Major Players Similar To Last Year

Willie Saylor, Editor

If you followed the drama of last year’s high school chase for the National Title, you know that it didn’t come without controversy and debate.

When then #3 Graham (OH) knocked off #1 Blair Academy (NJ), fans and pundits were choosing corners between those Graham Falcons, and then #2 Apple Valley (MN).

When the dust settled TheOpenMat opted to go with the undefeated Valley squad.

Heading into this year, and with many of the constituents returning from 2009-2010 contenders, the major players remain the same. Apple Valley, Graham, Blair Academy, and Brandon (FL), appear poised to stake a claim to a National High School Wrestling title.

And once again, it’s a difficult job to handicap. In other years, I might be inclined to make a prediction. But the match-ups this year are odd and the margin of talent very fine. Blair is loaded down low. Valley, Saint Paris, and Brandon, through the middle. And St. Ed’s up top is scary. Separating them is splitting hairs and competition format (duals vs. tournament) seems to be influential to potential outcomes.

Apple Valley, who return most of their key starters from last season sit atop our preseason ranking this year with a chance to repeat. But with a tough schedule in both dual and tournament formats, repeating is anything but a foregone conclusion, as several of the top squads will meet head-to-head.

In TOM’s Team Preview, we’ll highlight the nation’s top squads, identify strengths and weaknesses, and list the stars of each team.

Key: SC= State Champ SRU= State Runner-Up SP= State Placer SQ= State Qualifier
*Not all will be listed.
* All weights projected and approximate.
*Ranking listed is latest TOM National Ranking.

#1 Apple Valley, Minnesota
Final ’09-‘10 Ranking: #1

Strength: All Formats

Key Losses:
Devin Scott, 140 (SC)

Key Additions:
None

Overview:
Our #1 team from last year returns the bulk of their line-up. They have tremendous depth and balance and their stars enjoyed terrific off-seasons. Their strength is in the middle. From 30 through 71, the Eagles are star-studded, with each member, or half their squad, appearing in our national rankings.

Key Starters:

• 112 HM Sr. Jordan Kingsley (SP)
• 130 #12 Jr. Dakota Trom (SC)
• 135 #3 Sr. Matt Kelliher (SC)
• 140 #6 Jr. Brandon Kingsley (SC)
• 145 HM So. Dan Woiwer (SC)
• 152 #1 Sr. Destin McCauley (SC)
• 160 #5 Sr. Steve Keogh (SC)
• 171 #7 Sr. Jake Waste (SRU)
• 189 Sr. Matt Hechsel (SP)

Concerns:
What will they get in the weights not listed? Apple Valley has a very deep and competitive wrestling room, so finding serviceable starters shouldn’t be a problem. But when we’re talking elite-vs.-elite, they might need more than that. Cheesehead, with its inclusive scoring system, is going to be very, very close.

Bottom Line:
AV has three major hurdles to maintain its National supremacy: Cheesehead, Clash, and a Simley dual. So, nothing is carved in stone. They’ll need more than their big guns to get past Blair (at Cheesehead) and Brandon (at The Clash).

#2 Saint Paris-Graham, Ohio
Final ’09-‘10 Ranking: #2

Strength: All Formats

Key Losses:
Felipe Martinez, 140 (SC) (Transfer)
Max Thomusseit, 189 (SC)

Key Additions:
Micah Jordan (119) (Freshman)
Rusty Manness, 130 (West Virginia)
Case Garrison, 135 (Texas)

Overview:
Like Apple Valley, the SPG Falcons are absolutely loaded. Beware of the low (-ish) rankings. It’s partially a product of their perennially dormant off-season. These individuals have the talent to go with anyone.

