North Carolina Wrestling Scout Report

(1) Chris Bullins - Sr. McMichael (160lbs) - 2A (75-1) career finishes (1,1,1,1)
Bullins remains the top recruit on the North Carolina Scouting Report's Top Prospect list. He started the season with the North Carolina record for consecutive wins (159) in high school competition and had not lost a high school match while winning three state championships. Last spring he went 8-2 at the East Coast Duals defeating 2X Cadet National Champion Luke Rebertus (Carvel Acadamy, Del) in freestyle. At Fargo Bullins became a double All-American by placing 6th in greco and 7th in freestyle. In the nation's most prestigious tournament for high school wrestlers Bullins defeated some very good competition. The most prominent of these were two senior All-Americans now wrestling in college. He defeated Luke Manuel (Nevada Union, Ca./Purdue) in greco and Jake Kerr (Oskaloosa, Ia/ Iowa) in freestyle. No other North Carolina wrestler this year has come close to the accomplishments Bullins has achieved. He will most likely wrestle 165/174lbs in college. Currently, Intermat ranks Bullins as their 51st top recruit in the nation. Chris Bullins is coached by his father Jon Bullins who was a North Carolina state champion in the mid-1980's. Both father and son share another distinction! They have both been MOWs at the North Carolina state championship tournament. Bullins consecutive wins record came to an end on January 27th when he bumped up to 189lbs and was pinned by Robby Blount of Forest Hills HS. Bullins had been wrestling at 160lbs for most of this season. Last season Bullins had pinned Blount in the 171lb state tournament semi-finals. At the state tournament Bullins won his 4th state championship where he pinned every opponent. He finished his high school career with a 235-1 record. Chris Bullins has committed to UNC Greensboro.

(2) Austin Trotman - Sr. Mt Tabor (171lbs) - 4A (46-0) career finishes (6,1,1)
Troutman is a very quick and skilled wrestler. On any given day Troutman can beat anyone. In 2005 he defeated Florida's two-time greco national champion Jesse Robins. Last spring he became only the third North Carolina wrestler ever to beat Chris Bullins in an off-season tournament when he squeaked out a win at the NCUSA freestyle state tournament. Troutman is a two-time NHSCA National Open All-American. Last summer Troutman had a couple of very bad draws in Fargo. He lost in both greco and freestyle to double national champion Kirk Smith of Idaho. Never the less he had a decent debut in Fargo going 3-2 in greco and 2-2 in freestyle. This fall he won the NHSCA Pre-Season Nationals. Troutman won his first state championship last season finishing the season with a (50-3) record. His sophomore season he placed 6th. Troutman will most likely wrestle at 184lbs in college. Twin City Rumble Champion and WRAL Champion. Tiger Holiday Classic Champion. At the state tournament Trotman won his second state championship scoring a (19-7) mdec. over Anthony Rodgers of Knightdale. Austin Trotman has committed to Appalachian State.

(3) Brandon Davis - Sr. Greensboro Page (125lbs) - 4A (40-1) career finishes (1,SQ,2,1)
Davis is a very tenacious wrestlers that keeps attacking his opponent throughout a match. Davis has been hampered by attending a school that wrestles less than half of the matches during a season that most North Carolina high school do. His team also does not attend any of the top tournament during the season. Davis makes up for this short coming by wrestling a lot in the off season. He has the FILA Cadet champion in 2005. Last spring he was a runner-up at two USA Jr Regional tournaments (The Central Regional and the Western Regional). Last May Davis defeated some very good wrestlers and going undefeated at the East Coast Duals. At Fargo last summer Davis only wrestled freestyle and he was one match from becoming an All-American. Davis was a high school state champion as a freshman. Last year he lost a close decision to Travis Coffey in the state finals. Davis finished the season with a 29-1 record. He should easily make the 125lb weight class in college for at least the next couple of years. Tiger Holiday Classic Champion defeating Travis Coffey. At the state tournament Davis defeated Coffey (8-7) winning his second state championship. Brandon Davis has committed to Ashland University.

