West Branch wrestling Archives - Your Sports Network

By Chris Colucci

YOUNGSTOWN, OH-

As the OHSAA State Wrestling Tournament gets underway, Division 2 boasts the largest contingent of wrestlers, with 23 competitors from the YSN family. This impressive group features six No. 1 seeds, six No. 2 seeds, four No. 3 seeds, and seven No. 4 seeds, setting the stage for a highly competitive weekend at the Schottenstein Center in Columbus.

Division 2: A Stacked Bracket

Going into the tournament with 6 of the 23 wrestlers placing 1st at the district tournament last week :

Justice Fisher (Beaver Local, 106lbs)
Evan Ours (Beaver Local, 165lbs)
Aiden Stecker (Salem, 165lbs)
Kane Curran (Beaver Local, 190lbs)
Gabe Miller (Canfield, 190lbs)
Brayton Feister (Hoban, 215lbs)

With a potent mix of experience and skill, these top-seeded wrestlers will want to dominate their respective weight classes and claim state titles.

Not far behind are the No. 2 seeds, each with a legitimate shot at championship glory:

Tristian Eckles (East Liverpool, 120lbs)
Bobby Buchheit (Beaver Local, 138lbs)
Tyler Scharrer (Canfield, 138lbs)
Jake Hughes (Beaver Local, 150lbs)
Will Harmon (Salem, 157lbs)
Brydon Feister (Hoban, 190lbs)

These six wrestlers have proven their mettle throughout the season, and with the proper draws, they could easily reach the top of the podium.

The No. 3 seeds bring an additional level of depth to the tournament, all possessing the ability to make deep runs:

Deacon Mock (Howland, 138lbs)
Joey Pannunzio (Canfield, 175lbs)
Gavin Hang (West Branch, 215lbs)
Isaac Prescott (Beaver Local, 285lbs)

Rounding out the group are the seven No. 4 seeds, many of whom could surprise the field with breakout performances:

Markel Hackwelder (Hubbard, 120lbs)
Joey Kana (Salem, 138lbs)
Shawn German (Salem, 150lbs)
Tristan Miller (Canfield, 157lbs)
Damon Stansbury (East Liverpool, 165lbs)
Alex Hackwelder (Hubbard, 175lbs)
Christopher Mijavec (Howland, 190lbs)

The Road to a Title

With such a deep talent pool, Division 2 promises to be one of the most thrilling sets of brackets at the state tournament. Wrestlers from Beaver Local, Salem, Canfield, and other powerhouse programs will look to solidify their legacies with state championship performances.

Expect intense battles, last-second victories, and possibly a few upsets as the action unfolds. With 23 wrestlers in contention, Division 2 is primed for a memorable showing at the 2025 OHSSA State Wrestling Tournament representing Your Sports Network.

In the latest episode of “Running Point” on YSNLive.com, the highly-anticipated “Wrestling Wednesday” segment features hosts Anthony Hartwig and Gary Althiser, bringing in guest Scotty Mincher to delve into the throes of the winter wrestling season.

With snowflakes hinting at the wintery setting, Althiser kicks off the episode recapping a recent invitational at Malvern, highlighting new rule changes in wrestling that are poised to alter the sport’s dynamics. Key updates include the introduction of four-point back points, a three-point takedown, and revised out-of-bounds rules that ensure wrestling continues as long as one point of contact remains inbounds, barring safety risks. The West Branch wrestling teams shine in the spotlight, with both boys’ and girls’ teams putting on notable performances at the Beachwood, and Hickory invitationals.

This episode also explored the cementing of team dynamics, emphasizing that wrestling triumphs hinge on collective team effort rather than solitary heroics. Gary Althiser praises the rise of young talents like Jackson Benner, whose contributions boost team morale and motivate veteran teammates. Looking ahead, Anthony Hartwig previews Hoban’s intense competition schedule, which stretches from the Solon tournament through to mid-January, showcasing the relentless pace of the wrestling season. A special mention goes to senior Nick Bowser’s return, driven by the determination to reclaim lost postseason opportunities due to last season’s injuries.

A historic milestone was also noted for the West Branch women’s wrestling team, which debuted and finished eighth overall at their inaugural competition in Hickory, Pennsylvania. Jocelyn Brink’s decisive victory in her weight division, coupled with strong performances, marked an encouraging step forward for women’s wrestling—backed by the Ohio High School Athletic Association’s endorsement.

As the episode wraps, the hosts gear up for upcoming coverage of the Hopple Invitational at Beaver Local and a Division 3 classic event at Waterloo. The hosts emphasize the importance of focusing on technique and process over winning in the early part of the season, underscoring the essence of steady progress and resilient effort.

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