Wrestling: Breaking down sectionals

* Follow Rob DiAntonio on Twitter @MSGV_RJD for live updates from Sunday's Section 1 wrestling action at Pace University *

Wrestling season is headed down the homestretch with sectionals this weekend and the state tournament in two weeks up in Albany at the Times Union Center. Section 1 will kick off its tournament on Saturday with Division 1 behind held at Clarkstown South, while Division 2 is at Croton-Harmon. The semifinals and finals for both Division 1 and 2 will go down on Sunday at Pace University.

Below we’re going to break down both Division 1 and 2 by weight class and let you know who we think is going to take home the hardware. We’ll also give a prediction for the team standings.

DIVISION 1

99 pounds
Seeds: 1. Nick Barbaria (New Rochelle); 2. Kevin Rodriguez (Port Chester); 3. Jon Errico (Bryam Hills); 4. Brandon Fay (Fox Lane); 5. Alfredo Olmedo (Arlington); 6. Derek DiMarsico (North Rockland); 7. Jay Albis (John Jay-EF); 8. Tyler Gonska (Brewster); 9. Brian Hong (Clarkstown North); 10. James Kelly (Pearl River); 11. Matt Engert (Fox Lane); 12. Jordan Wallace (New Rochelle); 13. Joe Frezza (Mahopac); 14. Michael Carnevalle (Ossining); 15. Kevin Knox (Carmel); 16. John Wall (Ketcham)
Breaking it down: This always seems to be one of the more exciting weight classes and this year should be no different. Nick Barbaria, who took second at Eastern States, has been the top guy basically all season and I don’t see that changing here. No. 2-seeded Kevin Rodriguez should make it interesting in the finals, but Barbaria pulls it out. Fox Lane’s Brandon Fay is a darkhorse.
Finals prediction: New Rochelle’s Nick Barbaria wins by major decision over Port Chester’s Kevin Rodriguez

106 pounds
Seeds: 1. Mike Parise (Brewster); 2. Blaise Benderoth (North Rockland); 3. Nick Tolli (Arlington); 4. Bryan Ferrandi (New Rochelle); 5. Mike DiNardo (Mahopac); 6. Alex Oliveto (Suffern); 7. Mike Seligson (Clarkstown North); 8. Alex Notaro (Clarkstown South); 9. Nick Engert (Fox Lane); 10. Manny Pragana (John Jay-EF); 11. Jack Wagner (Hen Hud); 12. Paul Caruso (Mahopac); 13. Alec Beresin (John Jay); 14. Scott Rodrigues (Fox Lane); 15. Robert Keltz (Scarsdale); 16. Eddie Tomaskovic (Carmel)
Breaking it down: Mike Parise and Blaise Benderoth have been on a collision course all season. Parise, a senior, is a former Section 1 champion and both grapplers received wild card bids to states last season. I’ll give Parise the edge based on experience. The loser of this match will most likely get a wild bard bid to states.
Finals prediction: Brewster’s Mike Parise wins by decision over North Rockland’s Blaise Benderoth

113 pounds
Seeds: 1. Troy Feniger (North Rockland); 2. Dylan Realbuto (Somers); 3. Alex Delacruz (Ossining); 4. John Muldoon (Pearl River); 5. Jon Alvarez (East Ramapo); 6. Zack Boker (Mahopac); 7. Travis Becker (Arlington); 8. Brian McLiverity (Clarkstown South); 9. Frank Surace (Fox Lane); 10. Mike Hodges (Scarsdale); 11. Dean Guevarra (Clarkstown North); 12. Kirby Atlas (Horace Greeley); 13. Mark Grant (Hen Hud); 14. Dominic Testa (John Jay-EF); 15. Warren Gabrillo (Fox Lane); 16. Max Valera (Mamaroneck)
Breaking it down: I’m sure many won’t agree with Troy Feniger receiving the top seed. Dylan Realbuto is a defending Section 1 champion and was second in the state last year. Alex Delacruz beat Feniger at divisionals and twice last season. The semifinal match between Realbuto and Delacruz should be a war. Realbuto beat Delacruz by decision at Eastern States and I see that repeating here. Pearl River’s John Muldoon is a strong No. 4 seed and he’s beaten Feniger twice this year.
Finals prediction: Somers’ Dylan Realbuto wins by decision over Pearl River’s John Muldoon