Key Starters:

• 112 #14 Jr. Ryan Taylor (SC)
• 119 Fr. Micah Jordan
• 130 HM Sr. Rusty Manness (SC) (W.V.)
• 135 #20 Jr. Case Garrison
• 140 #15 Sr. Nick Brascetta (SC)
• 145 #17 So. Bo Jordan (SC)
• 152 HM Sr. Matt Stephens (SP)
• 160 HM Jr. Isaac Jordan (SC)
• 171 #16 Sr. Kyle Ryan (SRU)
• 189 #9 Jr. Huston Evans (SC)

Concerns:
A great number of the SPG line-up is bumping up considerably in weight. And their question marks could be prove to be debilitating holes when matched up with the other elite squads. They’ll have to prevent bonus points at those weights in duals, but their big guns should be able to keep them in contention at Ironman.

Bottom Line:
First things first: the Ironman. The Blair/Graham winner gets the #2 slot, at least until Cheesehead when we learn more. Later, duals with St. Ed’s and Blair loom. I like their balance vs. Ed’s, but Blair could take more than half the bouts against them. They’ll likely need bonus in the upperweights to pull it off, which is certainly possible. They’ll need to run the table this year and get help from Blair, Brandon, and/or Simley.

#3 Blair Academy, New Jersey
Final ’09-’10 Ranking: #3

Strength: All Formats

Key Losses:
Chris Villalonga, 145
Jesse Shanaman, 152
Mike Evans, 189

Key Additions:
Joey McKenna, 103 (Freshman)
Caleb Richardson, 125 (Virginia)
Dylan Milonas, 152 (Freshman)
Patrick Coover, 160 (Freshman)
Addison Knepshield, 171 (Pennsylvania)
Willie Ray Wilson, 215 (New Jersey)

Overview:
After last season, where Blair was very obviously a stronger (maybe the strongest) tournament team in the country, a wholesale makeover changes their complexion. Six new solid starters make facing Blair a daunting dual task. They are much more balanced this year than last. Their upper-middleweights, an achilles heel last season, is now fortified with solid contributors. Conceivably, Blair could blank the competition from 3 through 40 against most teams, where they’ll be favored in most match-ups at every weight.

Key Starters:

• 103 #15 Fr. Joey McKenna
• 112 HM So. Max Hvolbeck (Prep-RU)
• 119 #2 Sr. Evan Silver (Prep Champ)
• 125 #10 Sr. Caleb Richardson (SC) (Virginia)
• 130 #6 Jr. Mark Grey (Prep Champ)
• 135 #15 Jr. Todd Preston (Prep Champ)
• 140 #1 Sr. Austin Ormsbee (Prep Champ)
• HWT #1 So. Brooks Black (Prep-RU)

Concerns:
Contending for the title will be a precarious proposition for Blair this year. In duals, Blair will have to be near perfect through the first half of their line-up and then get an upset (which is very possible) before Black closes things out at heavyweight. Also, 215lber, Willie Wilson has been having injury issues. Getting him healthy and back on track could make or break their title hopes.

Bottom Line:
It’s a tall mountain to climb, but don’t bet against Buxton and the Bucs. Ultimately, I think it comes down to the less-heralded guys. They’re better than the group they’re supplanting and they have the potential to make the difference. Welcome to the big leagues Russ Parsons, Patrick Coover, Dylan Milonas, and Addison Knepshield. The National Title rests on your shoulders.

#4 Brandon, Florida
Final ’09-’10 Ranking: #4

Strength: All Formats

Key Losses:
Victor Fugate, 103
Joey Cozart, 152
Zack Baldwin, 215
Henry Chrino, HWT

Key Additions:
Colton Howell, 112 (Missouri)

Overview:
Brandon has had a phenomenal summer with their kids placing highly at several national tournaments including Fila, Fargo, and Super32. They have a potent middle of the line-up with a fantastic trio as good as anyone in the nation from 25 through 35. They’re talented and they’re battle-tested.

