My Darby Picks

• oldskoolnike

  Ran out of time after 170, sorry.
  
  106
  1. Riley, Mount Vernon, Junior
  2. Rahmani, Marysville, Freshman
  3. Gutierrez, Pickerington North, Junior
  4. Wimer, Central Crossing, Sophomore
  5. Nace, Teays Valley, Sophomore
  6. Torti, Olentangy, Junior
  
  After watching Riley at Marysville, I’m not sure that he won’t come home from the schott with at least a silver medal. He has been fantastic so far this year with his only two losses coming up at 113, one of them to Spearman. So athletic and quick, his size advantage will make him tough to beat. Rahmani got rolled up on by Riley in the sectional finals but I think will be ready for the next go around. He has had a fantastic year so far winning the Top Gun. By virtue of his 13-7 win over Gutierrez at Mason, I have him clearing the bottom semi. Gutierrez is the only wrestler at this weight with state tournament experience, and I believe his confidence will allow him to outwrestle most guys in the bracket. Wimer has had a solid season so far and made me eat some crow in the process, placing at North Canton and Medina. I have him losing to Rahmani in the quarters but defeating DiSabato and Nace in the match to go. Nace has put together a good year himself, including beating Rahmani at Brecksville, but has a 5-2 loss to Wimer earlier in the year. Torti has missed a lot and that will hurt him. I have him falling to Rahmani but coming all the way back through to Gutierrez in the consi semis.
  
  113
  1. Spearman, Lancaster, Senior
  2. Davis, Hilliard Davidson, Senior
  3. Sparks, Marysville, Sophomore
  4. Valenti, Hilliard Darby, Junior
  5. Chang, Reynoldsburg, Senior
  6. Borton, Olentangy Orange, Freshman
  Spearman has proved himself to be the top dog at this weight. He started off the year winning the Wazie over Riley, and took 2[SUP]nd[/SUP] at Medina beating state 2[SUP]nd[/SUP] Burcher and lost to Tomasello in the finals. He does have Sparks in the semi’s who I believe he beat 2-1 at the schott last season, so we could see him tested there. Davis put himself in a nice position after beating Sparks at sectionals. I have him beating chang in the quarters followed by a semi win over Valenti (whom he defeated in a dual not long ago). Sparks has had a year relatively similar to his freshman year. He should fall to spearman in the semis but win over Chang in the match to go. Valenti should clear the top quarter and have Davis in the semis. He could win there but I have him dropping to consi semis vs. Borton whom he beat in the sectional finals. If Chang or Borton is on either one of them could upset 4-2.
  
  120
  1. Penzone, Olentangy Liberty, Sophomore
  2. Straughter, Reynoldsburg, Senior
  3. Kakos, Franklin Heights, Junior
  4. Rooney, St. Charles, Freshman
  5. Mullucey, Dublin Coffman, Senior
  6. Sepeda, Marysville, Freshman
  As Bucksman stated, this is a weight that is hard to pick. I don’t agree with him that it is awful; I just think they lack state experience. I think Penzone has seen the best competition this year and has had the best results. His major decision over Lucas in the sectional finals was impressive. The winner of the Straughter-Mullucey quarter will likely be the qualifier. Straughter has placed high at every tournament and although Mullucey is the only wrestler with state experience, he has been injured most of the season. Kakos has a great motor and is a terror on top. I have him over Rooney in the top quarter and then him over the loser of the Straughter-Mullucey match. On the other side I have Rooney coming back through and beating Sepeda to go. Rooney already has wins over Mullucey and Bloss this year.
  
  126
  1. Fiorucci, Olentangy, Senior
  2. Murdock, Dublin Coffman, Senior
  3. Wilson, Hilliard Davidson, Junior
  4. Donatelli, Hilliard Darby, Junior
  5. McCurdy, Delaware Hayes, Senior
  6. Boykin, Reynoldsburg, Senior
  Making the drop down just about as late as you can is 3x State Placer Fiorucci. The former state finalist had a great senior year up at 132 winning Medina along with a 2[SUP]nd[/SUP] and 3[SUP]rd[/SUP] at North Canton and Top Gun. At this weight class he is HUGE! Reminds me of a daddy long leg. Not to be outdone, Murdock is a 2x state placer himself and I believe hasn’t lost to anyone from the state of Ohio this year. He was champion at DeSales, Coffman, SWOWCA, and a Medina 2[SUP]nd[/SUP]. He clears the bottom half. I have Fiorucci #1 and Murdock #2, but it is impossible to tell who will win. The last result I have is Fiorucci over Murdock to go to state back in 2009. Wilson suffered a pretty nasty injury last week at sectionals, but if healthy the default could end up helping him. I have him over Barnhart-Sullivan in the quarters, losing to Fiorucci, but then beating either Boykin of the burg or Milner to go. Donatelli will have Fiorucci in the quarters, and then likely McCurdy in the match to go. That one could go either way, but Donatelli has impressed me a lot this year. Boykin could be an upset special if he is wrestling well.
  