120 pounds
Seeds: 1. Liam Erickson (Brewster); 2. Mark Settembrino (Ketcham); 3. Adit Thakur (Nyack); 4. Jake DiMarsico (North Rockland); 5. Jimmy Kaishian (Yorktown); 6. Ben Ettlinger (Fox Lane); 7. Joe Maida (Harrison); 8. Derrick Feliciano (Arlington); 9. Diego Giron (Port Chester); 10. Jose Rodriguez (North Rockland); 11. Dan Ferriera (Lakeland/Panas); 12. Rameek McKenzie (Yonkers); 13. Steve Richardson (Hen Hud); 14. Bing Bing Xie (Horace Greeley); 15. Sergei Meyer (Tappan Zee); 16. Pat Hogan (Pearl River)
Breaking it down: With New Rochelle’s A.J. Barbaria pulling out of the tournament due to illness, this weight class is now pretty wide open. I think any one of the top five seeds is capable of winning it.
Finals prediction: Nyack’s Adit Thakur wins by decision over North Rockland’s Jake DiMarsico

126 pounds
Seeds: 1. Sam Speno (Fox Lane); 2. Matt Caputo (North Rockland); 3. Gavin Menchel (Harrison); 4. Tommy Gonska (Brewster); 5. Josh Simpfenderfer (RC Ketcham); 6. Danny Murphy (RC Ketcham); 7. Jon Russo (Horace Greeley); 8. Juan Pablo Loja (Sleepy Hollow); 9. Alex Lambiotte (John Jay); 10. Carlos Aponte (Tappan Zee); 11. Mike Camastro (Mahopac); 12. Daniel Jureller (Scarsdale); 13. Austin Fox (Clarkstown South); 14. Brandon Badger (Arlington); 15. Santiago Forero (New Rochelle); 16. Alex Graap (Somers)
Breaking it down: Sam Speno is the overwhelming favorite here and I don’t see anyone beating him. Matt Caputo will give him a battle, but the experienced Speno will prevail. After taking second in the state last year, Speno is on a mission to win a state title and there’s no way he’s stopping here.
Finals prediction: Fox Lane’s Sam Speno wins by major decision over North Rockland’s Matt Caputo

132 pounds
Seeds: 1. Danny Ventura (Fox Lane); 2. Mike Morabito (Ketcham); 3. John Tambunting (Scarsdale); 4. Colby Kash (Clarkstown North); 5. Edwin Jiminez (Sleepy Hollow); 6. Kevin McDermott (Hen Hud); 7. Max Gomez (New Rochelle); 8. Jimmy Duncan (Brewster); 9. Kyle Santucci (Yorktown); 10. Luke Minasi (John Jay-EF); 11. Kyle Turchick (Somers); 12. David Polakoff (Harrison); 13. Mitchell Klein (Horace Greeley); 14. Vinny Martin (Arlington); 15. Fred Saintil (Mount Vernon); 16. Dan Walsh (Mahopac)
Breaking it down: The string of Fox Lane champions will continue here. Danny Ventura, also a state runner-up last year, should cruise to a Section 1 title. I like what I saw from John Tambunting at divisionals, but I don’t see him taking down Ventura.
Finals prediction: Fox Lane’s Danny Ventura wins by decision over Scarsdale’s John Tambunting

138 pounds
Seeds: 1. Jake Srednicki (Mahopac); 2. Tommy Grippi (Fox Lane); 3. Charlie Garcia (Tappan Zee); 4. Christian Wassweiler (Beacon); 5. Joe Koshakow (Scarsdale); 6. Max Bachmeier (Mahopac); 7. James Desimone (Suffern); 8. Larry Courtien (Somers); 9. Dan DeStefano (Suffern); 10. Steve Moreno (Pearl River); 11. Mike D’Agostino (North Rockland); 12. Max Lukaswitz (Harrison); 13. Adam Meyer (Scarsdale); 14. Ari Faust (Fox Lane); 15. Reid Orlando (Clarkstown South); 16. Kessler Felix (Nyack)
Breaking it down: Jake Srednicki and Tommy Grippi have faced each other twice this season, with each grappler picking up a win. Srednicki holds the more recent victory as he defeated Grippi by decision at the Super 16. This should be one of the more exciting finals matches. I think both Srednicki and Grippi will be headed for states with one of them getting a wild card.
Finals prediction: Mahopac’s Jake Srednicki wins by decision over Fox Lane’s Tommy Grippi

