Junior men's freestyle update through 2 rounds

5 go undefeated on the first day, several alive in consolation

By AJ Traub

Elijah Josey (near) and Reese Spiro (far) represent Team Mass in blue singlets on the featured stages of the Fargodome

Combining to earn eight technical falls and a decision, five Team Massachusetts junior men’s wrestlers made it through to the round of 32.

The lone decision of the top side wrestlers saw Declan Bligh (165 pounds) rebound from a 0-3 start to win 14-5, a point shy of a tech fall over New Jersey’s Barry Norman Jr.

Julian Rios (113) spent a total of 2:29 on the mat, not allowing a point to either opponent on the first day. Ryan Meier joins Bligh as 165-pounders to stay in the winners’ bracket into Tuesday.

Elliott Humphries, a returning finalist, was in control in both his 175-pound battles, taking out two-time Nebraska state champion Riley Johnson in the first round. Aiden Morris had just one matchup in a smaller 106-pound field, and got it done in the first period (2:46).

Elliott Humphries earned tech falls in his two matchups

“Those guys came here with purpose,” said coach Matt Dehney. “You can tell when they’re out there and they’re wrestling. That’s the biggest thing.”

Though Shea Morris (144 pounds) lost his second matchup, he came away with four victories to make it into the consi of 32 round. He went toe-to-toe with Connecticut’s Joe Mahoney, making a thrilling early comeback and winning the 20-18 decision with a last-second takedown.

“It just feels great,” Morris said. “Finishing off, going to day two. Last year I went 1-2. I was out. I was done wrestling in like 30 minutes. This year I’m going to day two and it’s great improvement. I’m just really excited.”

Shea Morris won a New England battle with a clutch takedown

Isaac Novod (126), Jack Dragoumanos (132), Yandel Morales (138), and Myles Burroughs (150) each won two matches to reach the consi of 32 round as well.

Others are still in, but have not advanced as far since the session was cut short. Lucas Alvan, Konrad Kutt, and Reese Spiro each have a win at 190 pounds. Sawyer Goodwin (175), Cam McGarr (215), Matt Harrold (215), Braiden Bagloe (215), Elijah Josey (215), Jaevion Rosado-Cunningham (285), and Alex Bajoras (285) are still in as well.

“We had some tough draws for some of the kids, but we’re bouncing back,” Dehney said. “Right now, we had a tough first round, but I’m excited to see where these guys are at.

“The juniors still have plenty going tomorrow, plenty of opportunities.”