I haven’t posted for over a year now, did my break down of 3A, and 4A for for the 2019-20 season but skipped last year due to working out of state and the short season. I attended the Holy Angels and was very impressived by a couple NC hammers. Following is P4P rankings and justification.
1. Kyle Montaperto
His positioning is top notch always is in good position to score. Wrestles mistake free with solid fundamentals that translates to what looks like easy points but it’s just that Kyle is that good.
2. Jeremiah Price
He is slick on his feet and can get to his angles effortlessly but again that is due to great fundamentals. Jeremiah is a scrapper with high level skills that will translate at the next level.
3. Devon Bell
A 195 pounder who moves like a 132 pounder, completely smothers opponents on their feet, one of the most athletic big men I have seen in awhile. To add to that his top game is the best in the state especially for a big guy, match is basically over once he is on top.
4. Mark Samuel
Unorthodox style that gives opponents fits, almost impossible to finish on. Top game is top notch seems to score NF points effortlessly.
I believe the top 3 are interchangeable, I would not of said that prior to the Holy Angels I believed Kyle and Jeremiah were a level above every kid in the state but Bell is a complete buzz saw on the mat and was very impressive. With all 4 the baseline defense is solid and they wrestle well through every position. These 4 will represent NC well at the next level. I look for all 4 to excel especially once they get in that college room.
Others who stood out but not ready to bump off the top 4 P4P
Luke Kunath
The kid is a scrapper and smiles at intensity and has the skills to match.
Marcus Jackson
Skillful in every position just couldn’t solve the Montaperto puzzle
Tomas Brooker
I only mention Brooker due to his improvement he is not on par with the above mentioned wrestlers at this point in his career but he made the move down to 170 and 170 looks good on Brooker as he surprised everyone by taking the Holy Angel title.
I believe Laney put 4A on notice that they are reloaded and even deeper than last years state title team. Winning team title by 90 points between second place team Mooresville. Bell and Samuel were only 2 points off of finishing top 20 as a team just those two together. With that said 4A team race is going to be fun. Top 5 teams at HA were all 4A and none of the teams had full lineups my favorites:
Laney
Lake Norman
Mooresville
Cardinal Gibbons
Pinecrest
Above is individual state tourney not duals. Duals is a completely different ball game. I believe Laney is a better tourney team than dual team and if you sleep on Pinecrest in a dual you will find yourself preparing for the individual state tourney earlier than you had planned.