(4) Justin Sparrow - Sr. East Gaston (160lbs) - 4A (66-0) career finishes (1,1,1,1)
Sparrow (like Bullins) could become a four-time state champion this season. Sparrow is a three-time state champion winning it at 119lbs as a freshman, 140lbs as a sophomore and 152lbs last season. Sparrow finished the season last year with a (62-2) record. He is tall and still seems to be growing so he is forecast as a 165lb or 174lb wrestler for college. Last spring Sparrow placed 3rd in greco and 2nd in freestyle at the USA Jr. Southeast Regional. He also was the USA Jr. Central Regional runner-up in freestyle and he placed 4th in greco. Last month Sparrow was the runner-up at 157lbs while competing against college wrestlers in the Citadel Open. Tiger Holiday Classic Champion. At the state tournament Sparrow won his fourth state championship defeating Mikal McKee by a (1-0) dec. Justin Sparrow has committed to the Citadel.

(5) Thomas Ferguson - Sr. Cary (152lbs) - 4A (62-1) career finishes (4,1,1)
Ferguson had an impressive year in 2006, winning his first state championship. He was a state 4th placer as a sophomore. Ferguson defeated Patrick McIntosh in over-time in the WRAL finals last December and Colton Palmer by default in the regional in February. His 2006 record was (69-1). Ferguson has won the NHSCA Pre-Season National tournament the last two years. He defeated Florida's Sean Joyce in over time for his most recent NHSCA Pre-Season National championship. Freguson has won several early season tournaments so far this season and appears on track to win his second North Carolina state championship. He will most likely compete at 157lbs or 165lbs in college. Tri-Valley New York Tournament Champion and MOW. Tiger Holiday Classic - 3rd Place. At the state tournament Ferguson won his second state championship by pinning Mt. Tabor's Tim Paige in the finals. Ferguson scored two tech falls and two pins in the state tournament. Thomas Ferguson has committed to UNC-Chapel Hill.

(6) Travis Coffey - Watauga (119lbs) - 4A (35-5) career finishes (4,1,1,2)
Coffey was also an All-American at Fargo placing 4th in freestyle. He did not wrestle in greco. Coffey was also the USA Jr. Central Regional Champion last spring. In high school Coffey placed 4th as a freshman and has been a state champion the last two seasons. Last year he finished with a 46-1 record. This fall Coffey placed 2nd at the NHSCA pre-Season nationals. There he lost a close 5-2 decision to Florida state champion Eric Grajales in the finals. Coffey is a tall and lean 119lb wrestler and should easily fit well as a 125lb wrestler in college. He is very skilled in all three positions: top, bottom and neutral. Travis Coffey's comes from a wrestling family. His brother Sheldon was a North Carolina state champion in 2002. Placed 4th at the Ohio Ironman Tournament. Tiger Holiday Classic Runner-up. In mid-January Coffey bumped up to 130lbs and lost by major decision to highly regarded junior Chris Townsend of South Caldwell. Coffey rebounded from this by winning the Northwestern 4A conference Championship on 1/27/07. Coffey finished his career with two state championships and two runner-up finishes. He lost a (7-8) dec. to Brandon Davis in the state tournament finals.

(7) Colton Palmer - Sr. Riverside (145lbs) - 4A (91-0) career finishes (3,1,SQ,1)
Last season Palmer lost his only match (not counting two forfeits at the state tournament) during the high school competition when he had to injury default to Ferguson at the regional tournament. He was unable to wrestle the next week at the state tournament. Palmer was a state champion as a sophomore and a state third placer as a freshman. In March, he was one match from placing at the NHSCA Junior Nationals where he lost the tiebreaker to Patrick McIntosh by ride-out. This fall he has been impressive. Palmer placed 5th at the Super-32 where lost two close decisions to higher placing wrestlers from other states. So far this year Palmer has been dominating his competition in early season tournaments. Palmer will most likely compete at 149lbs or 157lbs in college. WRAL Champion and MOW. Palmer won his second state championship with a (7-2) dec. over Ethan Creek of Jack Britt. Colton Palmer has committed to NC State.

