1. Connor Mcgonagle — Sophomore — Timberlane Reg High School
This is not a difficult choice. This should not be a controversial choice. The P4P best in NH High School wrestling is clear. The conversation around Mcgonagle’s season, much like a year ago, is not what he can accomplish IN state, but out. The reality is that anything less than a New England title would probably be a letdown. Aware that putting those kinds of expectations on a kid may be unfair I say this; I believe that level of expectation probably doesn’t even rise to the level of his own. The biggest challenge Mcgonagle will face this season is himself. With no peer of equal skill in the state, can he stay sharp enough and focused enough to perform at the highest level come postseason? I say yes.
Credentials
2015/16 NHSCA Freshman National Champion (126)
2015/16 New England Runnerup
2015/16 NH D1 & MOC Champion
2015 Lowell Holiday Champion
2014 Super 32 National Champion (MS)
#17 ranked Sophomore by Flo
2. Shayne McCann — Senior — Pinkerton Academy
McCann enters his Senior season looking for a defining moment on the New England scale. There is no doubt he is amongst the best in the state. Chances are good he will win his 3rd straight MOC title this year. The question is whether he can put it all together and win at the New England level. Look for an early indicator at Lowell Holidays to see where he is headed. He has the skills to be an All-New England wrestler as a Senior.
Credentials
Two-Time NH MOC Champion
Two-Time NH D1 Champion
Multiple Youth New England Titles
Youth All-American
3-Time HS New England Qualifier
3. Tristin Cabinta — Sophomore — Salem High School
The surprise of the season last year was the emergence of Tristan Cabinta. Cabinta moved through a stellar freshman year mostly flying under the radar. A fantastic performance at Meet of Champions culminated in a pin over a top 10 P4P wrestler to win his first All State title. Riding the wave of that success Cabinta moved on to New Englands where he was a Quarterfinalist. His great freshman campaign culminated at the NHSCA Nationals where he was the National Runnerup at 138lbs. Look for big things out of Cabinta in the years to come.
Credentials
2015/16 NHSCA Freshman National Runner-up (138)
2015/16 NH D1 & MOC Champion
2015/16 New England Championship Quarterfinalist
2015 Lowell Holiday 7th place
Two-Time Youth New England Champion
4. Wayne Nollette — Senior — Nashua North High School
Credentials
2015/16 MOC Champion
2015/16 New England Championship Quarterfinalist
2015 Lowell Holiday 7th place
Two-Time New England Qualifier
5. George Tarwo — Senior — Concord High School
Credentials
Two-Time MOC Champion
2015/16 NH D1 Champion
2015 Lowell Holiday 5th place
Two-Time New England Qualifier
This is definitely a solid start. I can’t say I agree with all of these but to keep this running I figured I’d throw in some honorable mentions. Someone please correct me if anyone has graduated.
In no particular order:
Tyler Sharron, Newport
Marc Boomhower, Campbell
Ben Widmann, John Stark
Chris Munnell, Concord
Noah Stout, Oyster River
AJ Pagliarulo, Bedford
Casey Broadhurst, Timberlane
Cam McClure, Alvirne
Dylan Tremblay, Timberlane
Dylan Musgraves, Timberlane
Nick Milinazzo, Alvirne
Jac St. Jean, Goffstown
Any weight class predictions?
Forgot:
Tyler Byrd, Londonderry
Interesting that you include Musgraves who was the JV at the end of last year instead of Pinault who placed in MOCs. Is off-season wrestling the reason? I know they were very close last year, just like Donovan and Kappler at 106. There may be some serious weight cutting in Plaistow to spread out those wrestlers.
Good call on Milinazzo. I was struggling with remembering if he graduated.
How about Riley Millette from Windham
All great additions and some of our states best. Perhaps move the discussion to the forum?