The PIAA Championships return to FloWrestling March 10-12. All bouts will be streamed live starting with AA on Thursday morning at 9am EST. AAA gets underway at 4pm Thursday afternoon.This four part series will preview each bracket for lightweights (106-138) and heavyweights (145-285) on both the AA and AAA side. AA release will be followed by AAA. Check into the event hub for all written and video content.

145

Returning Qualifiers:

Christian Fritz, 12th, Northampton

#9 Shane Kibler, 12th, Abington (2020)

Reagan LeFevre, 12th, Hempfield

Austin Smith, 10th, Abington Heights

#10 Michael Trainor, 12th, Octorara Braves

#3 Ty Watters, 11th, West Allegheny (2020)

Returning Medalists:

#2 Finn Solomon, 12th, Franklin Regional 1st 138

#1 Jude Swisher, 12th, Bellefonte 3rd 132

#4 Riley Bower, 12th, Williamsport 6th 145

#5 Andrew Harmon, 11th, Bethlehem Catholic 7th 138

#6 Chance Babb, 12th, Boyertown 8th 138

The unknown here makes it such an interesting bracket. A lot of the contenders here were in the same weight at King of the Mountain in December and Swisher came out on top.

Top Bracket:

Returning state champion Finn Solomon (Franklin Regional) is the top seed. His potential quarterfinal opponent, Riley Bower (WIlliamsport) will be game as he has wins over four fellow qualifiers in the field. Chance Babb (Boyertown) is the third returning medalist in the top half.

Bottom Bracket:

Andrew Harmon (Bethlehem Catholic) and Jude Swisher (Bellefonte) are returning medalists and regional champions. The most intriguing guy in the half is Ty Watters (West Allegheny). He qualified in the monster 106 bracket before missing most of the season a year ago. He has three losses on the season and two are to Solomon and the other was a Powerade final loss to Meyer Shapiro. Watters knocked off Solomon en route to that final. He has all kinds of scramble in his game and will definitely have an impact in this bottom bracket. He will likely have to go through both Harmon and Swisher, so if you see him wrestling Saturday night for the title he will have earned it. Swisher has just one loss on the season and has a win over Solomon back in December.

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Prediction:

#3 Ty Watters (West Allegheny) over #2 Finn Solomon (Franklin Regional)

2021 Results:

1st Wyatt Henson (Waynesburg) DEC John Altieri (Norwin), 5-3

3rd Ty Linsenbigler (Hempfield Area) DEC Sam Mcmonagle (West Chester Henderson), 3-2 TB2

5th Connor Eck (Bensalem) DEC Riley Bower (Williamsport), 6-3

7th Dagen Condomitti (Northampton) DEC William Morrow (North Penn), 2-0

152

Returning Qualifiers:

Kelton Brunner, 12th, Strath Haven

#8 Caden Dobbins, 12th, Dallastown

Dominic Frontino, 11th, Shippensburg

Griffin Gonzalez, 11th, Lebanon

JT Hogan, 12th, Daniel Boone (2020)

Kaemen Smith, 12th, Erie Cathedral Prep (2020)

Mason Stein, 12th, Central Bucks East

Returning Medalists:

#1 Dylan Evans, 11th, Chartiers Valley 4th 138

#10 Dominic Wheatley, 11th, Nazareth 7th 132

#3 Dagen Condomitti, 11th, Northampton 7th 145

William Morrow, 12th, North Penn 8th 145

#4 Nico Taddy, 11th, West Allegheny 4th 113 (2020)

Top Bracket: 

If you believe past results are indicative of future results you're not going to like the lack of drama on the top side of the bracket. Several round of 16 matches and a likely quarterfinal has happened. If you like to look for adjustments and game planning against a familiar opponent this is the weight for you. Dylan Evans (Chartiers Valley) is the favorite and has several wins against opponents in his path. The wildcard in this half is Luke Sipes (Altoona). His only loss is to Jude Swisher and he has six wins over AA and AAA qualifiers including Caden Dobbins (Dallastown). Bekhruz Sadriddinov (Council Rock South) is his likely quarterfinal match-up and will tell us a lot about where the freshman stands. Sadriddinov has a win over Dominic Wheatley (Nazareth), but it's Wheatley who is the returning state medalist. Does that experience come into play in the round of 16?

Bottom Bracket:

Dagen Condomitti (Northampton) is the second seed, but does not have an easy path. He could run into two state medalists before the semifinals. Condomitti pushed Wyatt Henson to the brink last year in the quarterfinals before falling to 7th place. He defeated William Morrow (North Penn) in that bout. Nico Taddy (West Allegheny) is back after missing his sophomore season. He finished fourth as a freshman. That is stiff competition to hit in the early rounds. Watch for Kelin Laffey (Pine-Richland) out of the top quarter. This is his first state appearance, but he has a win over Evans this season.

