Hewlett banking on experience

Posted

Hewlett experienced some growing pains on the wrestling mats last winter with an extremely young roster, but coach Stephen Jones expects it to pay dividends this season with a deep run in the county dual meet tournament in January.

“We brought back nearly the entire team,” Jones said. “We packed in some tournaments early and getting the mat time we need. We need to get better and we’re getting there day by day. We want to win the conference and go far in the playoffs.”

The Bulldogs will have every weight class filled and depth in most, Jones noted. Senior Michael Gordon is their most accomplished grappler back – the captain was All-County last season (fourth in Nassau at 170 pounds) and looking to make a run to the finals at 182. He won the title in Hewlett’s King of the Mat Tournament Dec. 8, beating Eagle Academy’s Brandon Bido in the finals, 5-3. “He just makes things tough for anyone he wrestles,” Jones said.

Junior Niam Lynch is another captain and has qualified for the county tournament two years in a row. Lynch took third in the host tournament at 113 last month and brings All-County potential, according to Jones. “He has a lot of experience and continues to improve,” Jones said.

Senior heavyweights Khamar Narcisse (220) and Zach Mairoano (285) enjoyed success last season down the stretch and have picked up where they left off. Narcisse was the qualifying tournament champ but then ran into a strong county bracket at Hofstra. Mairoano recorded a few wins on the big stage and has some early season confidence going after winning the King of the Mat event.

Jones believes the sky is the limit for young Ariel Waldman. The 99-pound eighth-grader captured the Knights Classic at Uniondale to open the campaign and followed with a runner-up finish in Hewlett’s Tournament. “He probably has the highest ceiling of any kid I’ve coached,” Jones said. “He soaks up information like a sponge and is strong for his size.”

Sophomore Joey Iannacci was slowed by injury last season but has come out of the gate strong. He’s placed in all three tournaments so far and will be in the 108-113 range by season’s end. “He’s aggressive and relentless,” Jones said.

Junior Tyler James is motivated to reach the All-County podium after falling one win shy a season ago. The 160-pounder impressed in the early stages by winning the Uniondale Tournament, taking second in the King of the Mat and third at the Battle at the Beach (Long Beach.)

Freshman Jacob Mairoano won three matches at the county tournament at 138 last winter and will try to make noise after a large growth spurt has him at 170. “It’s a tough adjustment, but Jake always puts in the work,” Jones said.

The Bulldogs are considered the favorite on paper to finish atop Conference 3A, which includes Manhasset, Kennedy, Great Neck North, Jericho and Roslyn. “We’re a year older and deeper,” Jones said.