145 pounds
Seeds: 1. Joe Mastro (Yorktown); 2. Mike Caputo (North Rockland); 3. Dale White (John Jay-EF); 4. Josh Perlmutter (Hen Hud); 5. Ryan Becker (Clarkstown North); 6. Giancarlo Morreale (Fox Lane); 7. Chris Pecora (Carmel); 8. James Laurent (New Rochelle); 9. Liam Gallagher (Clarkstown South); 10. Ibrahim Simreen (Yonkers); 11. Andrew Artrip (Suffern); 12. Kevin Ortiz (Sleepy Hollow); 13. Chen Shen (Scarsdale); 14. Jeff Dempsey (Rye); 15. Liam Heine (Somers); 16. Luka Pavicic (Mamaroneck)
Breaking it down: This will be one of the more exciting weight classes. Mike Caputo and Dale White should provide a very entertaining semifinal match. White holds a victory by pin over top-seeded Joe Mastro. I feel like Caputo is peaking right now and this is his year to win it. The senior has placed third twice and I’m sure he’s looking to go out on a high note.
Finals prediction: North Rockland’s Mike Caputo wins by decision over Yorktown’s Joe Mastro

152 pounds
Seeds: 1. Brian Realbuto (Somers); 2. Ben Miller (Mamaroneck); 3. Kyle McAlpin (Brewster); 4. Brad Marvin (RC Ketcham); 5. Desmond Djekovic (Tappan Zee); 6. Nick Didio (North Rockland); 7. Aaron Johnson (John Jay-EF); 8. Lance Perlmutter (Hen Hud); 9. Andrew Sion (Brewster); 10. Mark Lasar (Somers); 11. Justin Karas (Port Chester); 12. Brian Hackel (Scarsdale); 13. Tom Jensen (White Plains); 14. Jean-Paul Ospina (Sleepy Hollow); 15. Demetrius Rodrigues (New Rochelle)
Breaking it down: This is the weight class everyone seems to be avoiding with two-time state champion Brian Realbuto at the top. It really doesn’t matter who Realbuto faces in the finals – everyone else is just fighting for second place.
Finals prediction: Somers’ Brian Realbuto pins Mamaroneck’s Ben Miller

160 pounds
Seeds: 1. Matt Pasqualini (Fox Lane); 2. Phil Siegel (Hen Hud); 3. Nick Giella (Suffern); 4. Dion Duran (Mamaroneck); 5. Devante Harrell (Ossining); 6. Anthony Scott (Arlington); 7. Gabe Palacios (Sleepy Hollow); 8. Aaron Gallagher (Mahopac); 9. Jonathan Leman (John Jay-EF); 10. Jacob Lynch (New Rochelle); 11. Daniel Poggoli (New Rochelle); 12. Chris Flynn (Pearl River); 13. Michael Peterson (Arlington); 14. Carlos Seminaro (White Plains); 15. Dylan Salamone (Mahopac); 16. D.J. Dross (Beacon)
Breaking it down: Matt Pasqualini has been the man here all season. He beat Phil Siegel by decision in the semifinals at the Shoreline Classic. Pasqualini and Siegel were both runners up last season at 145 and 152 pounds, respectively. This year, one of them will be a Section 1 champ. My money is on Pasqualini.
Finals prediction: Fox Lane’s Matt Pasqualini wins by decision over Hen Hud’s Phil Siegel