(8) Cameron Drye - Sr. Albermarle (130/135lbs) - 2A (40-3) career finishes (3,4,1,1)
Drye was undefeated at the East Coast Duals last spring in both greco and freestyle. At fargo he was one match from placing in greco finishing 5-2 in greco and 3-2 in freestyle, He was a greco All-American in 2005 finishing 6th. Greco-Roman is his favorite style of wrestling, but he is also an accomplished folkstyle wrestler. He placed 3rd in the state tournament as a freshman and 4th as a sophomore. Last season Drye won his first state championship wrestling at 125lbs. He finished the season last year with a (56-2) record. The last word on Drye was he wanted to be accepted into the USA Greco program at Northern Michigan. Drye won his second state championship with a 3-0 dec. over Chris Watson of Southern Vance. Drye scored three pins and one decision in the state tournament enroute to his championship.

(9) Phillip Goodwin - Sr. South Point (130lbs) - 3A (49-1) career finishes (6,3,1,1)
Goodwin placed 6th in the state tournament as a freshman and he placed 4th as a sophomore. Last year Goodwin won his first state championship and finished the season with a (56-1) record. He is an accomplished wrestler in both greco and freestyle. Last spring he he was the freestyle champion in both the USA Jr Southeast and Central Regionals. In greco he placed 3rd in Southeast and 2nd in the Central Regional. Currently, Goodwin appears to be the favorite at 130lbs to win another state championship. In college Goodwin may wrestle 133lbs but more than likely he will grow into a 141lber. Goodwin continues to show improvement by pinning Travis Coffey in an exhibition at West Lincoln Duals. Goodwin won his second state championship with a (6-5) dec. over Willis Blue of TW Andrews. Phillip Goodwin has committed to Gardner-Webb Univeristy.
 
(10) Colt Howell - Sr. Bandys (152lbs) - 2A (63-2) career finishes (SQ,1,3,1)
Howell was a state qualifier as a freshman and a state champion as a sophomore. Last season Howell placed 3rd finishing the year with a (56-4) record. Last summer he was one match from placing at the NHSCA National Open. At this tournament Howell defeated Hawaii state runner-up and NHSCA All-American Clinton Manley. Howell should be competing in the 152lbs weight class this season. In college he could wrestle at 157lbs. WRAL Champion. Howell won his second state championship by tech falling Jesse Upchurch of Northwood. In the state tournament Howell scored two tech falls, a major decision and one decision. That was in the semi-finals where he defeated Keenan Tate 4-0. This was a rematch of the 2005 state championship finals that Howell had won.

{mospagebreak title=Top 11 - 20 Senior Wrestlers&heading=Top 11 - 20 Senior Wrestlers}

The Top 11 - 20 Senior Wrestlers

(11) John Goodwin - Sr. South Point (171lbs) - 3A (54-4) career finishes (SQ,3,1,1)
Goodwin (56-2) was a state champion in 2006, a state 4th placer in 2005, and a state qualifier in 2004. He is an accomplished freestyle/greco wrestler. He won the SE Regional freestyle tournament and placed 3rd in greco in April 2006. He also was runner-up in freestyle and placed 4th in greco at the USA Central Regional in Indiana. Goodwin finished at 2-2 in greco and 2-2 in freestyle at Fargo this summer. Goodwin won his second state championship by defeating Johnny Church by a 4-3 dec. at the state tournament. In the tournament he also scored two pins and a tech fall. John Goodwin has committed to UNC Pembroke.

(12) Mikal McKee - Sr. AC REYNOLDS (160lbs) - 4A (46-2) career finishes (SQ,SQ,3,2)
McKee was a state qualifier both his freshman and sophomore seasons. Last year he placed 3rd in the state tournament. Currently. McKee has set his high school's career win record with over 150 wins. He is on track to get well over 200 wins by the end of the season. McKee is a two-time NHSCA high school all-american. Last spring he was the greco runner-up at the USA Jr. Central Regional in Indiana. Since the start of the 2006-07 wrestling season, McKee has been very impressive defeating a lot of notable wrestlers. Among these are Greg Gainey (Parkland), Jeramiah Hampton (Alleghany), Tim Paige (Mt Tabor) and Patrick McIntosh (Bandys). Defeat Adam Hambleton by major decision. McKee should be projected at 174/184lbs for college. McKee is currently undefeated. He won the Northwestern 4A conference tournament and was voted as the tournament MOW on 1/27/07. McKee lost (0-1) to Justin Sparrow in the state championship finals. Mikal McKee has committed to UNC Greensboro.


