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Central claims crown

BEVERLY — On a great day for the Merrimack Valley, North Andover, Whittier Tech and Greater Lawrence all had highlights to talk about at the Division 2 North sectional.

But no one was as successful as defending champion Central Catholic, which crowned four champions and advanced seven wrestlers to next week's Division 2 state meet at Algonquin.

"I think this puts us in good shape for next week," said Central coach Jamie Durkin. "We had a good day."

Taking first for the Raiders were 106-pounder Tyler Glynn, 132-pounder Joey Sanchez, 138-pounder Cam Hebert and unbeaten heavyweight Carlos Cabrera.

Sanchez needed a takedown with 30 seconds remaining to defeat North Andover standout Jack Perry, 4-3, Hebert had a 45-second pin in the finals for his first-ever tournament crown and Cabrera improved to 35-0 after his second pin of the day. Glynn is now 34-1 and Sanchez stands at 36-2.

North Andover, which gave the Raiders a run for their money, Joey Valentino took first at 120 in impressive fashion, improving his record to 40-4, freshman Eli Tuttle was "unbelievable" according to coach Carl Cincotta while pinning his way to the 145-pound crown and CJ Cincotta won a tough match in the finals to claim the 152-pound crown and improve to 36-1.

Valentino defeated a defending state champion in the semifinals and defeated the No. 1 seed in the finals with a major decision.

Adrian Polanco was runner-up at 132 for the Knights, who also advanced seven wrestlers to state.

CAC highlights

Local Commonwealth Conference foes Whittier Tech and Greater Lawrence enjoyed excellent tournament, finishing third and fifth respectively and could boast of several highlights.

— Whittier's finish was its highest sectional finish in its history according to coach Harry Takesian and it was paced by 220-pound Sal Fonzo, who became the Wildcats' first sectional champ. He had three pins and concluded the day with an 8-0 major decision in the finals.

Also for the Wildcats, Shaun Mears was an impresive second at 170 and Andrew Buzzell was third at 182. To top it off, Takesian was named D2 North Coach of the Year.

— Greater Lawrence was a pleasant surprise by advancing six wrestlers to the state meet, led by 182-pound champ Malib Pastrana. He was so impressive while winning what was considered one of the toughest weight classes that he was named tourney Outstanding Wrestler.

Amihail Espinosia was second for the Reggies at 138 while Christian Hernandez (160), David White (170) and heavyweight Tyler MacDonald all took thirds.