2024 NYSPHSAA DIVISION I: SALUTE TO THE CHAMPIONS!!

101: William Soto (Fr.; Newburgh-9)

Continuing the Goldbacks' monopoly (Cooper Merli last season) in the lightest of the contested weight classes was NYWN's top-ranked 2027 Big Boader, Soto, who went unchallenged in following up his 3rd place effort in 2023 by bonus-pointing his way to the crown as a freshman...The "tilt master" was in rare form between Friday and Saturday, as round after round, he would put on a clinic from the top position, tallying eight separate sets of swipes during his four appearances, including exposing sectional teammate, EJ Vass (Valley Central), three times to earn 7 of his 11 points en route to an 11-0 major decision in a rematch of their 2024 Eastern States Classic and Section 9 title bouts....One round prior, it would be a four takedown/four set of NF display that vaulted him into the finale, as he punched his ticket behind a 17-1 tech fall versus 2024 Section I titlist/7th grade phenom, Vincenzo Mannello (BBHVW)...Thw owner of a 39-1 advantage in terms of total points scored vs. surrendered, day #1 did not provide much in the way of a test either, as Soto opened up his tourney by striking for an immediate TD and then running a bar to stick S6 runner-up, Cameron Crumpler (Niagara Falls) in a time of 22 ticks, before then adding a 9-0 major (one TD in each of the three periods, 1 full set of backs in the 1st) over returning State 7th/eventual 2024 State 3rd, Ethan Andreula Long Beach), in the quarterfinals!!...Unblemished from beginning to end, Soto closed out his 2023-2024 campaign having compiled a 51-0 resume!
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108: Cooper Merli (So.; Newburgh-9)

Going back-to-back with teammate/training partner, Soto, in seizing the first two crowns of Saturday evening was the super sophomore [Merli], who is now officially the only wrestler in NFA history to win multiple NYSPHSAA gold medals, as he ascended to the top step of the podium for a second consecutive year after being the King of 102 as a freshman...Doubted by the pundits despite being a defending titlist/#2 seed, Merli successfully dished out a plate of crow when after riding out the full 2:00 of the 2nd period, he'd account for the lone point of the match on an escape with 1:27 remaining in regulation to emerge as a 1-0 victor in a clash of reigning champ vs. former champ over 2022 State ruler, Dunia Sibomana-Rodriguez (Long Beach). The outcome was a stark contrast from their previous battles, including the 9-2 decision secured by Sibomana-Rodriguez one month earlier in the finals of the ESC....One of a pair of barn-burners that truly tested the poise of Merli, on day #1, he'd surrender the only takedown of the match, but relied on his mat prowess to be a saving grace, as three escapes (the key one being the E1 with :13 to go in the 1st rideout period) enabled him to claim the 3-2 tiebreaker decision versus 2x State Qualifier/2024 State 7th, Gino Manta (Hauppauge)....His opening-round and semifinal appearances proved to be much more relaxing affairs, as Merli was able to jump out to a 9-0 edge (takedown in the 1st, reversal and two sets of NF in the 2nd) on his way to an 13-6 decision versus 2024 S3 champ, Kymah Gummow (Indian River)....Takedowns in the 1st and 2nd periods (coupled with an E1 in the middle stanza) was all the damage he needed to inflict, as he pitched a 5-0 shutout in the championship round of 4 versus 2024 CHSAA State gold medalist/3x State Qualifier (6th in '24), Cullen Edwards (St. Francis)!!...The triumph on Saturday night put Merli at an even 50 wins for the season (50-4)!!
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116: Evin Gursoy (Jr.; Midwood-P)