(13) Chip Powell - Sr. SE Guilford (152lbs) - 3A (46-2) career finsihes (SQ,SQ,2,1)
Powell was a state qualifier as a freshman and a sophomore. Last season he was a state runner-up finishing the season with a (33-4 ) record. Powell was impressive at the East Coast Duals last May going undefeated in freestyle and only losing one match in greco. So far this season Powell has been impressive winning tournaments competing at 152lbs. In college Powell could be considered a prospect at 149lbs. In the state finals Powell defeated Greg Gainey of Parkland by a (9-5) decision to win his first state championship. Chip Powell has committed to Appalachian State.

(14) Alex Cooke - Sr. Ragsdale (160lbs) - 3A (52-1) career finishes (SQ,2,1)
Cooke was a state runner-up last season. In 2005 he was a state qualifier and a NCUSA National Team Member. Cooke major decisioned McIntosh at the Southern Scuffle Dual Meet. Ralph Barrow Classic Champion. Tiger Holiday Classic Runner-up. At the state tournament Cooke won a 11-7 decision over Eric Wischhusen of Southern Nash. to win his first state championship. Along with this win Cooke scored two pins and a major decision in the state tournament. Alex Cooke has committed to Appalachian State.

(15) Patrick McIntosh - Sr. Bandys (145lbs) - 2A (60-5) career finishes (4,2,1,1)
McIntosh has placed in the state tournament the last three years. He was 4th at 130lbs as a freshman, a 135lb state runner-up as a sophomore and last year a state champion at 140lbs. Last spring he was a NHSCA Junior National All-American at 140lbs and one of the wrestlers he defeated at that tournament was Colton Palmer. This year all of McIntosh's losses have been while competing at 160lbs and 171lbs. McIntosh is now down to 145lbs, a weight where he can compete better. McIntosh's three older brothers were either state champions or high school all-americans and competed in college. Runner-up at Twin City Rumble. WRAL tie for 5th At the state tournament McIntosh won his second state championship by defeating Kyle McGarity by a 6-0 decision. Patrick McIntosh has committed to Lindenwood University.

(16) Darrius Little - Sr. Thomasville (135lbs) - 2A (47-1) career finishes (SQ,2,1)
Little was a state qualifier as a sophomore. Last year Little was a state runner-up losing to O'Laker in the finals. He finished the season with a (44-4) record. Little breaks into the rankings by having a very impressive fall.. During fall tournaments Little has defeated Philip Goodwin and Matthew Mortez. In November at the Cougar Invitational Little defeated Cameron Drye in over time. These performances have established Little as one of the top wrestlers in the state. Little is athletic and very quick but, he could use some work on his technique. A wrestler like this will improve a lot in a college wrestling room. Little should be considered as a 141lb prospect for college. At the state tournament Little defeated Jake O'Laker by a 5-3 OT decision in the finals to win his first state championship. This was a re-match of the 2006 state finals where Little had finished second. Darrius Little has committed to NC State.

(17) Lawrence Manns - Sr. West Forsyth (140lbs) - 4A (51-4) career finishes (5,1)
Last year placed 5th in the state tournament and was a NHSCA All-American. Manns nearly beat four-time national open champion and current Missouri wrestler Willy Saxton. At the state tournament Manns defeated junior Savva Kostis by a 8-4 decision to win his first state championship. Manns scored a tech fall and two decisions en route to the state finals.

(18) Gordon Witte - Sr. Salisbury (285lbs) - 2A (52-0) career finishes (SQ,1,1)
Witte is the top big man in North Carolina this year. He was a state qualifier as a sophomore and last season he won his first state championship finishing the season with a (50-4) record. Witte should defend his state championship again this season. Gordon is a multi-sport athlete making all-conference in football, a state qualifier in tract (Shot Put) along with being all-state in wrestling. He is big and strong but does not wrestle any during the off-season, something that could hurt him competing with national competition. Trinity Invitational Champion. Rowan County Champion. Mt Pleasent Tournament Champion Witte won his second state championship by pinning Matt Gardner of McMichael. Witte pinned all four of his opponents in the the championship tournament. Gordon Witte has signed with Appalachian State to play football.