170 pounds
Seeds: 1. Aaron Butler (New Rochelle); 2. Jack Braun (Scarsdale); 3. Brenden Nunziata (Arlington); 4. Declan Myer (John Jay); 5. Steven Sabella (Yorktown); 6. Harry Erickson (Brewster); 7. Brett Perry (John Jay-EF); 8. Joe Simolocaj (Rye); 9. Valdon Djekovic (Tappan Zee); 10. Matt Oliva (Clarkstown South); 11. Angelo Revel (Somers); 12. Dennis Carroll (Tappan Zee); 13. Bryant Quichiz (Suffern); 14. Chris Manjuck (Fox Lane); 15. Brock Cvijanovich (Horace Greeley); 16. Kurt Schwarz (New Rochelle)
Breaking it down: Now this is an interesting weight class. Aaron Butler, a defending Section 1 champion, has been hampered by a lingering shoulder injury all season. He recently beat Jack Braun at divisionals and said he feels about 85 percent heading into sectionals. Brenden Nunziata holds a victory over Butler at the Shoreline Classic. Whoever wins between Declan Myer and Steven Sabella, will give Butler a difficult semifinal match.
Finals prediction: Arlington’s Brenden Nunziata wins by decision over New Rochelle’s Aaron Butler

182 pounds
Seeds: 1. Jacob Berkowitz (Scarsdale); 2. Bruno Albertassi (Brewster); 3. Thomas Murray (Yorktown); 4. Ryan Boyle (North Rockland); 5. Michael Amato (Beacon); 6. Mike Rosenthal (John Jay); 7. Tome Marku (Clarkstown South); 8. Jonathan Stokes (New Rochelle); 9. Jason DiBenedetto (Somers); 10. AJ Alvarez (Carmel); 11. Billy Gossett (John Jay); 12. Beni Sinanaj (Tappan Zee); 13. Robert Hanaburgh (Arlington); 14. Michael Rodriguez (Suffern)
Breaking it down: I don’t see anyone touching Jacob Berkowitz in this weight class, even though I’ve been impressed by Thomas Murray this season. Berkowitz, a defending Section 1 champion, should cruise to a title. He easily handled probable semifinal opponent Ryan Boyle at divisionals, but Murray will give him a tougher match in the finals.
Finals prediction: Scarsdale’s Jacob Berkowitz wins by decision over Yorktown’s Thomas Murray

195 pounds
Seeds: 1. Mike Spinelli (Mahopac); 2. Deondre Pierce (Beacon); 3. Scott Wymbs (Horace Greeley); 4. Paul Okeke (Clarkstown South); 5. Matt Day (Arlington); 6. Ekpenede Imasuen (North Rockland); 7. Nick Giancaspro (Somers); 8. Trent Lofaro (Ossining); 9. Brian Gunderson (Byram Hills); 10. John Hartnett (Tappan Zee); 11. Murphy Wilson (Ketcham); 12. Tyrick Jackson (Suffern); 13. Wilmer Quintero-Martinez (Clarkstown South); 14. Trenton Floyd (John Jay); 15. TJ Lyons (John Jay-EF): 16. Max McMullen (Harrison)
Breaking it down: Mike Spinelli has been on a mission all year for a Section 1 title. Nick Giancaspro got slighted a bit with a No. 7 seed and will have to go through both Deondre Pierce and Scott Wymbs to reach the final. Giancaspro pinned Pierce this season. I see Giancaspro reaching the finals, but the run ends there. Spinelli holds two wins over Giancaspro this year.
Finals prediction: Mahopac’s Mike Spinelli wins by decision over Somers’ Nick Giancaspro

220 pounds
Seeds: 1. Dom DeVita (Somers); 2. Tyler Lilly (New Rochelle); 3. Dan Clune (Fox Lane); 4. Chris McGann (Tappan Zee); 5. Jason Dorsainville (East Ramapo): 6. Bryan Burger (Suffern); 7. A.J. Cesarini (Eastchester); 8. Steven O’Connell (Byram Hills): 9. Ethan Smith (John Jay); 10. Billy Marino (Horace Greeley); 11. Christian Zamano (Port Chester); 12. Matt Pascoe (Ketcham); 13. Tyler Otero (Mahopac); 14. Matt St. Onge (Clarkstown South)
Breaking it down: Dom DeVita has been the favorite most of the season and holds a third-place finish at Eastern States. He beat Lilly in overtime at Eastern States. It should be a close match, but I feel like Lilly is going to reverse his fortunes. Don’t look past Danny Clune, who has surprised many this season.
Finals prediction: New Rochelle’s Tyler Lilly wins by decision in OT over Somers’ Dom DeVita