Key Starters:

• 112 HM Jr. Colton Howell (SRU) (Missouri)
• 125 #5 Jr. Rossi Bruno (SC)
• 130 #15 So. Kevin Norstrem (SC)
• 135 #7 Jr. Tyler Liberatore (SC)
• 145 So. Travis Berridge (SQ)
• 152 #8 Jr. Clark Glass (SC)
• 160 #6 Sr. Wally Figaro (SP)
• 171 HM Jr. Kyle Koziel (SRU)
• 189 HM Sr. Mike Ettore (SRU)

Concerns:
Question marks at 12 and 19 and in the final two weights. The Eagles are undoubtedly loaded, but against the nation’s elite, they really have no room for error. Their guns are at weights where the other big dogs have theirs, so even wins or out-placings won’t do as much damage as you’d think.

Bottom Line:
Apple Valley’s strengths meet head-to-head with Brandon’s; both are loaded from 25 through 71 and Brandon even has Ettore at 89. But Valley appears to be deeper and just a tick better. Brandon is more than capable of pulling it off at The Clash, but they’d have to be perfect, and get some unforeseen W’s.

#5 Bakersfield, California
Final ’09-’10 Ranking: #18

Strength: All Formats

Key Losses:
Brian Schoene, 215

Key Additions:
None

Overview:
Bakersfield took 2nd at both Temecula Valley and Doc Buchanan tournaments and was 3rd at 5-Counties, before winning the state team title last year. They return all but one guy from that squad, including a whopping 9 state qualifiers.

Key Starters:

• 112 So. Ian Nickell (SP)
• 119 So. Micah Cruz (SQ)
• 130 #19 Jr. Natrelle Deminson (SP)
• 135 Jr. Max Ramirez (SQ)
• 140 HM Sr. Timmy Box (SQ)
• 145 #10 So. Coleman Hammond (SP)
• 152 Sr. Adam Fierro (SQ)
• 160 #1 Sr. Bryce Hammond (SC)
• 171 Sr. Silas Nacita (SQ)

Concerns:
Upperweights. The loss of Schoene hurts here. But otherwise a very balanced line-up capable of hanging with the nation’s best. It’s scary to think how much they accomplished last year and still return all but one guy.

Bottom Line:
Bakersfield probably offers the clearest picture of what we’re going to get out of team in the Top10. Could they upset AV/Blair/SPG? Probably not. But otherwise, they pose problems for anyone else in a dual and with 9 returning qualifiers in a single-class state system, they proved their deep tournament strength.

#6 Iowa City-West, Iowa
Final ’09-’10 Ranking: Not Ranked

Strength: All Formats

Key Losses:
Nick Moore, 160

Key Additions:
Dakota Bauer, 130 (Ballard-Huxley)
Elijah Sullivan, 140 (Lewis Central)
Britton Thompson, 152 (Montana)

Overview:
The Iowa big school division is loaded with top teams this year. Leading the way is ICW, who brings in three studs to go with the core of a state duals runner-up team and a 4th place individual tournament finish. That should put them over the hump. In addition to three new state-finalists, ICW also welcomes Kegan Wakefield back into the line-up. This kid will surprise this year.

Key Starters:

• 119 So. Kegan Wakefield
• 125 #8 Jr. Jack Hathaway (SP)
• 130 Jr. Dakota Bauer (SC)
• 135 Jr. Grady Gambrall (SRU)
• 140 HM Sr. Elijah Sullivan (SRU)
• 145 Sr. Garrett Hathaway (SP)
• 152 Sr. Britton Thompson (SC) (MT)
• 160 #13 Jr. Justin Koethe (SP)
• 171 HM So. Mickey Pelfrey
• HWT Sr. Max Pelfrey

Concerns:
None, really. They’re putting an excellent starter at nearly every weight. Are they as star-studded as the teams before them? Probably not. But that’s why they wrestle the matches.

Bottom Line:
ICW is set as both a dual and tournament squad. If they can get a lot out of the Pelfreys, they could even outperform their preseason ranking. They face a schedule that features St. Ed’s and Marmion, so the opportunity is there. Normally, they’d be a shoe-in for state titles, but, as you’ll read below, Bettendorf is loaded and defending champs, Waverly-Shell Rock, are still a threat. It should be close, but I like ICW to take both state crowns.

#7 Marmion Academy, IL
Final ’09-’10 Ranking: Not Ranked

Strength: Deep Tournaments

Key Losses:
None

Key Additions:
Johnny Jimenez, 103 (Freshman)
Jared Cortez, 112 (Freshman)
Bryce Brill, 135 (Freshman)
Eddie Gonzalez, 145 (Freshman)

Overview:
The “Marmion Project” is set to be unveiled in full force this year. The anticipation has been building as they have been securing pieces to put together one of the nation’s best programs. Though extremely young, they’ll wrestle a tremendous national schedule complete with The Ironman and dualing with a few of the country’s heavy hitters.

Key Starters:

• 103, Fr. Johnny Jimenez
• 112 #2 Fr. Jared Cortez
• 119 So. George Fisher (SQ)
• 125 Jr. Eddie Greco (SP)
• 130 #5 So. Ben Whitford (SC)
• 135 #8 Fr. Bryce Brill
• 140 HM Jr. Angelo Silvestro (SQ)
• 145 Fr. Eddie Gonzalez
• 152 Sr. Eddie Breen (SQ)
• 160 So. Dan Rowland (SQ)
• HWT So. Alex Fritz (SQ)

Concerns:
Age. Going forward, Marmion will be in the national rankings for the foreseeable future. But are they ready to hang now? They also have what seems to be huge holes at 71-89-215.

Bottom Line:
Most perceptions are that Marmion has a ‘studs-and-duds’ line-up, but that’s not the case. Outside of their national names, there are really solid contributors throughout the line-up. Will they challenge for an NC this year? No. And they could lose a dual or two to other top teams. But they’re right in the mix nationally, will win a 2A State dual title, and collect massive amounts of hardware at the individual tournament.

#8 Wisconsin Rapids, Wisconsin
Final ’09-’10 Ranking: #17

Strength: All Formats

Key Losses:
None

Key Additions:
None

Overview:
WR performed well last year winning a state title and making the final pool at The Clash and finishing 4th. The good news is, they bring everyone back.

Key Starters:

• 103 Sr. Jason Munoz (SQ)
• 125 Sr. Ben Westover (SP)
• 130 Jr. Kasey Einerson (SP)
• 135 Jr. Jake Raflik (SP)
• 140 #20 Jr. Rylan Lubeck (SRU)
• 152 HM Jr. Zak Benitz (SRU)
• 160 Jr. Ryan Cone (SQ)
• 189 #6 Jr. Devin Peterson (SRU)
• HWT HM Sr. Curt Fuller (SP)

Concerns:
Lubeck, Benitz, Peterson, and Fuller are national names with the ability to go with anyone. And Westover should surprise those outside of Wisconsin. The others are all solid guys, but do the match-ups. They’re not favored in a majority of bouts versus the teams ahead of them.

Bottom Line:
While WR will dominate their state and perform admirably at the Cheesehead and Clash, they don’t appear to have the line-up full of horses that others do. That being said, there isn’t many other teams in the country that could go toe-to-toe with them.

#9 St. Edwards, Ohio
Final ’09-’10 Ranking: #14

Strength: Duals

Key Losses:
Gus Sako, 125
Jamie Clark, 130
Anthony Salupo, 145
Nick Sulzer, 160

Key Additions:
None

Overview:
St. Ed’s was improved down the stretch last season and their guys performed great this summer at NHSCA’s and Fargo. They’re anchored by a strong core up top, where many teams are weak. Bonus point opportunities in the upperweights will go a long way when facing national foes.

Key Starters:

• 112 So. Edgar Bright (SP)
• 119 #16 So. Dean Heil (SC)
• 145 HM Jr. Mark Martin (SRU)
• 152 Jr. Martin Van Curen
• 160 So. Domenic Abounader
• 189 HM Jr. James Suvak
• 215 #8 Jr. Ty Walz (SQ)
• HWT #2 Jr. Greg Kuhar (SP)

Concerns:
What do they get down low? Versus national competition they might struggle to win bouts at the lower weights. And in deeper tournaments, I’m not so sure they have the fire power to hang with more star-studded teams.