  132
  1. Strope, Lancaster, Senior
  2. McDougle, Gahanna Lincoln, Junior
  3. Nace, Teays Valley, Senior
  4. Pollitt, Olentangy, Sophomore
  5. Schulze, Dublin Coffman, Senior
  6. Black, Hilliard Darby, Sophomore
  Despite the drops of Fiorucci and Wilson, along with the illness of Boswell, this is still a pretty tough weight class. Strope’s Saturday nights the past two years have perhaps made some people forget how good he really is. A good reminder would be to look back at that 2009 103 lb bracket. This year he won the Wazie and was 5[SUP]th[/SUP] at Medina. I think he will come in ready to go to war this year and bookend district titles. McDougle shouldn’t have too much trouble clearing his semi, as I think he is a step above. He has been in the finals of every tournament he has been in minus Brecksville where he finished 5[SUP]th[/SUP], and is coming off a big fall over Nace. Nace will be looking to knock off Strope in the finals, but even if he doesn’t I have him over black in the match to go. Pollitt I don’t know much about, I’m going off of a friend’s word saying that he loses to Strope in the quarters and somehow beats Yarger and Schulze to Qualify.
  
  138
  1. Forrider, Marysville, Junior
  2. Alexander, Northland, Junior
  3. Ryan, Olentangy Liberty, Junior
  4. McDougle, Gahanna Lincoln, Junior
  5. Gundling, Worthington Kilbourne, Junior
  6. Johnston, Hilliard Bradley, Senior
  Forrider is one of the best wrestlers in the district, but this returning 2x state placer will be tested twice in his quest for another district title. First, he has a rematch of the Brecksville finals vs. super tough Jake Ryan, a rematch we have all be waiting for. Then, he will likely have Alexander of Northland in the finals who gave him all he could handle in the sectional finals. Alexander is one of the most dangerous wrestlers in the state. Watched him put Forrider on his back and was extremely close to the fall, and also won the Grandview Heights and City League meets. Ryan has had some big wins this year, beating state placers in Labry, Nelson, and Amenta. Should he lose to Forrider, he will have a tough match against Gundling of Worthington Kilbourne, but one that he should win. McDougle could be the better technical wrestler than Alexander, but if Alexander does hit him with one of his various weapons, I see McDougle winning over Johnston of Bradley to go.
  
  145
  1. Boyd, Marysville, Junior
  2. Fosco, Olentangy, Senior
  3. Luft, Teays Valley, Senior
  4. Driscoll, Hilliard Bradley, Senior
  5. Sunkle, Pickerington Central, Junior
  6. Tate, Hilliard Davidson, Sophomore
  What an incredible weight class this is. Boyd is going to get my #1 spot here, as I believe he majored Luft at some point during the year, as well as defeating Tate in the sectional finals. I think returning state placer Fosco got just the right draw. True, he is wrestling three studs in Tate, Hauber, and Driscoll; but I think these guys may play into his style. I have him clearing the top semi. Should returning state placer Luft fall to Boyd again, he will have an absolute dogfight in the form of Sunkle(who will look to beat Driscoll in the quarters). I think Luft wins, but not easily. I then have Driscoll losing to Fosco (as he did earlier in the year) but bouncing back and defeating Tate. What a tough weight class this is to predict…
• oldskoolnike

  152
  1. Delande, Hilliard Davidson, Senior
  2. Miller, Marysville, Senior
  3. Zoller, Hilliard Bradley, Senior
  4. Staten, Mt. Vernon, freshman
  5. Ferrell, Teays Valley, Senior
  6. Wooden, Dublin Coffman, Junior
  Superman goes to bed wearing Chase Delande pajamas. The returning state champion missed a large portion of the year due to football, but came back without missing a beat. He was second at Hayes losing to fellow state champ Dailey in a 4-0 bout that was decided in two scrambles. A victory over Miller in the sectional finals assures him dominance. Miller has been on a steady improvement since his freshman year, culminating with a 6[SUP]th[/SUP] place finish at the schott last year. This year he spent most of the season at 160, finishing 6[SUP]th[/SUP] at both Brecksville and Top Gun adding a Mason title to his resume. I have him clearing the top semi to set up a rematch with Delande. Zoller, an unorthodox returning state qualifier, will fall to Miller in the quarters but come back through likely beating Wooten to go. Staten is a tough freshman who has been wrestling at a high level for several years now. I like him to make the semi’s before beating Ferrell in the match to go.
  
