No. 1 Nathan Tomasello of Cuyahoga Valley Christian Academy (OH) finishes the season at the top of the ranking after going a perfect 43-0.  The standout sophomore was a Walsh Ironman Champion, where he defeated No. 9 Johnny Jimenez in the semi’s and got his redemption in the finals, where he rode out No. 2 Darian Cruz in the ultimate tiebreak period for a huge win to help solidify himself as the No. 1 lightweight in the nation.

No. 2 Darian Cruz had high expectations after winning the Super 32 tournament in October, taking down No. 1 Nathan Tomasello in yet another close battle between the two this year.  The Super 32, an open preseason tournament, didn’t quite have the implications of the in-season battle between Tomasello, but would put Darian Cruz in the spotlight to start the season.  Cruz, the only wrestler in the Top 15 not to win an individual state championship this season, still grabs the No. 2 ranking after an impressive overall season and would dominate the NHSCAA Sophomore 103-lbs bracket last weekend to become a NHSCA National Champion.  Lookout for the hard-working Darian Cruz next season as he should come out firing with the hopes of regaining a #1 ranking.

No. 3 Joey McKenna, Blair Academy’s phenom freshman, kept improving each month, climbing up the rankings to finish the season as HSWrestling.net’s No. 3 lightweight in the country.  McKenna would win a tough 103-pound bracket at the Cheesehead, beating Bobby Nachreiner (H.M.) 12-2 and pinning No. 9 Johnny Jimenez in the finals.  Joey finished second at the Beast of the East tournament, taking down Micah Hight (H.M.) in the semi’s and losing a close O.T. match to No. 2 Darian Cruz in the finals.  Pinning his way through the National Prep Tournament, expect McKenna to be back next year with the confidence he can beat anyone.

1.  Nathan Tomasello  (10)  —   CVCA, OH

• Season Record:  43-0
• State Champion  -  Ohio Division III  -  Bracket

2.  Darian Cruz  (10)  —  Bethlehem Catholic, PA

• Season Record:  41-3
• 3rd Place  -  Pennsylvania AA  -  Bracket
• NHSCA Sophomore National Champion -  Bracket

3.  Joey McKenna  (9)  —  Blair Academy, NJ

• Season Record:   N/A
• Prep National Champion  -  Prep Bracket

4.  Richie Bliss  (12)  —  Springstead, FL

• Season Record:   46-1
• College Choice:  Waldorf College
• State Champion  —  Florida 2A  -  Bracket

5.  Jason Nolf  (9)  —  Kittanning, PA

• Season Record:  44-0
• State Champion  -  Pennsylvania AA  -  Bracket

6.  Phillip Laux  (11)  —  Iowa City West, IA

• Season Record:   43-2
• State Champion  -  Iowa 3A  -  Bracket

7.  Ronnie Bresser  (10)  —  Henley, OR

• Season Record:  35-0
• State Champion  -  Oregon 4A  -  Bracket

8.  Jordan Bremer  (11)  —  Woodbury Central, IA

• Season Record:  45-0
• State Champion  -  Iowa 1A  -  Bracket

9.  Johnny Jimenez  (9)  —  Marmion Academy, IL

• Season Record:  41-4
• State Champion  -  Illinois 2A  -  Bracket

10.  Zac Gentzler  (10)  —  Andover Central, KS

• Season Record:  38-1
• State Champion  -  Kansas 5A  -  Bracket
• NHSCA Sophomore National Runner Up  -  Bracket

11.  Zac Hall  (9)  —  St. Johns, MI

• Season Record:  55-1
• State Champion  -  Michigan Div. 2  -  Bracket

12.  Matt Garelli  (11)  —  Fenwick, IL

• Season Record:  47-1
• State Champion  -  Illinois 3A  -  Bracket

13.  Kyle Gliva  (10)  —  Simley, MN

• Season Record:  45-1
• State Champion  -  Minnesota 2A  -  Bracket
• USAW Cadet Nationals Runner-up  (112)  -  Bracket

14.  Billy Rappo (11)  —  Council Rock South, PA

• Season Record:  43-2
• State Champion  -  Pennsylvania AAA  -  Bracket

15.  Nathan Boston  (9)  —  Lawrence North, IN

• Season Record:  46-0
• State Champion  -  Indiana  -  Brackets
• FloNationals Runner-Up  -  Bracket

Honorable Mention:

Others To Note: