Wrestlers seek shot at states in Region 7, 8 tourneys

Wrestling season turns serious this weekend, as the regional tournaments will determine state qualifiers.

The Region 7 quarterfinals will begin tonight at 5 at Moorestown. The semifinals will be at 9 a.m. tomorrow, with the consolations and finals to follow. The Region 8 quarterfinals will start tonight at 5:30 at Absegami, with semifinals at 10 a.m. tomorrow and consolations/finals slated to begin at 3 p.m.

The top three finishers in each weight class advance to the state tournament, which will run March 7-9 at Boardwalk Hall in Atlantic City.

Here are some intriguing story lines to keep an eye on.

How will the returning region champions fare?

Region 7:

Eastern will play a big part in answering this question. Eastern sophomores Hank Stinson (135) and Preston Keiffer (152), and junior Mike Crowley (130) are three of the five returning champs. Crowley and Stinson are region favorites, but Keiffer has a tougher road, with defending 152-pound champion Andre Harmon of Cherry Hill East standing in the way.

Cinnaminson heavyweight Justin Embler is in a tough bracket that includes Collingswood's Kyle Falzone and Eastern's Kris Deichert. Embler is 2-1 against Deichert over the last two seasons.

Region 8:

This list is shorter than it should be because of injuries. Juniors Mac Mancuso of Holy Spirit - South Jersey's only returning state champion - and two-time state-placer Anthony Luma of Egg Harbor Township are both out with injuries.

Defending champs who will wrestle: Paulsboro sophomore Joe Duca (112), Highland junior Matt Catalano (135), Delsea sophomore Anthony Baldosaro (140), and Pennsville senior Dustin Deckard (152).

Duca, Baldosaro and Deckard are expected to retain their titles. Catalano might have the toughest potential finals matchup, with Kingsway's John Renard. Renard won a region title in 2006.

Which weight is the deepest?

Region 7:

112 pounds.

New Egypt's Tom Morton and Moorestown's P.J. Schmidt finished top four in regions last year, but will have to stave off freshmen Tyler Orfe of Bishop Eustace and Ron Hoover of Haddon Township. Schmidt needed overtime to beat Burlington Township's Terrance Scotton, 2-1, in the District 26 final.

Region 8:

130 pounds.

It will be tough for anyone to beat the 130 triumvirate of Delsea's Luke Fedechko, Deptford's Anthony Rizzolo, and St. Joseph's Josh Burman. The trio has won a combined 10 district titles, but none has a region championship.

Which weight classes are the most up for grabs?

Region 7:

The 103, 189 and 215 classes are without a former state qualifier.

Eastern freshman Rob Deutsch has wins over the other three district champions at 103, but he needed overtime to beat Camden Catholic's Matt Sausman, 4-2.

At 189, Sterling's Isiah Miles beat fellow district champion Dave Convissar of Cherry Hill East, 1-0, for the Camden County title. Northern Burlington's R.J. Melton and Bordentown's Thomas Lee could be on the verge of taking the next step.

Delran's Max Larson leads the 215-pound contingent after his 6-4 win over Willingboro's Drew Harris in District 26.

Region 8:

The 103, 171 and heavyweight classes are devoid of a state qualifier.

At 103, freshmen Dontay Scott of Lindenwold (20-0) and Coley O'Brien of St. Augustine are highly touted newcomers, but Delsea's Rob Jillard and Gateway's Chuck Zeisloft are division holdovers with region experience.

St. Augustine junior Leon White and Pennsville senior John Starcevich lead the 171-pound division. Delsea's Dan Walker, a transfer from Edison, owns two wins over Pennsville's A.J. Karr.

Who will emerge as a state champion contender?

Region 7:

Eastern's Stinson and Camden Catholic's Jackson Brady (145), along with Cinnaminson's Embler and Camden Catholic's Dakota Moore (160).

Region 8:

Curcio, Fedechko, Baldosaro and Deckard all placed at states last year. Paulsboro's Eric Dunnet (119) and Kingsway's Rich Bushby (145) placed in 2006. Paulsboro's Duca and Gerald Hodges (215) could join this mix.