Taking bronze in 2022 and silver a season ago, the Hornet junior completed the full collection of medals as he capped off a perfect 27-0 year by leaving no doubt that he was the best of the best at 116 pounds...Amassing a margin of 44-3 in his four outings, Gursoy went 4-for-4 in earning bonus points, with the last of his outings perhaps being the most impressive of the bunch...Pitted against first-time state qualifier/2024 Suffolk champ, Anthony Severino (Lindenhurst), the Brooklynite stud was lethal in every position on the mat, as he'd strike for the first of his four takedowns 25 seconds into the 1st period, and later added a 2nd period reversal, and two separate sets of NF (1st and 3rd periods) to runaway with a 14-2 major decision in the main event to become the first wrestler in school history to win the hardware, as well as just the second PSAL wrestler to ever win a DI brass ring....His finals match reminiscent of how the weekend as a whole went for the 11th grade product of Beat the Streets and KD Trained, Gursoy banked two TDs and a 3rd period NF to pick up an 8-0 major in the semis over Suffolk runner-up, Aidan Donohue (Rocky Point)...Five combined takedowns and four sets of swipes was the crux of a dominant Friday that witnessed him accrue a fall in 5:42 (up 12-1) and a 10-0 in the round of 16 and quarterfinals against 3x S6 finalist/2x champion (2nd in '24), Eian Peterson (Niagara Wheatfield), and 2x State Qualifier/2024 Section 2 gold, Vincent Mastrianni (Colonie)!
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124: Luke Satriano (Jr.; Valley Central-9)

Underdog? Don't ever make the mistake of calling the Viking 11th grader an "underdog" again!!!...Seeded 2nd, but not receiving the respect one would expect a defending titlist (2023 @110) to garner, Satriano certainly demanded that admiration of any naysayers this past weekend, as he defeated senior, NCAA DI commits in each of his trips to the mat on Saturday...Commencing day #2 with a showdown with returning 3x All-Stater/2022 runner-up/West Virginia signee, Anthony Clem (Wantagh), Satriano allowed the initial TD of the bout, but would then storm back to score 11 unanswered, highlighted by a 7 point third period (E1, TD, full set of backs, penalty pt) to take the dub, 11-2....His finals match a mano-a-mano collision of defending champs with 2xer/future Pittsburgh Panther, Matt Marlow (Northport), Satriano broke open a scoreless match after the 1st period by striking for a reversal and three different sets of swipes to account for his full accumulation in a 10-0 major decision to join the esteemed company of Ricky Scott (2004 & 2005 at 171) & Lou Ruggirello III (2004-96, 2005-112, 2006-119) as multiple-time NYS State kings on behalf of VC!!!...Suffering a potential broken nose on Friday, Satriano's closest call came in the quarterfinals, as he gutted out the injury and relied on a 1st period TD and a 3rd period escape to pitch the 3-0 shutout over returning NYS 7th/eventual 2024 bronze medalist, Richard Wood (Brockport)....His only other match was his shortest, as he kicked off his third straight voyage to South Pearl Street by building a 5-0 cushion before a deadly power-half did the trick at the 1:06 mark of his round of 16 bout versus 2024 Suffolk 3rd, Colten Ford (Smithtown West)!!!!...Satriano's junior year comes to a happy conclusion with a vitae of 40-6!
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131: Joseph Clem (Sr.; Wantagh-8)

FOR FAMILY MORE THAN SELF!!!....Healing the heartache of twin brother, Anthony, who saw his title dreams dashed in the semifinals hours earlier, it was the second of the dynamic Warrior duo, Joseph, making sure that the ride home to Long Island would be a joyous one when he shook off the memories of a 2023 state finals loss by mounting a late 3rd period rally to steal the 131-pound crown....Trailing his championship contest 3-2 with approximately :45 remaining in the 3rd period versus returning State 6th/2024 ESC Champion/previous unbeaten (38-0 entering), Samson McKissick-Staley (Pittsford), Clem would explode for three quick points under dire circumstances, as he'd hit a roll off of bottom to induce a locked hands call, and then off of the ensuing continuation of the sequence, would be able to step over for a reversal to surge himself into the driver's seat, 5-3, with just over half a minute showing on the clock...A known hammer on top, the soon-to-be WVU Mountaineer would ride out the last 32 ticks to preserve the triumph to pick up the 57th (57-3) dub of his swan song....Now possessing a medal of every color (bronze in 2022, silver in 2023), Clem was methodical, but effective in all previous outing on his pilgrimage to immortality, as one round prior, he'd score takedowns in each of the first two periods and then withstand a late rally to defeat 2023 Connecticut State runner-up/2024 ESC silver medalist/2024 CHSAA titlist, Vincent Tripaldi (Iona Prep), 7-3....On day #1, he began the party with a 52-second stick of S3 bridesmaid, Logan Willis (West Genesee), and then followed it up by upending rival/fab freshman, Jake Nieto (Plainedge), by a score of 5-2 (TD + tilt in the 1st), sweep their season series, 6-0!!!...Between Anthony and Joseph, the siblings combined for 7 All-State medals, 3 finals berths, and the title on Saturday night during their repeated travels to the state capital!
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138: Amir Avazov (Sr.; James Madison-P)

