I considered doing a P4P rankings for the end of season like I did for the Holy Angels but this years state tourney was just too exciting and I thought it rated a (MDW)
Most Dominate Wrestler ranking for the year.
I cant begin to write about MDW prior to mentioning the 4A 132 bracket, this bracket will be hard to beat for many years to come. Eli Murray coming out as the State Champ, could of been MOW just for surviving. The battle for 3rd had a Regional Finals rematch between Kunath vs Blevins. Blevins came into the tourney with a 44-1 record, lost more over the weekend then he did the entire season. Some may say maybe he wrestled a easy schedule, I would say in counter to that is the 132 bracket was beyond loaded and Blevins was in every match. Kunath vs Murray semi was the semi of the tourney going into SV as was the battle for 3rd, Blevins giving Kunath everything he could handle, Kunath with a 5-3 win in SV. Again 4A 132 was worth the price of admission.
Side note: Match ups to look forward too: Hickey Cardinal Gibbons vs Fritz Topsail. Two quality freshman that go out expecting to win. After watching them wrestle in detail I will have to take Hickey in this match up, both have advance top games but Neutral I give to Hickey and Fritz seemed to struggle on bottom.
Hunter Testa Davie County vs Alex Hopper Laney. Testa moves extremely well on his feet as does Hopper so would make a interesting match up. I will take Testa in this one, Testa if not wrestling Bell never was really even challenged and I believe is a better mat wrestler than Hopper but will be a fun and exciting match.
(MDW) Most Dominate Wrestler of the Year
MDW is based off of quality wins during the year and how dominating those key wins was. With that in mind you can only wrestle who is in front of you so by default maybe one wrestler had the opportunity to wrestle other high ranked opponents while the other did not.
Top 4 MDW:
1. Devon Bell, Laney 182, 42-0
Bell not only pinned the defending State Champ in the finals but did it in a minute, to solidify his "DOMINATING" season. I do feel the top 3 again are interchangeable but Bell had the opportunity to wrestle multiple state champs, multiple state runner ups, and almost the entire top 6 at 182, 195 and pinning 99% of them in the first period. As I reviewed profiles, Bell even pinned 3A 195 state champ in 50 seconds. Having a wrestler like Bell who can get bonus at 82 or 95 along with Samuel at the lower weights is the ticket to Laney's Dual team State Title. I heard around the coliseum that Testa wrestled Bell well in the semis, which I agree but that shows how dominate Bell was this season a 15-4 win for Bell is considered wrestling him well. Bell will excel at the next level due to his aggressive style and athleticism and he reeks of confidence as he walks out on the mat. Campbell got a good one here.
2. Kyle Montoperto, Central Academy 126, 41-0
Montoperto proved he is still the man to beat with his win over State Champ Marcus Jackson at the Holy Angels. Montoperto completed his season with all bonus point wins and even in the state finals although came away with a 6-1 decision it was never in doubt. Montoperto is one of the most fundamentally sound wrestlers, his baseline defense is solid which makes him almost impossible to score on. This skill set already mastered will serve him well at the next level, look for good things from him at VT.
3. Jeremiah Price, Surry Central, 145, 43-0
Price continues his run to history by winning a 8-2 decision in the finals. Price can score in any position and looks comfortable doing so. Once he has you on the ropes and is wrestling two, three moves ahead the match is basically over and points will rack up quickly. Price had a solid dec win over State Champ Drew Pippen at the Tiger Classic which is why he deserves to make this list. Pippen will give any wrestler fits. Price will excel at the next level due to his willingness to challenge himself as evident competing in college open tourneys during the preseason.
4. Mark Samuel, Laney, 43-1
Samuel would of had a three year undefeated run if it was not for the injury DF in the state dual finals. Samuel is a wrestler that presents many problems as is the case with Hunter Gundry from Cardinal Gibbons seems to not be able to solve the Samuel puzzle. Samuel creates problems in every position almost impossible to score on and when you do his chain wrestling is unmatched. You can not assume you have scored, if you stop wrestling you will find yourself on your back fighting to survive. Samuel ends his career as a 3X State Champ and looking forward to watching him at the next level.
Honorable mention:
No way can you have any list without listing Eli Murray, as stated winning the 132 bracket deserves special mentioning. Murray just did not have the overall body of work as the above wrestlers.
Luke Kunath in my opinion the best non state champ in the entire state. The kid has one speed and that is attack at all times. His style will translate well at the next level. If a coach had 3-4 Kunath's in your room you would not have to even coach.
Nathan Carnes a man among boys, totally controlled a very athletic Sakarri Morrison in the finals. At no point was Carnes even threaten. Solid win and ending to a great season.