for a tough dual. I don’t believe Swain County and East Wilkes have met this year, but if that is the matchup then there are a number of individual matchups that could be important in the outcome. Keep an eye on these possibilities:
145 Lucas Brown (3rd) vs. Austin Bauguess (1st)
152 Hunter Craig (6th) vs. Chandler Luffman (7th)
160 Damian Lossiah (7th) vs. Dustin Blackburn (2nd)
Bottom Quarter
Mount Airy vs. Polk County - Robbinsville Quad
winner vs. Robbinsville
Mt. Airy has 5 wrestlers ranked in the top 10, Polk County counters with 5 also. Just two will likely meet head-to-head (unless we have shuffling at 120/126 by Polk or if Mt Airy can get points at 132 and also move Medvar up to face Worthington). A lot could happen around those weights. If everything holds - you should keep an eye on …
138 - Aidan Horton vs. Brennan Worthington
182 - Jackson Tambarello vs. Gage McSwain
The ranked wrestlers will play a role in the outcome, but it might come down to some others getting wins and/or bonus points that eventually propels one team into the second round.
A very tough Robbinsville awaits the winner. Robbinsville has to be one of the favorites in the bottom quarter. They have 3 returning State Placers in Jayden Nowell, Nathan Fisher, and Kyle Fink as well as 3 others (Smith, Wilson, and Stewart) that are ranked.
Cherryville vs. Hayesville - Cherryville Quad
winner vs. South Stokes
Cherryville has 4 ranked in the top 10, Hayesville has 3. Each of Hayesville’s ranked wrestlers are at 106, 113, and 120 … so it is important for them to get out to a good start (assuming the dual begins at 106). The Brady Buchanan vs. Kevin Cook matchup at 113 could be an early (assuming they begin at 106) indicator of whether Hayesville will get the win.
South Stokes is set to meet the winner. They appear to have a few holes at 126, 132, and 152 (RankedWrestlers.com didn’t have anyone at those weights), but the rest of the team is very good. Defending State Champ Jackson Boles leads the way with fellow senior and returning State Placer Kaleb Mitchell. Another interesting 113# matchup is likely in the 2nd match with Cody Lawson (who is ranked 3rd). If Cherryville advances keep an eye on the 195# matchup with Jayden Blanton (4th) and Jordan Mitchell (2nd).