ONE PSAL CROWN DESERVES ANOTHER....And that is exactly what transpired on Saturday night as for the first time in history, the five boroughs saw not one, TWO of their favored sons lock up State gold in the same season, as the Golden Knight senior/2023 State 4th joined the aforementioned Gursoy (116) in doing the double deed on behalf of Brooklyn!!...The third student-athlete from the NYC public school system to achieve the milestone in the large school division and just the sixth between DI and DII, Avazov could aptly be described as something of the consummate "Big move maestro" last weekend, as he'd hit big throws in both his semifinal and title contests as a means of delivering the first state brass ring to Bedford Avenue!!!....Seeded 2nd among the field, Avazov found himself trailing 4-1 at the end of the 2nd period of his semis showdown with former 2x State medalist/2024 5th, Joseph Tornambe (Yorktown), but rose to the occasion during the last 2:00, tallying six straight points, with a reversal at the onset of the 3rd (to trim the deficit to 4-3) being the catalyst; aided by a penalty point (to even the bout at 4-4); and then a 3pt NF off of a wrist tilt in the waning moments to pull off the 7-4 comeback to advance to the 'ship...The finals contest not nearly as dramatic, the quick-strike arsenal of the 12th grader was again on exhibit, as in response to a scoreless feeling out period in the 1st, he inflicted the bulk of his damage during the middle stanza, getting his E1 at the start of the 2nd and then really creating some cushion for himself when off of a cow-catch position, he was able to drive 2023 State 5th, Luke Nieto (Plainedge) straight to his back for 2+3 to hold a commanding 6-0 lead heading into the 3rd period...Never one to quit, the Red Raider junior [Nieto] was able to get as close as 6-3 with an escape and TD during the opening 1:00, but Avazov sealed the deal with a TD in the last :25 as insurance in what ended as a 9-4 decision!!!....A cradle for 2+2 late in the 1st period helped him to a 7-1 decision in the quarterfinals against 3x State Qualifier, Cael Raines (Churchville Chili); while two TDs, a reversal, and some NF provided him with the output he needed to cruise to an 8-3 dub in the round of 16 over 2x State Qualifier out of S6, Garrett Chase (Niagara Wheatfield)!
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145: Liam Carlin (Jr.; Burnt Hills-2)

The curse breaker!!!...For the first time since 1988 (Scott Hughes at 91 pounds; when they were still competing as a unified district alongside Ballston Spa), the Spartans have a champion they can call their own!!!...Punctuating  a 44-3 overall year when he lived up to his top-billing in the 145-pound bracket, Carlin demonstrated a maturity and composure well-beyond his age, as nothing came easy on Saturday for the now three-time State placer/2x finalist (runner-up in 2023)/1x champ out of section 2!!!....Both of his day #2 matches being razor thin margins, Carlin booked his spot in the finale when in a 1-1 stalemate, he'd successfully ride out the :30 UTB period to earn the "w", over now 2x State 5th, Te'Shaun Mathews (Niagara Wheatfield)....His finals affair boiling down to a one-TD affair, it was the 11th grader registering an escape and then an immediate TD all within the first :15 of the 2nd period to grab a 3-0 lead in what ended up being a 3-1 (3rd period escape for the opposition) over 2022 NHSCA AA/2024 Section 9 titlist, Mason Ketcham (Washingtonville), in a war of respective 2024 ESC bronze medalists...As challenging as the back-half of the tournament played out, the polar opposite was true of Friday, as Carlin spent a total of a mere 2:15 on the mats in generating falls (both via cradle) in times of 1:11 and 1:04 in the round of 16 and quarterfinals versus the sectional gold medalists from the PSAL & Section 1---David Khodzhaev Tottenville) & Thomas Iasiello (Scarsdale)!