(19) Austin Ollis - Sr. Polk (189lbs) - 2A (45-2) career finishes (5,3,2,1)
Ollis was a state runner-up in 2006, a state 3rd placer in 2005, and a state 5th placer in 2004.
He finished his junior season with a (47-1) record losing a decision in the state finals to Bullins. Recently Ollis has been wrestling at 189lbs and this could be due to his football aspirations. His brother was a three-time state champion, but he went on to college as a football player. His father was also their football coach in high school. Ollis won his first state championship when his opponent, Robbie Blount of Forest Hills was DQ by Flagrant Misconduct after striking Ollis with a couple of seconds left in the match. Ollis was leading by two points at this time. Austin Ollis has signed with the Air Force Academy to play football.

(20) Jake O'Laker - Sr. Croatan (140lbs) - 2A (47-2) career finishes (1,2)
O'Laker was a state champion in 2006. In 2005, he was a Virginia state qualifier. He is a very good folkstyle wrestler from all positions. He finished the 2006 season with a (49-3) record. O'Laker probably could be higher up in the ratings but due to his inactivity last spring and summer this leaves him untested in national level competition. Currently, O'Laker has been wrestling at 140lbs, but by season's end he should be defending his 135lbs state championship. Croatan Beast of the East Champion and WRAL Runner-Up. O'Laker lost (5-3 OT) in the state finals to Darrius Little. This was the same wrestlers he defeated in the 2006 state finals.

{mospagebreak title=Top 21 - 30 Senior Wrestlers&heading=Top 21 - 30 Senior Wrestlers}

(21) Matt Moretz - Sr. Watauga (135lbs) - 4A career finishes (2,1,Inj)
Moretz was a state runner-up as a junior and last year he won his first state championship. He finished the season with a (48-3) record. Last spring Moretz placed 3rd in freestyle at the USA Jr. Central Regionals. He placed 3rd at the NHSCA Pre-Season Nationals. Moretz is not wrestling due to a knee injury early in the season.

(22) Morgan Atkinson - Sr. Riverside (125lbs) - 4A (66-9) career finishes (2,DNP,1) Atkinson lost a one point decision to Travis Coffey in the state finals in 2005. He had a injury riddled season in 2006 and did not qualify. Atkinson comes from a wrestling family where his two older brothers both were two-time state champion and wrestled for UNC Chapel Hill. At the state tournament in 2007 he competed in a very deep weight class. He defeated Jordan Alfaro (4-3 decision) in the quarter-finals, Jared Gigg (10-8 OT decision) in the semi-finals and Scott Norris(6-2 decision) in the finals.

(23) Bruce Mann - Sr. AL Brown (140lbs) - 3A (56-4) career finishes (SQ,1,3)
Mann proved to be just that at the 2006 state tournament, where he had a great tournament, winning his first state championship. He was a state qualifier as sophomore, and a Fargo national team member for 2005 and 2006. In Fargo, Mann wrestled well in greco finishing at 3-2. He was 1-2 in freestyle. He won high school all-american honors this fall by placing 3rd in the NHSCA Pre-Season Nationals. He should be considered a prospect at either 141lbs or 149lbs in college. Mann lost by a (9-1) major decision to Junior Mike Williams in the semi-finals of the state tournament. He rebounded from the loss to place third. Bruce Mann has committed to Gardner-Webb University.

(24) Walt Cutts - Sr. NW Guilford (130lbs) - 4A (52-2) career finishes (SQ,SQ,1) In the state quarter-finals Cutts won a 6-3 decision over Billy Edwards. Cutts defeated highly regarded junior Chris Townsend by a 4-2 decision in the semi-finals. Cutts won his first state championship by defeating Chris Ange of Davie County by a 3-1 OT decision.
 

(25) Johnny Church - Sr. North Iredell (171lbs) - 3A (47-2) career finishes (SQ,4,2)
Last year placed 4th in the state tournament. In November Church was the NHSCA Pre-Season national runner-up losing a one point decision to Troutman. At the state tournament Church lost a one point decision to Goodwin and finished as the state runner-up. Both of Church's losses this season were to two-time state champion John Goodwin. Johnny Church has committed to UNC Pembroke.

