The Marblehead High Black & Blue co-op wrestling team was down four starters for the annual Travis Yell Memorial Dual Meet Tournament on Feb. 3, but was still resilient to give their opponents a legitimate challenge.
“We found ourselves in a pool with Essex Tech/Masconomet, Whittier Tech, the host team, Division 1 powerhouse Lowell and Winchester,” said coach Mike Stamison.
Round 1 loss to Whittier Tech, 52-27
The Magicians did get a win via pinfall from captain Liam O’Brien. Andrew Delisle also won, an 8-5 decision after being bumped up to 126-pounds. Captain Mason Hinshaw then pinned his opponent in the second period. Phineas Jakious was trailing 7-1 when he pinned his opponent, before Justin Gonzalez did the same in the second period. Brody Sullivan was credited with an exhibition win.
Round 2 win over Essex Tech / Masconomet, 51-30
Solid wins against a shorthanded Essex Tech/Masco squad came from Liam O’Brien, captain Clive Connolly bumping up from 150 to 157, Colin Hart, Ben O’Brien in a close 6-4 decision and Hinshaw.
Picking up forfeit wins were Devin DiBarri, Will Woodward, captain Angelo Knight and Justin Gonzalez. Andrew Delisle chipped it with an exhibition win.
Round 3 loss to Lowell, 64-18
“In this match, we were soundly defeated by the Red Raiders of Lowell,” said Stamison. “Kudos to legendary coach George Bossi and his co-coach Nick Logan and staff for developing such a tremendous team and culture. It’s something we aspire to.”
Marblehead had wins via pinfall from Hinshaw, Hart and Jayvery Monegro. DiBarri and Gonzalez accounted for exhibition wins. Connolly and Jakious wrestled well, but came up just short.
Round 4 loss to Winchester, 45-33
It was Marblehead’s most exciting match of the day, according to Stamison. “We went up against Winchester for what I believe to be the first-time ever in dual meet competition,” added the veteran Magicians coach. “It was a very even match after which I connected with their coach to make sure we schedule them for next year.”
This match was decided in the last bout. The Magicians were down 12-0 quickly, before Liam O’Brien got his teammates on the board with a pin.
The Sachems then recorded two more wins via pins. But Marblehead rallied back with two pins from Will Woodward and Hinshaw.
At 150, eighth grader Brody Sullivan made his varsity debut, and he actually scored a takedown before being pinned later on in the match. Connolly, bumped up again to 157, lost a minor decision. Jakious was then pinned at 165.
The Magicians then rallied, with Colin Hart breaking a 9-9 tie to net three near-fall points in the third period to take the 175-pound bout, 12-9. Ben O’Brien and Knight pinned both of their opponents at 190 and 215, respectively.
Winchester now led by only six, 39-33. Marblehead then chose to go with Jayvery Monegro, who almost pinned his opponent, before getting rolled and pinned himself.
“It was a great effort by all,” said Stamison.
Next up for the Magicians was the annual Division 2 North Sectional Tournament, which took place at Burlington High School on Feb. 10 after press deadline. This tournament starts the the
postseason for the local co-op. The top four wrestlers in each weight class, plus a fifth as an alternate, will then move on to the Division 2 state finals at Algonquin on Friday and Saturday, Feb. 16 and 17.
Girls hockey shut down by Beverly
On Feb. 3, the Marblehead High girls co-op hockey team was blanked by Beverly, 5-0.
Freshman goalie Scarlett Lee made 34 saves to keep her teammates close on the scoreboard. Eighth grade defender Melanie Earl stood out in this game for her great puck control and overall defense, according to coach Hadley Woodfin.