Bottom Line:
The optimism for Ed’s fans comes from a late -season surge and an encouraging off-season. But they’ll need to continue to develop as this season rolls on. They won’t win big national tourneys. Their strength is in duals. Convoluting matters is a St. Ed’s football playoff run currently going on. Will they be full strength for Ironman? Long-term, they might be better than ICW and Marmion, but they shouldn’t be ranked ahead of them for what they ‘could have done’ had they had their entire line-up for Ironman. Later in the year, they have duals vs. several national powers, so they could redeem themselves even if they aren’t all systems go in early December.

#10 Wyoming Seminary, Pennsylvania
Final ’09-’10 Ranking: #6

Strength: Duals

Key Losses:
Kyle Johnson, 119
Simon Kitzis, 135
Bryce Caiazzo, 152
Chris Moon, 160
Jay Weiller, 171
Mike McMullan, HWT

Key Additions:
Tyler Ponte, 103 (Freshman)
Tyler Fraley, 125 (New Jersey)
AJ Vizcarrando (Northeast Catholic)
Terrence Jean-Jacques (Massachusetts)

Overview:
Coming off a Top Ten season, Seminary is undergoing an overhaul. They lost a ton of key contributors, but have brought in enough to remain in the conversation. With such flux, the Knights are hard to gauge. Even their head coach, Scott Green, who I personally feel is among the best developers of young talent in the country, is new.

Key Starters:

• 112 Jr. Evan Botwin (Prep-Placer)
• 119 #15 So. Dom Malone (Prep RU)
• 125 HM Sr. Tyler Fraley (SRU) (NJ)
• 135 So. Garrett Hammond (Prep-Placer)
• 140 Jr. Cole Fulk (Prep-Placer)
• 152 HM So. Eric Morris (Prep RU)
• 215 HM Jr. AJ Vizcarrando
• HWT #16 Sr. Terrence Jean-Jacques

Concerns:
A lack of numerous top-flight guys will hurt them in deep tournaments where they are matched up against other ranked teams.

Bottom Line:
This year’s Sem squad is ideally built for duals where they’ll trot out solid wrestlers at every weight. It’s a ‘buy-low’ team, as you know they’ll have a ‘floor’ of certain achievement.

#11 High Point, NJ
Final ’09-’10 Ranking: Not Ranked

Strength: Duals and Shallow Tournaments

Key Losses:
Billy Gould, 112

Key Additions:
Billy Hagany, 125 (Lenape)

Overview:
HP will be the favorite this year in New Jersey. Their back half of the line-up is truly solid. They have the balance to win most duals, and the studs to pace them in tourneys.

Key Starters:

• 112 Sr. Justin Bellis (SQ)
• 119 #12 Sr. Nick Francavilla (SC)
• 140 Sr. Drew Wagonhoffer (SQ)
• 145 Sr. Joe Gaccione (SQ)
• 152 HM Ethan Orr (SC)
• 160 #8 Sr. John Guzzo (SP)
• HWT HM Sr. Billy Smith (SP)

#12 Simley, Minnesota
Final ’09-’10 Ranking: #11

Strength: Duals and Shallow Tournaments

Key Losses:
Tommy Glenn, 135
Kurtis Julson, 160

Key Additions:
Mack Short, 112 (Freshman)

Overview:
Simley returns the bulk of their team that swamped the Minnesota State 2A Championships last season, and that made the final pool at The Clash. On the flip side, they only have about half a line-up as their upperweights are extremely suspect. Should they get a contribution of any kind from the upperweights in national competition, they could certainly rise into the Top 10.

Key Starters:

• 112 HM So. Kyle Gliva (SRU)
• 119 So. Juan Torres (SP)
• 130 Sr. Cola Jensen (SQ)
• 135 #11 So. Jake Short (SC)
• 145 Sr. Dan Dick (SRU)
• 152 So. Nick Wanzek (SRU)
• 160 Jr. Micah Barnes (SRU)

#13 Bettendorf, Iowa
Final ’09-’10 Ranking: Not Ranked

Strength: Duals and Shallow Tournaments

Key Losses:
Joey Trizzino, 152
Alex Krist, 189

Key Additions:
Conner Ryan, 119 (North Scott)

Overview:
Bettendorf is a very well-balanced team. They probably can’t outscore Iowa City-West in a tournament format, but they could stay with them, and most of the country, in duals.

