Despite forfeiting two weight classes in the first match of the new year, the Marblehead/Swampscott Black & Blue wrestling team still went 1-2 in a competitive quad encounter against the likes of Plymouth South, Bridgewater-Raynham and host North Attleborough on Jan. 4.
The Magicians recorded their lone team win against Plymouth South, 46-34. “This was a very good team win, with victories coming from Jaymes Carey, Eva Goodman (first varsity win), Liam O’Brien, Gary Podstrelov, Clive Connolly, Mason Hinshaw, Colin Hart and Justin Gonzalez,” said coach Mike Stamison afterwards.
Stamison’s squad then lost a close match to North Attleboro, the eighth ranked team in Division 2, 44-31. O’Brien, Hinshaw, Hart, Carey, Alejandro Haven and Gavin Lepler accounted for the wins.
Bridgewater-Raynham, the second-best team in Division 2, was next up for the Magicians. “We had very good wins from Jaymes Carey, who was able to beat the reigning girls state champion Olivia Polansky, 19-3, and junior captain Liam O’Brien, who continued his fine season after defeating seventh ranked Jack Alves, 10-2. Senior captain Mason Hinshaw was able to bottle up and pin Josh Hogg for the team’s third win against the Trojans. B-R is a team to emulate,” said Stamison.
“They are all tough (kids) and well-coached. This was a very good measuring stick day, as it showed where we are against some of the top teams in our division.
“We will keep this event on the schedule next year, as it is such a good barometer,” added Stamison. “Isaiah Gibson, Soren Lorenz, Nolan Glass, Manny Hernandez, Andrew Delisle, Xavier Tejeda, Greg Podstrelov, Gavin and Graham Ferretti, Maya Alix, Devin DiBarri and Phineas Jakious were able to gain considerably more experience against some of the best wrestlers in the state here in this meet.”
Black & Blue gets revenge
In a rare weeknight match, the Magicians welcomed both Danvers and Lynn to Marblehead High on Jan. 8. Danvers has controlled this rivalry the last several years, but the Black & Blue was able to turn the tables on the Falcons to the tune of 66-18.
Jaymes Carey, Liam O’Brien, Gary Podstrelov, Devin DiBarri, Clive Connolly, Mason Hinshaw, Alejandro Haven, Phineas Jakious, Colin Hart, Xavier Tejeda and Justin Gonzalez all came through with victories. The home team also squared off in three exhibition matches, and Andrew Delisle, Nolan Glass and Graham Ferretti accounted for the wins.
The Black & Blue also defeated the young Lynn squad, 70-9. Isaiah Gibson, Eva Goodman, Ilan Hod, Liam O’Brien, Gary Podstrelov, Devin DiBarri, Clive Connolly, Mason Hinshaw, Alejandro Haven, Gavin Lepler, Colin Hart and Xavier Tejeda secured wins. Phineas Jakious and Greg Podstrelov were credited with the exhibition wins.