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152: Cameron Catrabone (Sr.; Williamsville North/East-6)

Another crown, another shoey, as the now 5x State medalist/2x Large School State titlist out of Section 6 delivered the same elite skill set in '24 that put him on the top of the podium in 2023...Giving credence to why every national media outlet has him ranked as a top-10 student-athlete, the future Michigan Wolverine placed the exclamation mark on a 44-1 senior campaign when he was able to pitch the 3-0 shutout in the finals over friend/KD6 training mate, Griff LaPlante (St. Francis; 2022 State 5th/2023 NHSCA AA/2024 ESC Champ)...Wasting little time in getting on the scoreboard, Catrabone shot in almost immediately off the whistle and was able to convert after a short scramble with 1:42 remaining in the 1st period to grab the quick 2-0 lead. For good measure, he later added an escape in the 3rd to account for the aforementioned tally...Himself no stranger to All-American recognition (2021 NHSCA National Champion, 3x Super 32 placer, etc.), the win over the Red Raider sophomore was the second of a pair of triumphs the Spartan senior logged versus AAs on Saturday, as one round earlier, he relied on a reversal, followed by a bar/wrist tilt :40 into the 2nd period to turn a scoreless match into a 5-0 edge en route to the eventual 6-3 decision over now 3x State medalist/2023 Fargo 16U FS 6th, Jason Kwaak (Brentwood), in the semis....The first day of action was a definitive breeze for "The Wrestling Cat", as he'd secure barely spend 2:00 on the mats, using a bar/half to pin 2x PSAL Champion, Dwayne Harris (Grand Street Campus) in 1:46 during the round of 16 before sticking Suffolk 3rd, Brendan Knapp (Bay Shore) with a tilt in :16!!!...Equalling the two crowns won by his father, Jeff, on behalf of Harbor Creek HS in PA in 1992 and 1993 (before embarking on a legendary career at UM), Cam remains the only individual since the merger of North and East to go all the way in Albany!!
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160: PJ Duke (Jr.; Minisink Valley-9)

Ranked 1st in the land for a reason, if the rumors are true about this past Saturday night being the last time we will see the now 3x NYS Champion competing on South Pearl Street, then the Penn State commit certainly gave those in attendance two days of vivid memories that will not soon be forgotten, as he turned in one of the finest and most domineering performances in recent times (if not ever) in adding to his decorated scholastic legacy....Injuries in 2021 and 2023 being the only things preventing him from having five NYS titles in his collection, the Warrior 11th grader operates at such a different level than his peers that he naturally makes some damn talented opponents look underwhelming just because of how advanced he is in all areas of the sport....Stockpiling a mind-blowing 39 (!!!) takedowns in four bouts between Friday and Saturday, Duke did not allow a single offensive point to be scored against him, as he racked up a margin of 83-34, en route to earning 31 sectional/team points behind falls in the round of 16/semifinals, and techs in the quarters/finale....Striking for 13 takedowns and an E1 on the evening of the 24th to cruise to a 27-12 victory against East Meadow's Matthew Rodriguez, in the title contest, this caliber of excellence was the standard for Pete and Annie's second-born child, as he'd accrue 13 TDs in the semis as well, establishing a 26-12 lead before faking a optional start and immediately transitioning to a cow-catcher to drive 2024 S5 titlist, Casey Liess (McQuaid Jesuit), to his back for the 2:58 fall...12 TDs and an escape was the recipe for a 25-10 TF in the quarterfinals against 2x State Qualifier, Joseph Cicco (Niagara Wheatfield)...A bar/half was responsible for the 1:58 gluing of S9 teammate/3x S9 runner-up, Isaiah Hockx (Saugerties), in a round of 16 bout that served as a rematch of their sectional finals match-up weeks earlier!...Duke's 2023-2024 season concluded with a perfect 39-0 resume, as he joined Zack Ryder (4x) & Ethan Gallo (2x) as the only multiple-time State gold medalists for the MV tribe (Note: Duke's first title in 2020 was for Section I Carmel)!...To the surprise of absolute no one, Duke was named as the recipient of the Division I Outstanding Wrestler Award!
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170: Devin Downes (So.; Plainedge-8)