Prediction:

Dagen Condomitti (Northampton) over Dylan Evans (Chartiers Valley)

2021 Results:

1st Alejandro Herrera-Rondon (Seneca Valley) DEC Rocco Welsh (Waynesburg), 3-1

3rd Paniro Johnson (Erie Cathedral Prep) DEC Jared Keslar (Connellsville), 8-5

5th Evan Gleason (Bethlehem Catholic) MD Dom D'agostino (Interboro), 10-0

7th Chase Barlow (Strath Haven) DEC Zac Martin (Neshaminy), 5-2

160

Returning Qualifiers:

Jacob Cherry, 12th, Gettysburg

#9 Kyler Everly, 12th, Mifflin County

#7 Ryan Fairchild, 12th, Nazareth

#10 Ryan Garvick, 10th, Central Dauphin

Jack Lledo, 12th, Lower Merion

Roman Morrone, 12th, Williamsport

Returning Medalists:

#1 Jared Keslar, 12th, Connellsville 4th 152

#3 Matt Colajezzi, 12th, Council Rock South 4th 160

#4 Chase Kranitz, 12th, Norwin 5th 160

#2 Chase Barlow, 12th, Strath Haven 7th 152

#8 Landon Muth, 11th, Bethlehem Catholic 8th 160

Chase Barlow(Strath Haven) turned this bracket on its head when he knocked off Matt Colajezzi (Council Rock South). Colajezzi would have edged Jared Keslar(Connellsville) for the top seed with his win percentage. Barlow earned the win, but created much more difficult paths for himself and Colajezzi. 

Top Bracket:

Keslar and Colajezzi is a monster quarterfinal for two seniors seeking a state title. The winner out of the top quarter will be favored in the semifinal. 

Bottom Bracket:

Barlow, Landon Muth (Bethlehem Catholic), and Chase Kranitz (Norwin) are all returning medalists and all drew into the bottom quarter. Jacob Cherry (Gettysburg) and Roman Morrone (Williamsport) have state experience and round out the competitors in the bottom quarter. Ryan Garvick (Central Dauphin) is the beneficiary of how the bracket came together as he should be a strong favorite in the top quarter. 

Prediction:

#1 Jared Keslar (Connellsville) over Chase Barlow (Strath Haven)

2021 Results:

1st Jagger Condomitti (Northampton) DEC Jack Mcgill (Spring-Ford), 7-3 SV

3rd Cole Spencer (Pine Richland) DEC Matt Colajezzi (Council Rock South), 3-1

5th Chase Kranitz (Norwin) DEC Ryan Fry (Red Lion), 11-9

7th Ethan Richner (Bellefonte) MD Landon Muth (Bethlehem Catholic), 14-6

172

Returning Qualifiers:

Darrale Barrett, 12th, Kennett

#3 Tucker Hogan, 10th, Daniel Boone

#10 Mark McGonigal, 12th, Clearfield

#5 Kevin Olavarria, 10th, Manheim Township

#9 Marek Seaman, 11th, West Chester Rustin

Returning Medalists:

#1 Rocco Welsh, 11th, Waynesburg 2nd 152

#2 Dom D’Agostino, 12th, Interboro 6th 152

Top Bracket:

Just two returning medalists in the field create a scenario that Rocco Welsh (Waynesburg) is a heady favorite after coming up short in the finals his first two seasons. 

Bottom Bracket:

Dom D’Agostino (Interboro) is the other returning medalist and seeded second. He appears to be headed for a semifinal clash with Tucker Hogan (Daniel Boone). Hogan has just one loss on the season and qualified for the West Super Region as a freshman. 

Prediction:

#1 Rocco Welsh (Waynesburg) over #2 Dom D’Agostino (Interboro)

2021 Results:

1st Luca Augustine (Waynesburg) DEC Trey Kibe (Mifflin County), 3-2

3rd Dominic Falcone (Easton) DEC Lance Urbas (State College), 4-1

5th Sammy Starr (Kiski Area) F Regan Loughney (La Salle), 4:33

7th Sonny Sasso (Nazareth) DEF Matt Romanelli (Downingtown East)

189

Returning Qualifiers:

Griffin Buzzell, 12th, Meadville (2020)

Sam DiTrolio, 12th, Garnet Valley

#6 Wayne McIntyre, 12th, East Stroudsburg

Returning Medalists:

#3 Quinn Collins, 12th, Central Bucks East 6th 215

#2 Sonny Sasso, 11th, Nazareth 7th 172

#1 Mac Stout, 12th, Mount Lebanon 2nd 170 (2020)

Top Bracket:

Quinn Collins (Central Bucks East) was the buzz of the seeding talk this week. Nothing, he did. He just had more prestige points than any of the other regional champions. There is an obvious need to address wrestlers who miss a postseason that have premier credentials earlier in their high school career. Mac Stout (Mount Lebanon) and Ryan Crookham are two prime examples this season. Don’t let the seeding talk distract you from the fact Collins is ranked #17 in the country and has just one loss on the season, and that was to #3 Brian Soldano of New Jersey. In the bottom quarter expect to see regional champions Trey Shoemaker (Mifflin County) and John Miller (Exeter) to square off. They were in the same field at the Conestoga Valley tournament, but shared a common loss and finished second and third. Miller has slightly better results against common opponents if you want to grasp for straws to help make your picks.

