CARBONE RISES OUT OF TEAMMATE’S SHADOWS
Shawsheen Tech star confident following All-state success
BILLERICA >> The funny thing about shadows is how much they seem to vanish the brighter the spotlight gets.
Brayton Carbone is living proof.
The Shawsheen Tech wrestler and two-time Division 1 North Sectional and D1 state champ emerged to the forefront again last weekend, capturing his first MIAA All-state championship in the 120-pound bracket.
As he gears up to compete at the New England Interscholastic wrestling championship this weekend in Providence, R.I., the talented sophomore is looking forward to facing the next set of challengers.
“I’m feeling pretty good,” said Carbone, 16, Wednesday. “We’ve had a couple of hard days at practice. Tomorrow, we’ll take it easy, then get ready to go on the road.”
A program known for its talented tag team of brothers Sidney and James Tildsley, Carbone has turned the Rams into a three-headed monster, matching his brothers-in-arms every step of the way.
The 5-foot-6 Billerica resident sports a career mark of 51-3, running the gauntlet with poise and precision. His trademark grit on the mat, coupled by a relentless work ethic off it, has earned him plenty of respect over his journey.
“Brayton’s come a long way,” said Shawsheen wrestling coach
Doug Pratt. “The tough thing with him is he’s always in the shadows of the Tildsley brothers. Those guys are elite wrestlers, but Brayton is joining the party now. People are talking about him.”
Carbone drew plenty of attention over the past month, successfully defending his D1 sectional and D1 state titles with equal aplomb. But it was earning the biggest breakthrough of his career, an All-state championship last weekend at Reading High School, that hit home for the Rams star.
“That one really mattered to me, because it was my first,” said Carbone, who finished fifth at All-states as a freshman.
Going up against secondranked Brandon Winn was no small task. The Brockton wrestler entered the finals with only one loss under his belt, ironically enough coming in a 4-3 decision against Carbone at sectionals. The Rams wrestler got a grip on the situation, delivering an authoritative body slam in the second period. Carrying a 7-1 lead into the third, Carbone remained razor focused. He scored two more takedowns to earn the 11-4 decision.
The victory was extra special as the team dedicated its finals appearance in the memory of late Shawsheen coach Mark Donovan.
“That’s what gave me the motivation to get that All-state championship,” said Carbone.
Carbone moved up two
weight classes this season. The added muscle mass has only increased his effectiveness.
“He’s really gotten 100 times better on his feet in neutral,” said Pratt. “He’s done unbelievable, and his shape is unreal. Team-wise he’s won 98 percent of his matches. When you see the success that he’s had its awesome to watch.”
A wrestling regular for the past decade, Carbone first discovered the sport through his lifelong friendship with the Tildsley brothers. Their fathers have been friends since high school, only enhancing their connection.
“They brought me in,” said Carbone, who also plays football and lacrosse at Shawsheen. “And it’s been my thing
ever since.”
Watching the brothers rise up the wrestling ranks has been inspiring and intimidating. Although they’ve been a tough act to follow, Carbone is taking it all in stride.
“It’s hard competing with them,” said Carbone. “Especially James, he’s always beating me up in practice, but that just makes me better.”
According to James Tildsley, Carbone has come into his own on the mat.
“Brayton’s one of the best wrestlers on the team,” said Tildsley. “Usually, it’s me and Sid who are the top guys in the tournament, but he’s taking care of business. He’s a very hard worker. In a way he’s kind of like our other brother.”
And based off their recent string of success, this family unit should keep Shawsheen wrestling in the thick of things for years to come.
“It’s all about our hard work we do together,” said
Carbone. “Hard work, dedication and commitment to the sport is what brings it all together.
Our bond is what really makes us different from any other team. We’re a family.”