Princeton, Hopewell in good shape at Region V

FRANKLIN TWP. >> Princeton may have been blown out by Mercer County kingpin Hopewell Valley by over 40 points in a dual meet, but in a bit of a twist it has ended up with the same number of number of wrestlers in the quarterfinal round of the Region V Tournament.

Following Thursday’s nights pre-quarterfinals, Princeton and Hopewell Valley each have four remaining in a tournament that resumes Friday at Franklin High.

Advancing for the Little Tigers by decision were Dominic Riendeau-Krause at 145 and James Romaine at 152. Princeton’s other two wrestlers, Dan Monahan at 126 and top-seeded Alec Bobchin at 138, both had the night off after winning district titles last weekend.

While no Princeton wrestlers were eliminated, Hopewell Valley had a rough night with just four remaining. Hopewell Valley had advanced 10 to the region by winning its first district title in program history last Saturday.

The lone winner was 195-pound sophomore Brian LaCross, who pinned Franklin’s Michael Espinal Grullon in a quick 1:24. Drawing byes for Hopewell were its district champs Aaron Longo (138) and Justin Venezia (113) and Jacob Venezia (145). Longo will take on Bobchin in the quarters.

Hopewell’s 126-pounder Chris Lanciano was also unable to go because of a concussion. It was a tough way to end an outstanding career for Lanciano, who finished with well over 100 wins and advanced to states twice, including last year as a region runner-up.

Also advancing from Mercer County was West Windsor South’s Brandon Murray with a tight 1-0 decision at 120 pounds.

The number one team in the region and area,, Hunterdon Central will have a whopping 10 wrestlers in the quarterfinals in the first time since the 1980s that the tournament is not being held in the Red Devils’ fieldhouse.