(26) Eric Webster - Sr. Newton-Conover (119lbs) - 2A (55-2) career finishes (SQ,3,2,1)
Webster placed 3rd in the state in 2005 and was a state runner-up last season. Ralph Barrow Classic 3rd place. Webster won his first state championship by defeating Chase Calloway by a 11-9 decision.

(27) Chandler Collins - Sr. Cedar Ridge (171lbs) - 2A (49-1) career finishes (6,4,2,3)
Collins is a multi-sport high school athlete that wrestles very little in the off-season. Last year he was a state runner-up at 140lbs losing to Patrick McIntosh in over time. Collins placed 6th as a freshman and 4th as a sophomore. Last year he finished the season with a (31-6) record. Collins has been competing this season at 160lbs. His brother Josh was a North Carolina at 189lbs in 2005. Eagle Invitational Champion.
 

(28) Keenan Tate - Sr. Central Davidson (152lbs) - 2A (45-2) career finishes (2,SQ,2)
Tate was a state runner-up in 2005 losing the 140lb state championship to Colt Howell by pin. Last year he failed to make weight at the state tournament. A state tournament re-match could be on the horizon for Tate and Howell. Tate lost in the state semi-finals to Howell by a 4-0 decision. went went on to finish 3rd in the state tournament.

(29) Billy Edwards - Sr. Leesville (130lbs) - 4A (77-4) career finishes ((3,5,3)
Last year Edwards placed 5th in the state tournament, He was a NHSCA Junior All-American and NHSCA National Open All-American in 2006. Edwards lost a match early this season, but he has taken off in December winning North Carolina's two most prestigious Invitational wrestling tournaments. WRAL Champion. Tiger Holiday Classic Champion. At the state tournament quarter-finals Edward lost a 6-3 decision to state champion Walt Cutts of NW Guilford. Edwards rebounded from this to place third. Billy Edwards has committed to UNC-Greensboro.

(30) Jared Griggs - Sr. East Gaston (125lbs) - 4A (62-9) career finishes (1,1,4,6)
Two-Time state champion, 4th last season. Undefeated at the East Coast Duals May 2006. Junior Duals and Fargo National Team Member 2006. Griggs competed at a very deep weight class at the state tournament where he placed 6th. Jared Griggs has committed to Neosho College.

{mospagebreak title=Top 30 - 68 Senior Wrestlers}

Top 30 -68 Wrestlers

(31) Josh Edwards - Sr. Northwood (215lbs) - 2A. (49-0) career finishes (1)
Edwards is currently undefeated and has beat some good wrestlers this season. Edwards finished the season undefeated winning his first state championship.
 
(32) Jeramiah Hampton - Sr. Alleghany (152lbs) - 2A (42-8) career finishes (3,Inj)
Last year placed third in the state tournament. Agie Skeens Tournament Champion. 2007 Regional champion but did not compete in the state tournament due to an injury a few days before the state tournament. Two of his losses were by forfeit at the state tournament.

(33) Austin Reece - Sr. North Buncombe (145lbs) - 3A (48-3) career finishes (3,2)
Reece was a state 3rd place winner last season. Reece lost in the state finals by a 3-0 decision to junior Marcus Hannah. Reece has committed to Gardner-Webb University.

(34) Jamie Roberts, Sr. Laney (189lbs) - 4A (59-6) career finishes (SQ,SQ,2) Roberts was the NHSCA National Open Runner-up last summer. Roberts defeated Holmes by a at th regional tournament. At the state tournament Roberts lost a 7-3 decision to two-time junior state champion Anthony Clinton in the state finals. Jamie Roberts has committed to St. Andrews College.

(35) Manual Ramirez - Sr. Jack Britt (119lbs) - 4A (65-4) career finishes (SQ,5,5)
Ramirez won the Ralph Barrows Invitational defeating state Champion Jacob Creed on Dec. 9th. WRAL Champion.

(36) Chris Ange - Sr. Davie County (130lbs) - 4A (47-3) career finishes (2)
Ange's only loss was to Mortez early in the season. In January he defeat Billy Edwards. State Runner-up. Lost in the state and regional tournament to Walt Cutts.