Stringing together perhaps the most impressive (in terms of opponents beaten) tournament of our 13 champions would be the sensational sophomore for the Red Devils; Up two weight classes from where he was a blood rounder as a frosh, Downes' path to the top step of the podium mandated that he run a gauntlet ripe with not one, not two, but THREE returning state medalists....Transforming from solid young prospect into known commodity/superstar in the span of 48 hours under the roof of MVP Arena, Downes very much looked the part of a blue chipper with the potential to sweep the next two titles; but in the meantime, he seemed quite pleased with bringing an individual state crown back to Wyngate Drive for the first time since 2012 (Dan Spurgeon at 170 pounds), and he became just the third wrestler in school history to win the top prize!!...Seeded 4th among the field, after commencing his tournament with a 10-0 major decision (three takedowns, two sets of NF) in an All-LI collision with Suffolk silver medalist, Brendan Ridge (Half Hollow Hills West), things got real in a hurry as he'd start his trek through the proverbial landmine...Down 4-2 at the end of the 1st period versus 2023 State 4th, Landon Lazarek (Hilton), in the quarterfinals, Downes slowly clawed his way back into the bout with an escape in 2nd period and a TD (to go up 5-4) in the 3rd. But a locked hands call with :22 remaining in regulation resulted in the contest being extended to extra frames, as following a scoreless sudden victory, the S8er was able to ride out his :30 period on top and then escaped with :17 to go on bottom to squeak out a 6-5 decision to wrap up day #1...."Nailbiters" being the theme of the rest of his weekend, in the semifinals, Downes found himself engaged in a scoreless match after two periods, but ultimately was able to get on his offense, as an escape + TD during the initial half minute of the 3rd period provided him with a 3-0 edge; and after allowing an escape and getting hit for a second stall warning to see the lead cut to 3-2, he'd defend a desperation lat drop attempt at the buzzer for an insurance TD that send him to the 'ship by way of a 5-2 decision over top-seeded/2023 State 5th/2023 NHSCA All-American, Jonathan Clohecy (Fulton)...Saving his best effort for the encore, Downes struck for takedowns in each of the three periods and played it conservatively down the stretch (multiple stall warning issued), en route to a 6-4 decision versus Carmel's returning State 4th, Leo Venables!!!...As the lone non-top-2 to seize gold, Downes was the lowest seeded competitor to win a large school title in 2024!!...His only blemishes occurring at the ESC last month, Downes posted a 54-2 record this year!!
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190: Elijah Diakomihalis (Jr.; Hilton-5)