  160
  1. Roy Daniels, Olentangy Liberty, Senior
  2. Mickley, Hilliard Davidson, Senior
  3. Brown, Westerville Central, Senior
  4. Bond, Lancaster, Junior
  5. McCourt, Dublin Coffman, Senior
  6. Walker, Hilliard Darby, Junior
  Daniels transferred in this year from New York and has been nothing short of fantastic. A champion at Liberty, Brecksville, Elgin, and Wadsworth, he has proven himself against tons of top competition. Look for him to clear the bottom half with ease. I like Mickley up top; he really gets after it and has confidence. A state qualifier two years ago, his only two losses this year are from being caught and pinned, once by Arrendale (Perry), and Walker (Darby). Him and Brown will be close, but confidence in his attacks may be the difference. Brown has been tough this year, taking 2[SUP]nd[/SUP] at the top gun. Should he fall in the semi’s I see him beating a Dangerous opponent in Walker to go. Bond shocked Bowens last year, and should finish the job and qualify this year. 1[SUP]st[/SUP] @ Wazie and a Medina placer, I have him falling to Daniels before beating McCourt to go.
  
  170
  1. Pickett, Central Crossing, Senior
  2. Bowens, Hilliard Darby, Senior
  3. Fox, Dublin Scioto, Senior
  4. Riggs, Hilliard Bradley, Junior
  5. Funk, Lancaster, Junior
  6. Sierawski, Delaware Hayes, Sophomore
  The most improved wrestler in the district and Edinboro recruit Pickett is good. Nuff said. 2[SUP]nd[/SUP] at Canton to Wiercioch, 1[SUP]st[/SUP] at Medina, 1[SUP]st[/SUP] @ clay, and has already pinned his eventual finals opponent. Bowens is no joke however, as we all know how dangerous he is in upper body positions. Other than an ugly loss to Fox, he has put together a solid senior campaign. Fox was 3[SUP]rd[/SUP] @ Olentangy and 1[SUP]st[/SUP] @ Pick North over Bowens. He fell to Funk at sectionals, but bracketing helps him here. Riggs had me worried a bit last year, but he seems returned to form this year winning a section bracket containing Fox, Funk, and Duffy. Funk is a tough cookie, but I just don’t think it’s his year. Sierawski is a head and arming machine, and will surprise people.
  
  182
  1. Leidecker, Teays Valley, Senior
  2. Lybarger, Mount Vernon, Sophomore
  3. Foster, Pickerington Central, Senior
  4. Shackelford, Thomas Worthington, Junior
  5. McGrath, Hilliard Bradley, Senior
  6. Neeley, Grove City, Senior
  
  195
  1. Mayberry, Worthington Kilbourne, Senior
  2. Chowoe, Pickerington Central, Senior
  3. Dick, Grove City, Senior
  4. Kamba, Olentangy Orange, Sophomore
  5. Taylor, Marysville, Senior
  6. Reed, Reynoldsburg, Junior
  
  220
  1. King, Dublin Scioto, Senior
  2. Stinemetz, Olentangy, Senior
  3. Marshall, Lancaster, Senior
  4. Mowrey, Dublin Jerome, Junior
  5. Hall, Olentangy Orange, Senior
  6. Kinzer, Teays Valley, Sophomore
  
  HWT
  1. Elflein, Pickerington North, Senior
  2. Young, Olentangy, Senior
  3. Fleming, Olentangy Liberty, Senior
  4. Thirkield, Marysville, Senior
  5. Christner, Delaware Hayes, Senior
  6. Akutsu, Dublin Scioto, Junior
• Cthelites

  Great stuff oldskool!!!!
• Dirtyscramble

  

  :thumbup: Good Stuff!! but why'd you quit at 182??
• USMCdevil2005

  

  oldskoolnike;1093345 wrote:Ran out of time after 170, sorry.
  