285 pounds
Seeds: 1. Sean Barry (Hen Hud); 2. David Varian (Yorktown); 3. Michael Manni (Tappan Zee); 4. Brent Lobien (Horace Greeley); 5. Frank Curnaj (Sleepy Hollow); 6. Charles Francois (Nyack); 7. Tyler Vanderlinde (Ketcham); 8. Justin Douglas (New Rochelle); 9. Nick Holahan (Clarkstown South); 10. Andriy Lypchuk (Fox Lane); 11. Louis Talia (John Jay); 12. Conner Reigotti (North Rockland); 13. Anthony Campanelli (Somers); 14. Terry Hairston (Yonkers); 15. Clifford Joseph (Suffern)
Breaking it down: Sean Barry has beaten David Varian three out of four times this season. Barry pinned Varian at divisionals last weekend. Although Varian has handed Barry his lone loss, I feel like if they wrestled 10 times, Barry would win nine out of 10. That headlock move Barry has is just so tough to avoid. No. 4-seeded Brent Lobien is a darkhorse.
Finals prediction: Hen Hud’s Sean Barry pins Yorktown’s David Varian

Team standings prediction
1. Fox Lane: The defending champion Foxes are just too deep and have three solid locks for a Section 1 title in Sam Speno (126), Danny Ventura (132) and Matt Pasqualini (160). At 138 pounds, Tommy Grippi will at least take second place and has beaten Mahopac’s Jake Srednicki in the past. They also have a bunch of other wrestlers that should place.
2. North Rockland: The Red Raiders are a very deep team and it will come down to how well they do in the wrestlebacks. Their best bets for a Section 1 title are Blaise Benderoth (106) and Mike Caputo (145), but both face some tough challenges to win it all. Matt Caputo should take second at 126 pounds. Troy Feniger received the top seed at 113 pounds and could reach the finals. If the Red Raiders get a few more guys to place in the top 3 or 4 they’ve got a shot at taking down Fox Lane.
3. Somers: The Tuskers have one lock for a Section 1 title in Brian Realbuto (152) and a favorite in Dylan Realbuto at 113 pounds. Dom DeVita will most likely place either first or second at 220 pounds. Nick Giancaspro was seeded lower than I expected at No. 7 at 195 pounds and has a tough road, but I see him placing in the top three. Below that, I’m not sure the Tuskers will have enough guys place to finish higher than third, but you never know.
4. Mahopac: Mike Spinelli will in all likelihood win a Section 1 title at 195 pounds. Jake Srednicki will place either first or second at 138 pounds. After that, the Indians have some depth capable of placing but I don’t see them getting any other finalists besides Srednicki and Spinelli.
5. Yorktown: The Huskers are only sending six grapplers to sectionals but it’s a quality six. Joe Mastro received the top seed at 145 pounds and could definitely take home the hardware. David Varian will most likely place second at 285 pounds, while Thomas Murray should place in the top 3 at 182. Steven Sabella (170) and Jimmy Kaishian (120) should also place.

DIVISION 2

99 pounds
Seeds: 1. Tyler Aslanian (Edgemont); 2. Joe Dillon (Nanuet); 3. Andrew Barsuch (Croton-Harmon); 4. James Bathon (Pleasantville); 5. Nick Wilt (Hastings); 6. Noah Kelvas (Putnam Valley); 7. Nick Cipriano (Dobbs Ferry); 8. Adam Samlosky (Ardsley); 9. Kyle Aslanian (Edgemont); 10. Dan Fraad (Pawling); 11. Eric Pezzulo (Westlake); 12. Spiro Coffinas (Westlake); 13. Connor Foy (Pawling)
Breaking it down: Tyler Aslanian holds a win over Joe Dillon, a defending section champion, this season. Andrew Barsuch could definitely make some noise. He’s split with Aslanian this year.
Finals prediction: Nanuet’s Joe Dillon wins by decision over Edgemont’s Tyler Aslanian

106 pounds
Seeds: 1. Vinny Skokos (Nanuet); 2. Jonah Gerstel (Ardsley); 3. Tyler Wexler (Irvington); 4. Rich Dosin (Hastings); 5. Tom Schultz (Croton-Harmon); 6. Christian Murphy (Lourdes); 7. Eric Boyle (Nanuet); 8. Chris Marino (North Salem); 9. Joe Nolan (Putnam Valley); 10. Moise Romano (Hastings)
Breaking it down: Vinny Skokos, only a freshman, has had a breakthrough season and appears to be the clear favorite here. Jonah Gerstel has a win over Tyler Wexler this season.
Finals prediction: Nanuet’s Vinny Skokos wins by major decision over Ardsley’s Jonah Gerstel

113 pounds
Seeds: 1. Trey Aslanian (Edgemont); 2. Skylar Korek (Edgemont); 3. Stephen Paternostro (Pleasantville); 4. Stephen Samolsky (Ardsley); 5. A.J. Mirabal (Putnam Valley); 6. Justin Jiminez (Irvington); 7. Greg Macchi (Hastings); 8. Tommy O’Sullivan (Putnam Valley); 9. Steven Montes (Pleasantville); 10. Richard LaRocca (Woodlands); 11. Sumner Kataka (Woodlands)
Breaking it down: After a second-place finish in the state last year, Trey Aslanian is your clear favorite here. It could be an all Edgemont final, too, with Skylar Korek seeded second.
Finals prediction: Edgemont’s Trey Aslanian pins Pleasantville’s Stephen Paternostro

120 pounds
Seeds: 1. Anthony Calvano (Nanuet); 2. D.J. Frederich (Croton-Harmon); 3. Josh Dooz (Dobbs Ferry); 4. Max Abramsky (Edgemont); 5. Aidan Conroy (Ardsley); 6. Chris Lowery (Nanuet); 7. Nick D’Arrigo (Irvington); 8. Jeremy Kogan (Ardsley); 9. John Wilt (Hastings); 10. Rikesh Mistry (Edgemont); 11. Mathew Powell (North Salem); 12. Mariano Ring (Irvington); 13. Will Fontana (Dobbs Ferry); 14. Thomas Pearson (Hastings)
Breaking it down: Anthony Calvano, a multiple time state qualifier, has been plagued by various illnesses this season. I see him coming out on top against D.J. Frederich, but it’ll be a close one.
Finals prediction: Nanuet’s Anthony Calvano wins by decision over Croton’s D.J. Frederich

126 pounds
Seeds: 1. Drew Longo (Ardsley); 2. Graham Williamson (Pleasantville); 3. Dan Guido (Croton-Harmon); 4. Will Graybeal (Edgemont); 5. Zach Martin (Pawling); 6. Christian Gonzalez (Putnam Valley); 7. Brian Luciano (Lourdes); 8. Brian Loomba (Ardsley); 9. Daniel Kraemer (Woodlands); 10. Nicholas Padilla (Hastings); 11. Dylan Huff (Edgemont); 12. Dominick Rendina (Westlake); 13. Kristoffer Fregil (Woodlands)
Breaking it down: Drew Longo will cruise to a Section 1 title being Dobbs Ferry’s Jimmy Kyreakedes won’t be competing. Longo is a three-time state qualifier and two-time section champ. He placed second at states last year.
Finals prediction: Ardsley’s Drew Longo pins Pleasantville’s Graham Williamson

132 pounds
Seeds: 1. David Occhipinti (Croton-Harmon); 2. Chris Bruno (Putnam Valley); 3. Colin Hopkins (Edgemont); 4. Nick Jolly (Lourdes); 5. Russel Kogan (Ardsley); 6. Chris Santana (Pawling); 7. Billy Thompson (Nanuet); 8. Andrew Wassmann (Irvington); 9. Connor Kostyra (Irvington); 10. Joel Pedrigan (Woodlands); 11. Dan Gottlieb (Pleasantville); 12. Mario Ficcucielo (Edgemont); 13. John Pachonte (Woodlands); 14. Zach Dolgetta (Westlake); 15. Benjamin Amaral (Hastings); 16. Jose Nieves (Pleasantville); 17. Mike Galluzzo (Westlake)
Breaking it down: David Occhipinti is a defending section champ and I don’t see anyone giving him trouble here.
Finals prediction: Croton’s David Occhipinti pins Edgemont’s Colin Hopkins