Make it 10 titles now for the fruits of Gina's labor (literally), as the Cadet 11th grader completed the set of state medals (3rd as a freshman in 2022; runner-up in 2023) and joined brothers---Yianni (4x) & Greg (5x)---when he jumped out to a 7-0 lead (TD + two separate sets of swipes) in the 1st period and never looked back, adding another takedown in the 2nd, and a reversal in the 3rd on his way to a 13-0 major decision in the finals versus 2024 Catholic State champ/2023 NHSCA AA, Zach Caldwell (St. Francis)...The only six points surrendered all tournament coming courtesy of E1s (39-6 margin) as part of a 22-6 TF in the round of 16 against 2024 Suffolk 3rd, Izaiah Green (Bellport), the 2023 Fargo 16U FS National Champion/Cornell verbal was able to make short work of his quarter and semifinal rivals, as he improved to 3-0 and 2-0 respectively against Mason Depew (Canandaigua) & Ian Sutherland (Brewster), cradling his sectional teammate/2x State Qualifier [Depew] for a fall in 46 seconds to end day #1 begin picking up where he left off with another sub-1:00 stick of eventual State 6th [Sutherland] by way of a cross-wrist tilt in an even more expedited time of 39 ticks...A perfect 46-0 during his junior campaign, Elijah will be back in 2025 to further add to the family business!!!...If he repeats his feat from this past weekend next year, Diakomihalis will put himself in the company of his two older siblings, as well as Rick Sadwick (1987, 1988) and Lou DePrez (2015-2017) as multiple-time State champs for Hilton!!
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215: Coy Raines (Sr.; Churchville Chili-5)

Officially in a category of his own is the Saints' senior 215-pounder, who earned the first state crown in program history when it was his TD in the final :30 of the 1st period that acted as the deciding factor in a 3-1 decision on Saturday night over 2x Section 1 champion/returning State Qualifier, Alexander Berisha (Fox Lane)...Accruing an outstanding 43-2 resume in his final season donning the Orange & Black, it was a breakout senior campaign for Raines, who took the title in 2024 after finishing 6th down at 160 pounds a season ago...The only real challenge to his coronation coming during Saturday's morning's semifinal round, Raines would find himself trailing 5-4 and fighting off a TD attempt in the last :20 of regulation before he was able to hit a counter roll for 2+2 just before the buzzer to rip conquest from the teeth despair, 8-5, versus the 2024 Section 6 champ out of Lafayette, Kahmari Cook!....Much like his finals bout, in both of his day #1 outings, Raines made it a habit of firing out of the gate strongly, as he'd convert a pair of takedowns during the opening 1:00 of his round of 16 match (to lead 4-1) before running abar to polish off a fall in 1:28 against Section 2 runner-up, Nick Whyte (Shaker)...In the quarters, he'd rely on a two takedown, one turn display during the 1st period to establish a 6-1 cushion before tacking on two escapes and a reversal in the 2nd, not to mention an E1 and TD in the 3rd to seal a 13-7 decision over 2023 State 7th (4th in '24), Jack MacDonald (Orchard Park)!
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285: Stephan Monchery (Sr.; Middletown-9)

"The people's champion" for anyone familiar with the story of heartbreak he experienced during his sophomore year, the Buffalo bound big man made certain that the last chapter of his high school wrestling story ended with a happy ending, as he'd follow up previous State finishes of 6th, 5th, and 2nd in 2021-2023 by earning the hardware that had alluded him in the past!!!...An immaculate 42-0 this season for the Bears, Monchery lowered the curtain on the DI tourney with a boom, turning a scoreless match at the conclusion of the 1st period into instant gratification just moments into the 2nd, when from the top position, he'd flip/horse 2x Section 8 Champion/returning state qualifier, Vincent Petzold (Plainedge), directly to his back to induce the mat slap at the 2:17 mark of their 285-pound money contest....The sticking of his fellow senior in the 'ship being the third pin of the weekend for multiple-time All-American (2022 NHSCA 3rd; 2022 Fargo GR 4th), Monchery muscled Suffolk bronze medalist, Chase Frole (Lindenhurst), to his back off of a mat return for a 43-second fall and then utilized an arm bar (up 4-1) to turn and finish off Middletown teammate/now 2x state placer (4th in '24), Rahmiere Bradley, :27 into the 2nd period of their quarterfinal meeting...The semifinals being the single occasion where he was pushed to the distance, Monchery was still utterly in control, as he amassed four takedowns and three escapes to knock off the sectional champ from the Westchester area, Michael Mauro (John Jay Sr -East Fishkill), by a decisive 11-2 score!!...The first state crown that will come home to the school in over 25 years, Monchery is the only person not named Mansueto (Rocco in 1997 & 1998; Phillip in 1997) to do the deed for the section 9 school!!
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TEAM: Minisink Valley-9

Three-peating as the overall tournament team champions would be the Green & White Warrior juggernaut, who accumulated a comprehensive total of 88.5 points to pull out a 2.5 win over runner-up, Plainedge (86)!!!

