2017 NHSCA High School Nationals

2017 NHSCA Nationals Preview

2017 NHSCA Nationals Preview

Preview of this weekend's 2017 NHSCA Nationals in Virginia Beach

Mar 23, 2017 by Nomad Lobdell
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Recent Decommitments: Gavin Teasdale | Michael Beard | Jarod Verkleeren

If you needed an overload of wrestling after NCAAs, I recommend you tune in this weekend for 2017 NHSCA nationals. They have a tournament for all four high school grade levels, some of which will have 64 or even 128-man brackets.

We wanted to give a brief overview of each division now that registration is closed, however, please be advised just because someone registers does not mean they are forced to compete.

Here is a link to a list of some notables. Wrestling starts at 8am eastern time on Friday, March 24th, with every match LIVE on FloWrestling.

SENIOR

There are nine athletes registered who have previously won NSHCA grade level titles, including five who won Junior Nationals last year in Virginia Beach. In particular, there is Jose Tapia of New Mexico, who won as a freshman and a sophomore before losing in ultimate tiebreaker last year to Drew Mattin in the 120lb finals. Mattin returns and has Esco Walker in his weight, the only bracket with two returning junior champs in it.

Also registered are Ironman champs Zack Donathan and Georgio Poullas, Doc Buchanan champs Hunter Willits, Navonte Demison, and Grant Willits. It appears 170 is going to end up being the toughest bracket, featuring Poullas, Bryce Rogers, Andrew Berreyesa, Casey Cornett, Brit Wilson, and Hayden Hastings.

From NHSCA All-Americans To NCAA Stars

JUNIOR

Over half of last year's sophomore champs return for juniors, with four of those guys trying to win their third grade-level title. Joey Silva, Aaron Brooks, Gavin Hoffman and Ben Goldin are halfway to accomplishing a feat only matched by five others, winning all four NHSCA tournaments.

It seems as though Florida is bringing the whole state with them, as guys like Ryan Chauvin, Anthony Artalona, and Erich Byelick join Silva and Goldin, not to mention the other hammers they are bringing up throughout the various grade levels.

Silva did not have an easy road to his second title, having to knock off then three-time New York state champ Jacori Teemer in the finals (match below). They were supposed to meet again in the Super 32 finals, but Teemer was knocked off by Austin DeSanto. Will they meet again in this year's 132 pound finals, or will National Prep runner-up Jack Davis pick one of them off?



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SOPHOMORE

Cam Enriquez, Connor McGonagle, Brevin Balmeceda, Joseph Barnes, Ryan Reyes, Drake Barbee, Owen Trephan are the seven returning freshman champs. One to keep an eye on is Ryan Vulakh, who placed in Pennsylvania as a freshman, was fifth at Super 32 but then ruled ineligible for this past season by the PIAA. Also in the mix is National Prep runner-up Mason Reiniche, though he fell to Barnes in last year's 145 bracket.

Bryce Andonian of St. Edward, OH (20th at 120) and Balmeceda (12th at 145) are the ranked wrestlers in this field.

The Craziest NHSCA Bracket Ever

FRESHMAN

The high school wrestling rankings guru Willie Saylor indicated 126 has the potential to be a monster weight this year. There are eight state champs in that weight, including Fargo All American Josh Saunders. Also in there are Charlie Pickell (MN), John Martin Best (WV), Noah Castillo (FL), Adam Frost (VT), Riley Noel (AR), Stockton O'Brien (UT), and Bailey Wilkins (SC).

Zach Redding out of Eastport-South Manor is the only ranked athlete registered. He is currently ranked 18th after placing third at 106 in New York's Division 1.

Below is a link to each of the final registries for the grade levels. A link to past brackets can be found here.

Freshman | Sophomore | Junior | Senior