138 pounds
Seeds: 1. Dean Rogener (Westlake); 2. Matt Dillon (Nanuet); 3. Peter Berman (Edgemont); 4. Johnny Martin (Croton-Harmon); 5. Kyle Kelvas (Putnam Valley); 6. Elder Calim (Woodlands); 7. J.P. O’Malley (Croton-Harmon); 8. Drew Cohen (Irvington); 9. Anthony Tarricone (Hastings); 10. Tyler Smith (Pawling); 11. Miles Gencarelli (Hastings); 12. Thomas Marrone (Pleasantville); 13. John Spiegel (Nanuet); 14. Kyle Lindsey (Dobbs Ferry); 15. Brandon Castro (Pleasantville); 16. Patrick Polintan (Ardsley); 17. Michael Minieri (Irvington); 18. Brendan Smith (Ardsley); 19. Sam Klein (Edgemont)
Breaking it down: Dean Rogener has defeated Matt Dillon previously so he’s the pick. Peter Berman and Johnny Martin are capable of pulling off upsets.
Finals prediction: Westlake’s Dean Rogener wins by decision over Nanuet’s Matt Dillon

145 pounds
Seeds: 1. Brett Pastore (Irvington); 2. Jack McCormack (Edgemont); 3. Andrew Horan (Croton-Harmon); 4. Nick O’Halloran (Westlake); 5. Angelo Zegarelli (Putnam Valley); 6. Brandon Abrahante (Hastings); 7. Jazz Saraguro (Nanuet); 8. Teddy Fleming (North Salem); 9. Michael Zakher (Pleasantville); 10. Aron Salguero (Woodlands); 11. Johan Rosenblum (Irvington); 12. Mike Iovino (Dobbs Ferry); 13. Miguel Lopez (Woodlands); 14. Jon Swiler (Dobbs Ferry); 15. Noah Kanwal (Ardsley).
Breaking it down: Brett Pastore is the favorite here. He’s beaten Jack McCormack twice this season and I see that trend continuing.
Finals prediction: Irvington’s Brett Pastore wins by major decision over Edgemont’s Jack McCormack

152 pounds
Seeds: 1. Scott Porter (Pawling); 2. Edgar Solis (Westlake); 3. Anthony Gentile (Putnam Valley); 4. Adam Rosenkranz (Dobbs Ferry); 5. Peter Jones (Irvington); 6. Ross Kantor (Edgemont); 7. Denis Kelly (Putnam Valley); 8. Cody Fitzgerald (Nanuet); 9. Eli Greenstein (Croton-Harmon); 10. Jesse Deutchman (Ardsley); 11. Terry Taylor (Dobbs Ferry); 12. Joel Fuentes (Hastings); 13. Corey Rielly (Pawling); 14. Mike Nuccio (Pleasantville)
Breaking it down: This should come down to the top two seeds. Scott Porter pinned Edgar Solis earlier in the season. Solis is a defending section champion.
Finals prediction: Pawling’s Scott Porter wins by decision over Westlake’s Edgar Solis

160 pounds
Seeds: 1. Mike Buhlmann (Nanuet); 2. Mike Boyle (Dobbs Ferry); 3. Con Coffinas (Westlake); 4. Max Ostachowsky (Lourdes); 5. Peter Salzarulo (Pleasantville); 6. John Deegan (Lourdes); 7. Devin Pena (Woodlands); 8. Zachary Silverhardt (Irvington); 9. Mikhail Garcia (Hastings); 10. Joey Ciccio (Irvington); 11. Matt Tencer (Dobbs Ferry); 12. Devin Lewis (Croton-Harmon)
Breaking it down: This is a tough weight class to judge because the top guys haven’t faced each other before, but I like Mike Boyle to take it down.
Finals prediction: Dobbs Ferry’s Mike Boyle wins by decision over Nanuet’s Mike Buhlmann

170 pounds
Seeds: 1. John Messinger (Putnam Valley); 2. Peter Smith (Nanuet); 3. Chris Kim (Edgemont); 4. Cole McKinney (Pleasantville); 5. Oliver Oks (Edgemont); 6. Tyler Estremera (Lourdes); 7. Anthony Casamo (Dobbs Ferry); 8. Sam Goldsmith (Croton-Harmon); 9. Matt Zefi (Westlake); 10. Matt Seputro (Croton-Harmon); 11. David Saravia (Dobbs Ferry); 12. Justin Robadi (Ardsley)
Breaking it down: John Messinger and Peter Smith should end up meeting in the finals. Smith pinned Chris Kim earlier in the season. Oliver Oks could make some noise as a No. 5 seed.
Finals prediction: Nanuet’s Peter Smith wins by decision over Putnam Valley’s John Messinger

