WHITMAN — Championships have been determined and historical past was made because the Division 2 state wrestling titles for girls and boys competitions have been up for grabs, with Milford persevering with to construct a dynasty on the boys aspect whereas Putnam delivered a surprising breakthrough for back-to-back titles within the women event.
Milford captured its second straight boys championship and fourth previously 5 seasons, whereas Putnam claimed its first state title in program historical past, sealing the upset of two‑time defending champion Agawam with a dramatic pinfall within the closing match of the day.
Milford positioned 5 wrestlers within the state finals in 5 totally different weight courses and got here away with two first-time state champions as properly. Milford had issues wrapped up early and completed with 157.5 factors to take first place with West Springfield a distant second place with 105.5. Melrose (97.5), Agawam (96), and Somerset-Berkley (89) rounded out the highest 5 crew finishers.
Milford’s depth was the distinction as Brayden Boccia at 126 kilos delivered a decisive 10-0 pinfall victory persevering with a household legacy on the mat. Boccia is the son of Milford’s head coach P.J. Boccia, who additionally received a state title as a Scarlet Hawk sophomore just a few years again which added one other layer to the title run as a crew.
“For the crew to wrestle the way in which they did, it’s nice,” stated coach Boccia. “The honour of teaching my son and having my son win a state title as a sophomore too, it’s proper there on the prime.”
Whereas Alex Javier (Somerset Berkeley) upset two-time state champion Derek Marolini (Milford) at 132 with an 8-3 determination, junior Ryan Flis stepped proper in and grabbed his first title for Milford whereas dealing with two rivals he already misplaced to this season.
Flis was the twelfth seed at 144 kilos and rolled to an 11-2 pinfall semifinal win over Beckett LeClair (West Springfield). Flis then even stunned himself and upended No. 2 Aydin Lamb (Wakefield) with a pinfall victory with the rating tied 4-4 on the 5:08 mark within the third.
“That is an superior feeling. I’ve labored onerous all season as me and my brother, my associate this 12 months, pushed me to my limits, labored onerous, and obtained me the place I’m immediately,” stated Flis, who embraced his grandfather first after the epic win. “He’s been with me all over the youth packages since I used to be in first grade wrestling all the way in which as much as a junior in highschool. He’s helped me considerably.”
Within the women division, Putnam trailed Agawam by 10.5 factors, heading into the ultimate two matches and wanted two pinfall victories to seize their second straight Division 2 MIAA banner.
Leanna Watson picked up the primary at 2:37 over Madison Minalga in a 3-0 pin victory whereas Storm Pizarro put the icing on the Division 2 title with a 6-1 pinfall victory over Thasendy Derissier of Milton.
Putnam leap frogged their option to the title with 96 factors as Agawam barely missed their third divisional title with 94.5 factors to complete in second place. Woburn (53), Sharon (47), and Milton (41) rounded out the highest 5 finishers.
Watson, who is simply a sophomore, is now a back-to-back D2 state champion for head coach Ahmad Sharif’s up and coming program and the sky is the restrict for the Beavers and Sharif.
‘The crew win for this program means quite a bit. I obtained numerous assist this season from women wrestling for me previously, like Denai Bias, Samantha Springer, and Janalisse Koto they usually simply pushed the women,” stated Sharif. “And David Gale, a mentor who coached me helped, so I’m simply glad the women have somebody to look as much as. Storm Pizarro is a brand new state champion for Putnam and did her factor to seal the deal ultimately. I’m very proud of all of them. “
