Brakeman projects Miamisburg’s Shawn Fayette (135 pounds) will claim his second consecutive state title in Division I. That would make Fayette just the fourth area wrestler to win consecutive D-I titles.
Fairmont’s Jake Sage (140) and Springboro’s Tyler Riegle (135) are both listed in the top eight.
Dixie’s Ethan Hayes, who made a strong run to runner-up at D-III state last season after finishing third at the district, is projected to win at 215. Defending 189 champ Corby Running of Clinton-Massie is ranked second at 215. They will likely meet at the Fairmont district.
Brakeman believes Graham could have at least nine win state gold.
Ryan Taylor (103), Nick Brascetta (119), Bo Jordan (130), Isaac Jordan (135), Felipe Martinez (140), Matt Stephens (145), Kyle Ryan (160), Houston Evans (171) and Max Thomusseit (189) are ranked first or second.
Troy Christian is one of only two teams to win three straight D-III team titles. Kyle Burns (145) is the lone projected Eagles state champ. Ranked No. 3 in that weight is Covington’s Andrew DeHart. The two had classic battles last season and look to renew that rivalry in February.
On deck
Tonight, Jan. 29, at 7 p.m., top-ranked Centerville will host second-ranked Fairmont in the Battle of Far Hills. The Elks are No. 1 in D-I in the area coaches poll, and have won all three Battle of Far Hills.
Fairmont, though, is riding a hot streak and looks to claim the traveling trophy.
The eyes of the nation will be on St. Paris at 7 p.m. Saturday night when Graham — ranked third in the latest Amateur Wrestling News poll — hosts top-ranked Blair Academy (N.J.).
Blair won the Ironman Tournament at Cuyahoga Falls Walsh Jesuit with 196.5 points while Graham was second with 157.5. However, the Falcons were without defending state champ Felipe Martinez and freshman Bo Jordan. Jordan just handed the nation’s top-ranked 130-pounder, Lakewood St. Edward senior Jamie Clark, a 6-3 defeat last week in Graham’s 39-20 win over the Eagles.
About the Author