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Bottom Bracket:

Let's put the cart in front of the horse and go right to the semifinals. Stout is looking to become the third Stout brother to win a title. Kellan and Luke both got the job done in their senior season. Mac was a finalist his sophomore year before missing the postseason due to injury a year ago.

Sonny Sasso (Nazareth) also comes in with a clean sheet at 42-0. Stout won Powerade and Sasso counters with a Beast of the East title. It doesn’t matter what round it happens, the fans will get their money’s worth here.

Prediction:

#1 Mac Stout (Mount Lebanon) over #3 Quinn Collins (Central Bucks East)

2021 Results:

1st Joey Milano (Spring-Ford) MD Justin Hart (Hampton), 15-5

3rd Drew Clearie (Nazareth) DEC Ethan Rossman (Bellefonte), 9-3

5th Colt Barley (Penn Manor) DEC Bryce Molinaro (Hazleton Area), 5-0

7th Brooks Gable (Dallastown) FOR A Forfeit (N/A), 0-0

215

Returning Qualifiers:

#10 Lucas Doyle, 12th, Council Rock South

#3 Brian Finnerty, 12th, Thomas Jefferson 

#5 Chase Levey, 12th, Nazareth

Returning Medalists:

#2 Carl DiGiorgio, 12th, Central Bucks West 5th 215

#4 Cole Weightman, 12th, Belle Vernon 8th 215

Top Bracket:

Both returning medalists sit in the top quarter. Top Seed Carl DiGiorgio (Central Bucks West) follows the pattern of most of the other top seeds hitting the path of greatest resistance. Cole Weightman (Belle Vernon) couldn’t take the mat at the state tournament a year ago and took home eighth place. He has just 11 bouts this season, but should factor into the title picture. Nick Pavlechko (State College) is the favorite out of the fifth seed. He missed the postseason a year ago and didn’t have any prestige points. He did defeat DiGiorgio for the title at Escape the Rock. 

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Bottom Bracket:

Brian Finnerty (Thomas Jefferson) wrestled a good portion of the season at 189lbs. His only loss was to Mac Stout. He made the move up and it put him in position to possibly win a title. Chase Levey (Nazareth) has also wrestled matches at 189lbs this season. Will these two be able to navigate their quarters not being full sized 215lbers?

Prediction:

#3 Brian Finnerty (Thomas Jefferson) over #1 Nick Pavlechko (State College)

2021 Results:

1st Jake Lucas (Cumberland Valley) DEC Josh Harkless (Wilson West Lawn), 3-1 SV

3rd Ryan Catka (Sun Valley) DEC Logan Harmon (Armstrong), 3-1

5th Carl Digiorgio (Central Bucks West) MD Quinn Collins (Central Bucks East), 13-4

7th Cole Weightman (Belle Vernon) NC Jason Henderson (Delaware Valley)

285

Returning Qualifiers:

#6 Frederick Retter, 12th, Quakertown

#9 Layton Schmick, 11th, Carlisle

Returning Medalists:

#1 Sean Kinney, 10th, Nazareth 2nd 285

#2 William McChesney, 12th, Greensburg Salem 4th 285

#7 Matthew Cruise, 12th, Easton 5th 285

#3 Julien Laventure, 12th, Upper Darby 6th 285

#5 Oliver Billotte, 12th, Clearfield 8th 285 (2020)

Top Bracket:

Sean Kinney (Nazareth) was as close to winning a state title as you can get and still have to take home a silver medal. He is a great combination of size and athleticism. He earned the top seed and set up the bracket with four other returning medalists in the bottom half. Charles Crews (Williamsport) was able to battle Kinney for a while at state duals before succumbing to the top pressure. Is he able to make adjustments to turn the result? Crews should be in the semifinal as he has three wins over fellow regional champion Trevor Gallagher (Gettysburg) who sits in his quarter.

Bottom Bracket:

William McChesney (Greensburg Salem) is looking for his third medal. He is one of four medalists in the bottom half. He has multiple wins over Oliver Billotte (Clearfield) and a win over Julien Laventure (Upper Darby). He could see those guys in the quarter and semi finals. However, Matthew Cruise (Easton) also owns wins over Laventure and those two could hit in the top quarter. Cruise owns a win over Kinney this season. This bracket seems like a trap if you’re picking match by match. 

Prediction:

#1 Sean Kinney (Nazareth) over #2 William McChesney (Greensburg Salem)

2021 Results:

1st Nate Schon PA (Selinsgrove) F Sean Kinney (Nazareth), 6:26

3rd Isaiah Vance (Hempfield Area) DEC William Mcchesney (Greensburg Salem), 1-0

5th Matthew Cruise (Easton) DEC Julien Laventure (Upper Darby), 3-1

7th Dawson Dietz (Hampton) F Cameron Butka (West Scranton), 1:39