  
  145
  1. Boyd, Marysville, Junior
  2. Fosco, Olentangy, Senior
  3. Luft, Teays Valley, Senior
  4. Driscoll, Hilliard Bradley, Senior
  5. Sunkle, Pickerington Central, Junior
  6. Tate, Hilliard Davidson, Sophomore
  What an incredible weight class this is. Boyd is going to get my #1 spot here, as I believe he majored Luft at some point during the year, as well as defeating Tate in the sectional finals. I think returning state placer Fosco got just the right draw. True, he is wrestling three studs in Tate, Hauber, and Driscoll; but I think these guys may play into his style. I have him clearing the top semi. Should returning state placer Luft fall to Boyd again, he will have an absolute dogfight in the form of Sunkle(who will look to beat Driscoll in the quarters). I think Luft wins, but not easily. I then have Driscoll losing to Fosco (as he did earlier in the year) but bouncing back and defeating Tate. What a tough weight class this is to predict…

  Wasn't a major, but it was close to it at 9-2, he kicked lufts butt. This is one of those kids who has done nothing but wrestle since laast year when he was a state alternate. He was at every camp and every open mat and has much improved. But I still Luft beats him this time around. Him and Luft are top 2 here but due to bracketing they will end up 1 and 3
• USMCdevil2005

  

  Great rankings though! Awesome read!
• FSUBIGMAC

  FYI - Borton FF to Valenti in the sectional finals. Should be the go to match.
• oldskoolnike

  FSUBIGMAC;1093629 wrote:FYI - Borton FF to Valenti in the sectional finals. Should be the go to match.

  Thanks for the info FSU. I had them wrestling in the match to go but I did not know Borton had forfeited to him the finals. Give me more confidence in the freshman.
• oldskoolnike

  USMCdevil2005;1093610 wrote:Wasn't a major, but it was close to it at 9-2, he kicked lufts butt. This is one of those kids who has done nothing but wrestle since laast year when he was a state alternate. He was at every camp and every open mat and has much improved. But I still Luft beats him this time around. Him and Luft are top 2 here but due to bracketing they will end up 1 and 3

  Thanks for the info. I agree that it could be a different result this time around. Luft is a hammer and will be ready.
• booboo

  oldskoolnike;1093741 wrote:Thanks for the info FSU. I had them wrestling in the match to go but I did not know Borton had forfeited to him the finals. Give me more confidence in the freshman.

  I've been watching these two for a couple of years. I believe Borton was 8th nationally as an 8th grader. He's long and lanky and really uses all 113# allowed. Valenti is a tough kid, also long and lanky and has a signature move that he likes to use. Strength will be a factor in this match. Should be a great match. I do not know why Borton defaulted in the finals; anyone have a clue?
• booboo

  Cthelites;1093365 wrote:Great stuff oldskool!!!!

  Agreed. I like the details too. Rivals some of the other prognosticators out there!
• ptown3

  booboo;1093887 wrote:I've been watching these two for a couple of years. I believe Borton was 8th nationally as an 8th grader. He's long and lanky and really uses all 113# allowed. Valenti is a tough kid, also long and lanky and has a signature move that he likes to use. Strength will be a factor in this match. Should be a great match. I do not know why Borton defaulted in the finals; anyone have a clue?

  8th nationally?! No offense but the kid didnt even place at OAC Jr. high States. Still very good though!
• booboo

  ptown3;1093911 wrote:8th nationally?! No offense but the kid didnt even place at OAC Jr. high States. Still very good though!

  He placed 8th at the Folkstyle Nationals in 2011.
  
  
  http://www.wnewsj.com/main.asp?SectionID=1&SubSectionID=1&ArticleID=188973
  
  Isn't something like this the whole reason we bother to step on the mat?
  
  I still hope Valenti wins; great kid and a good role model. No offense to Borton, I just don't know him at all.
• Dirtyscramble

  

  booboo;1093931 wrote:He placed 8th at the Folkstyle Nationals in 2011.
  
  
  http://www.wnewsj.com/main.asp?SectionID=1&SubSectionID=1&ArticleID=188973
  
  Isn't something like this the whole reason we bother to step on the mat?
  
  I still hope Valenti wins; great kid and a good role model. No offense to Borton, I just don't know him at all.

  So he won Ourway state to qualify for an asics national?
• booboo

  Dirtyscramble;1093993 wrote:So he won Ourway state to qualify for an asics national?

  That's how it reads to me. I don't know much more than what the story tells you other than everyone's had high expectations for him since he was in middle school...seems to be panning out fairly well
• FSUBIGMAC

  booboo;1093887 wrote:I've been watching these two for a couple of years. I believe Borton was 8th nationally as an 8th grader. He's long and lanky and really uses all 113# allowed. Valenti is a tough kid, also long and lanky and has a signature move that he likes to use. Strength will be a factor in this match. Should be a great match. I do not know why Borton defaulted in the finals; anyone have a clue?

  I could tell you, but then I would have to kill you . Nevertheless, should be a great match.