Key Starters:

• 119 Jr. Conner Ryan (SRU)
• 125 Sr. Taylor Wickett (SQ)
• 130 So. Bubba Hernandez (SP)
• 135 Sr. David Lewis (SQ)
• 140 #11 Sr. Bo Schlosser (SC)
• 145 Sr. Dominic Chase (SP)
• 160 Jr. Bryan Levsen (SQ)
• 171 Jr. Nate Shaw (SP)
• HWT HM Brodie Berrie (SC)

#14 Waverly-Shell Rock, IA
Final ’09-’10 Ranking: Not Ranked

Strength: All Formats

Key Losses:
Jake Ballweg, 140

Key Additions:
None

Overview:
Last year WSR won two close duals to capture that title. They bested Bettendorf in the semi’s (34-31) before taking out Iowa City-West (34-30). But then they smashed the field at the individual tournament posting 168pts to Bettendorf’s 138 and ICW’s 91.

So how can the defending double state champs be the 3rd rated team in the state when they only lost one key contributor?

ICW and Bettendorf each brought in a bunch. But it still might be Shell Rock’s title to lose. On paper, I favor the others. But at this point, does it matter? This issue will certainly be settled on the mat, probably several times over.

Key Starters:

• 103 So. Andrew Steiert (SP)
• 112 Sr. Tanner Werner (SQ)
• 119 #20 Jr. Eric Devos (SC)
• 125 Jr. Kolston Rottink (SQ)
• 135 Sr. Jordan Rinken (SRU)
• 152 #11 Sr. Cody Caldwell (SC)
• HWT #5 Sr. Cody Krumwiede (SC)

#15 Easton, PA
Final ’09-’10 Ranking: Not Ranked

Strength: Duals

Key Losses:
Mark Hartenstine, 140

Key Additions:
Kyle Baker, 103 (Freshman)
Mason McIntyre, 160 (Bethlehem)

Overview:
The Red Rovers had mild success (by their standards) last year. They finished runners-up at Reno, won Manheim, and made a run at a state dual title, placing 4th. The good news is, they lost just Hartenstine, and the rest of their kids had a solid off-season, with 3 placing at Super32.

They’re set up great for duals, with solid guys at nearly every weight. But on paper, they don’t have a lot of top-flight guys. That could hurt them in deep national tournaments. Easton should win the state dual championship, but they’ll need to push a lot of guys through to the individual state tournament to win that event. There are numerous schools in PA this year with multiple high-placers, so a title at individual states, while possible, might be a stretch.

Key Starters:

• 112 Sr. Mike Fleck (SQ)
• 119 So. Evan DiSora (SP)
• 135 Sr. Calvin Daly
• 140 Sr. Joey Rizzolino (SP)
• 145 #14 Jr. Mitch Minotti (SP)
• HWT Sr. Jalil Paige

#16 Selma, CA
Final ’09-’10 Ranking: #20

Strength: Deepest Tournaments

Key Losses:
None

Key Additions:
None

Overview:
Selma is paced by three, yes three, returning state finalists. Throw in nationally ranked Justin Lozano, and the group was good enough to place Selma on the podium at all the majors in California, including a state-runner up finish. Selma is your prototypical deep tournament team. They’re not going to win much against solid dual squads, but they’re a threat in the best tournaments.

Key Starters:

• 130 #7 Jr. Alex Cisneros (SC)
• 135 #5 Sr. Nik Pena (SC)
• 145 #9 Sr. Nathan Zarate (SRU)
• 171 #12 Sr. Justin Lozano (SP)

#17 Crystal Lake, Illinois
Final ’09-’10 Ranking: Not Ranked

Strength: Deepest Tournaments

Key Losses:
None

Key Additions:
None

Overview:
Built similarly to #16 Selma, CLC has 4 absolute studs. That will pace them to a gang of points in deep tournaments, but don’t expect them to hang in duals with the big dogs. This is a tourney team all the way.

