Hewlett led by two qualifier champs

Hewlett produced six finalists, including two champions, at the Nassau wrestling qualifying tournament hosted by MacArthur last Saturday and could have as many as 15 representatives at this weekend’s Division I county championships.

Senior heavyweight Mike Curiel and junior 138-pounder Lucas Pincus have their sights set on capturing county titles after winning the qualifier. Curiel finished second in the county last season, while Pincus is a two-time All-County honoree who placed third a year ago.

“We’ve battled some adversity this season while still wrestling the toughest schedule we could build,” Bulldogs coach Stephen Jones said. “We won the first two rounds of the dual meet playoffs and will have anywhere between 11 and 15 kids at counties. That’s pretty good with a pretty young team.”

Though unofficial, Curiel and Pincus are expected to be ranked No. 1 in their respective weight classes according to Jones. Curiel will take a 38-1 record into Hofstra, while Pincus is 42-3.

“Mike’s the real deal,” Jones said of Curiel, who beat MacArthur’s Ryan O’Shea in the finals of the qualifier. “Finishing second last year is extra motivation for him. He’s hungry and working really hard. He’s been taken down just once all season.”

Pincus has defeated all the top contenders at 138 but could run into Lynbrook’s Matt Swanson at Hofstra. Swanson competed at 132 most of the campaign. “We’re hoping Lucas gets the top seed and takes it all the way,” Jones said. “He’s one of those kids who loves wrestling and soaks up everything you can teach him. He’s very tough.” Pincus beat MacArthur’s Travis Cooksey in the finals of the qualifier.

Hewlett’s other highly ranked wrestler, senior Owen Bachelder, who has a county championship on his resume, was recently shutdown for the season due to a knee injury. Bachelder was third in the county last season. “He had a great career,” Jones said. “He tried to compete through the injury and wrestled solid, but he was battling his body more than anything else.”

Seniors Terry Micourt (195 pounds), Jared Magnone (182) and Anthony Cancellarich (170), as well as freshman Khmar Narcisse (160) settled for second place in the qualifier. 

Micourt has lost to many of the county contenders by a point, Jones noted. “He’s right in the mix,” he said. “He has high upside and if he brings his best to Hofstra, he’ll go far.”

The coach believes Magnone could surprise after placing in a bunch of big-time tournaments this season. “He’s a scrambler and can catch anyone off-guard,” Jones said.

Cancellarich, who was sidelined by mono for a chunk of the season, still may not be 100 percent but could make a push to reach the All-County (top six) podium this weekend. Narcisse and junior Brian Minowitz (third at 160) were the biggest surprises for the Bulldogs in the qualifier after competing at the JV level during the regular season. Junior Wyatt McMahon (220) was third in the qualifier, and like Micourt will try to turn some of his close losses into victories at Hofstra.