182 pounds
Seeds: 1. Oliver Mold (Pawling); 2. Kevin Brundage (Nanuet); 3. Evan Shlom (Ardsley); 4. Rocco Esposito (Pawling); 5. Marshawn Dickson (Woodlands); 6. Willie Messinger (Putnam Valley); 7. Andrew Freeman (Nanuet)
Breaking it down: Oliver Mold, who won a Section 1 title last year, should cruise to another title.
Finals prediction: Pawling’s Oliver Mold pins Nanuet’s Kevin Brundage

195 pounds
Seeds: 1. Dan Breit (Nanuet); 2. Chris Kraft (Croton-Harmon); 3. Sergio Ventura (Nanuet); 4. Jacob Wiegard (Lourdes); 5. Kevin Degnan (Irvington); 6. Dennis DeLeon (Dobbs Ferry); 7. Mike Miller (Lourdes); 8. Houston Porter (Woodlands); 9. Dan Cohen (Ardsley); 10. Guy Buckland (Ardsley); 11. Anthony Morris (Hastings)
Breaking it down: Dan Breit has looked solid all season. He placed second at 189 pounds last year and I think he’ll take it home. Watch out for Dennis DeLeon, a dangerous No. 6 seed.
Finals prediction: Nanuet’s Dan Breit wins by major decision over Croton-Harmon’s Chris Kraft

220 pounds
Seeds: 1. Daniel Kornberg (Edgemont); 2. Christopher Minnozi (Hastings); 3. Quentin Bailey (Hastings); 4. Ian Lopez (Lourdes); 5. Matt Acevedo (Pawling); 6. Alek Pavloff (Croton-Harmon); 7. Suneil Vaswani (Putnam Valley); 8. Conor Driscoll (Dobbs Ferry); 9. Kevin Driscoll (Dobbs Ferry); 10. Adam Kreiger (Irvington); 11. Nick Lombardi (Ardsley)
Breaking it down: Daniel Kornberg appears to be the clear favorite. He took fourth at 215 pounds last year.
Finals prediction: Edgemont’s Daniel Kornberg wins by major decision over Croton’s Harmon’s Alek Pavloff

285 pounds
Seeds: 1. Obum Anyichie (Pleasantville); 2. Chris DiNardo (Irvington); 3. Anthony DiNardo (Irvington); 4. Joe Morello (Dobbs Ferry); 5. James Maher (Lourdes); 6. Josh Nelson (Nanuet); 7. Tyrie Brave (Woodlands); 8. Austin Lynch (Woodlands)
Breaking it down: Chris DiNardo is a defending Section 1 champion, but has missed most of this season due to injury. Obum Anyichie has defeated DiNardo twice this year after losing to him in the section final last year.
Finals prediction: Pleasantville’s Obum Anyichie wins by decision over Irvington’s Chris DiNardo

Team standings prediction
1. Nanuet: The defending Section 1 Division 2 champions will have quite the battle with Edgemont, but I think the Golden Knights will prevail. They have three strong favorites to win section titles in Vinny Skokos (106 pounds), Anthony Calvano (120) and Dan Breit (195). Joe (99) and Matt Dillon (138) will place either first or second in their weight classes. I think Peter Smith is capable of winning the section at 170 pounds. Nanuet has other grapplers that should place.
2. Edgemont: The Panthers have a solid chance to upend Nanuet, but it won’t be easy. Trey Aslanian is a lock for a section title at 113 pounds. Daniel Kornberg should take it down at 220 pounds. Tyler Aslanian is the favorite at 99 pounds. Other grapplers that should make noise are Skylar Korek (113) and Jack McCormack (145).
3. Croton-Harmon: The Tigers probably won’t crack the top 2 but they’re a solid bet to finish third. David Occhipinti is a lock for a title at 132 pounds. I’m not sure if they’ll have another champion, but Andrew Barsuch (99 pounds), D.J. Frederich (120), Johnny Martin (138), Andrew Horan (145), Chris Kraft (195) and Alek Pavloff (220) should all place.

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