Key Starters:

• 130 #13 Sr. Trevor Jauch (SC)
• 152 #20 Sr. Joey Kielbasa (SC)
• 189 #3 Sr. Austin Marsden (SC)
• 215 #5 Jr. Gage Harrah (SP)

#18 Bethlehem Catholic, Pennsylvania
Final ’09-’10 Ranking: Not Ranked

Strength: All Tournaments

Key Losses:
None

Key Additions:
Zeke Moisey, 112 (Freshman)

Overview:
“Beca” should fare well in both duals and tournaments. We’ll see just how good they are early at Ironman and Beast. While they probably don’t have the numbers to press the Blair’s of the world, they have enough horses to put up a considerable amount of points. With at least 5 title threats, they’ll be tough to beat in PA’s small school individual state tournament. But their back half of the line-up is suspect, and they’ll be pushed by Pen Argyl and Reynolds in state dual competition.

Key Starters:

• 103 #1 So. Darian Cruz
• 112 #15 Fr. Zeke Moisey
• 125 HM Jr. Randy Cruz (SRU)
• 152 Jr. Elliot Riddick
• 160 HM Sr. Kyle DeHaut (SRU)

#19 Clovis, CA
Final ’09-’10 Ranking: #12

Strength: Duals and Shallow Tournaments

Key Losses:
Tommy Burriel, 189

Key Additions:
Andy Ia, 103
Nick Nevills, HWT (Freshman)

Overview:
Perennially competitive, Clovis will trot out another line-up almost devoid of holes as they return 8 state qualifiers. They don’t quite have the top-flight guys to upend in-state foes Bakersfield or Selma in deep tournaments, but with their balance, they’re undeniably one of the Cali’s best dual squads. The ended last season at #12, and while SRU Burriel will be a big loss, their drop to 20th has less to do with him, than it does the emergence of some new programs hitting their strides. Clovis will be good, like always.

Key Starters:

• 112 So. Jonas Gaytan (SQ)
• 119 Jr. Daniel Gaytan (SP)
• 130 Sr. Juan Salas (SQ)
• 135 Jr. Devin Everk (SQ)
• 140 Sr. Brady Bersano (SQ)
• 152 Sr. Blake Thompson (SQ)
• 160 So. Adrian Salas
• 171 #6 Jr. Zach Nevills (SRU)
• 215 Sr. Taylor Ferguson (SQ)
• HWT Fr. Nick Nevills

#20 Springstead, Florida
Final ’09-’10 Ranking: Not Ranked

Strength: All Formats

Key Losses:
Kenan Cox, 215

Key Additions:
None

Overview:
Springstead brings back a whopping 4 state champions. The senior-laden line-up has 6 guys ranked in the top 4 in the Florida’s all-class rankings, and should win the 2A tournament.

Key Starters:

• 103 #5 Sr. Richie Bliss (SC)
• 125 Sr. Virgil Toms (SC)130 Sr. Nick Soto (SC)
• 140 HM Jr. Cody Ross (SC)
• 152 Sr. Shawn Landgraff (SP)
• 160 Sr. Colton Zimmerman (SP)
• HWT Jr. John Greggors (SQ)

Honorable Mention

• Broken Arrow, Oklahoma
• Cannon-McMillan, Pennsylvania
• Central Dauphin, Pennsylvania
• Christiansburg, Virginia
• Cox, Virginia
• Glenbard-North, Illinois
• Jackson Memorial, New Jersey
• Montini Catholic, IllinoisPark Hill, Missouri
• Pen Argyl, Pennsylvania
• Pittsburgh Central Catholic, Pennsylvania
• Roseburg, Oregon
• St. Johns, Michigan
• South Plainfield, New Jersey
• Sussex Central, Delaware
• Tulsa Union, Oklahoma

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