Placing four of their eight entries onto the podium, while it need not be said that the title-winning performance of Duke (31pts by himself) was the clear-cut mitigating intangible, what cannot/should not be overlooked was the efforts given by the likes of first-time state medalists---Anthony Tresch (145), Luke Greiner (152), and Zack Filip (190), who combined to contribute 43.5 points behind placements of 3rd, 5th, and 7th!!

Tresch, the three-time state qualifier, was especially invaluable, as his bronze medal showing as a #7 seed was anchored by head-to-head victories by scores of 5-3 (sv) and 7-1 in the consolation semis and 3rd-place bout over the likes of the returning state 5th, [Te'Shaun] Mathews, and returning state 6th, Jared Spahn (Islip)!!!...His only loss was a 7-2 decision in the quarterfinals to eventual state runner-up, [Mason] Ketcham, in a rematch of the S9 finals...

Greiner equalled his #5 seed, as he defeated 2024 S1 champ, Anthony Lofaro (Ossining), 8-1, in the blood round, pinned Suffolk 3rd, [Brendan] Knapp in his next consolation appearance, and later accepted a victory by forfeit in the medal match round over Nassau runner-up, Shane Moore (Levittown-Division)!!!

After being upset in the quarterfinals, Filip, showed immense grit, bouncing back to win two wrestleback bouts, as he recorded a 1-0 shutout in the BR versus Nassau champ, Angel Flores (Westbury); and then capped off his weekend with some much needed bonus points in the form of a 2:21 fall against another S8er, Jared Marine (Oceanside)...Before getting knocked into the outbracket, Filip also scored the lone TD of the match to a win a 3-1 sv decision in the round of 16 versus 2023 State 8th, Aidan Gubarev (James Madison)!!

Wyatt Boice (138), Quinten Morgan (170), and Kevin Crowe-Bailey (285) all got their arms raised at least once to provide an additional influx!

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SECTIONAL: S9

Staying on top of the sectional standings for a third year in a row was the contingent from S9, who thanks to the heroics of Soto, Merli, Satriano, Duke, and Monchery were able to turn a minor gap (trailed Section 8 by 1.5 points heading into title matches) into a comfortable 26pt victory (229.5 to 213.5)...

15 of 30 entries successfully locking up top-8 honors, as easy as it would be to point at the five state champs, doing so would negate the paramount contributions from the likes of Brady Judd (Warwick; Blood Round at 116), Matthew Mercado (Newburgh; 8th at 131), DJ Aviles (Middledown; Blood round at 138), Anthony Annacone (Wallkill; Blood round at 170), the already acknowledged Filip at 190, and Bryson Tibbs (Middletown; 5th at 215) who were all the high scorers in their respective weight classes and tallied an additional 48 points!!

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COMPLETE LIST OF SECTION 9 PLACE-WINNERS:

101: William Soto (Newburgh)---Champion
101: EJ Vass (Valley Central)---Runner-up
108: Cooper Merli (Newburgh)---Champion
108: Marco Futia (Wallkill)---4th
124: Luke Satriano (Valley Central)---Champion
131: Matthew Mercado (Newburgh)---8th
145: Mason Ketcham (Washingtonville)---Runner-up
145: Anthony Tresch (Minisink Valley)---3rd
152: Luke Greiner (Minisink Valley)---5th
160: PJ Duke (Minisink Valley)---Champion
190: Zack Filip (Minisink Valley)---7th
215: Bryson Tibbs (Middletown)---5th
215: Christopher Leggett (Newburgh)---7th
285: Stephan Monchery (Middletown)---Champion
285: Rahmiere Bradley (Middletown)---4th