(37) Tim Paige - Sr. Mt Tabor (160lbs) - 4A (40-12) career finishes (SQ,3,2)
In 2006 Paige placed 3rd in the state tournament. In June he was the NHSCA National Open runner-up. Tied for 3rd at Twin City Rumble. Placed 3rd at WRAL. Tim Paige has committed to King College.

(38) Ben King - Sr. Eastern Alamance (171lbs) -3A (52-3) career finishes (SQ,6,3) At the state tournament King dropped a (5-8) decision to Adam Hambleton in the quarter-finals. King rebounded from this to finish 3rd by winning a 4-1 decision over Hambleton in the cons. finals.

(39) Adam Hambleton - Sr. Tuscola (171lbs) - 4A (42-4) career finishes (4,Inj,4)
Hambleton placed 4th at 171lbs his sophomore season. Last year though he tore his ACL and could not wrestle. This led to Hambleton slipping through the cracks in the wrestling community and not getting much notice this season. On December 16th at the West Lincoln Duals Hambleton got plenty of notice. He defeated State Champion Jon Goodwin and state 3rd placer Jeramiah Hampton by decisions and pinned tough Ben Lord of SW Guilford. At the state tournament Hambleton defeated Ben King by a 8-5 dec. in the quarter-finals then Hambleton dropped a ( 2-7) dec. to Johnny Church in the semi-finals. Hambleton lost a 1-4 dec. in the cons. finals. to Ben King giving Hambleton a 4th place finish.

(40) Nug Tran - Sr. CB Aycock (125lbs) - 3A (51-3) career finiahes (4,2,1) After placing his sophomore and junior seasons, Tran won the 3A state championship this year. He won a 18-6 major decision over Bradley Saunders of Southern Alamance.

(41) Joey Farnsworth - Sr. Cary (103lbs) - 4A (63-0) career finishes (3,1) Farnsworth has been a career 103lber. He probably will be a career 125lber in college. He could redshirted the first year giving him time to adapt to college wrestling at 125lbs. He finished the season undefeated and only gave up one point (illegal hold) all season. Farnsworth won his first state championship by scoring a 9-0 major decision over junior Sam Ransdell of Pinecrest.
 

(42) Matt Whittle - Sr. West Lincoln (112lbs) - 1A/2A (52-6) career finishes (2,1) Whittle was a state runner-up last season. This year he scored two pins and two major decisions in the state championship. In the final he major decisioned Chris Johnson of Orange (12-2).

(43) Mickey Humphrey - Sr. Ragsdale (130lbs) - 3A (46-5) career finishes (1) Humphrey won his first state championship by defeating highly regarded junior Ian Coggins of SE Guilford by a (3-2) decision.
 

(44) Chucky Jacobs - Sr. Newton-Conover (171lbs) - 1A/2A (54-6) career finishes (SQ,1) Jacobs won his first state championship with a 8-6 decision over junior Jeb Martin of Surry Central. 
 
(45) Chad McDuffie - Sr. Fuquay-Varina (215lbs) - 4A (39-1) career finishes (SQ,1) McDuffie won his first state championship by defeating Josh Downs of West Forsyth by a 3-1 decision in the finals.
 

(46) Eric Wischhusen - Sr. Souther Nash - 3A (49-1) career finishes (SQ,3,2) Wischhusen was a state 3rd placer last season. At the state tournament Wischhusen lost his only match of the season in the state finals where he dropped a (7-11) decision to state champion Alex Cooke of Ragsdale.
 

(47) Jake Lance - Sr. - Enka (215lbs) - 3A (61-5) career finishes (SQ,SQ,2) Lance finished 2nd at the state tournament after losing by pin to Jesse McFarland in the finals.
 

(48) Mark Taylor - Sr. - Enka (119lbs) - 3A (58-9) career finishes (SQ,4,2) Talor is a former Fargo National Team Member. He placed 4th in the state in 2006. Taylor lost by pin in the state tournament finals to highly regarded Sophomore Jacob Creed.
 

(49) Jake Wise - Sr. - Weddington (171lbs) - 4A (61-1) career finishes (3,3) Wise lost his only match of the year in the state tournament semi-finals by a (2-8) decision to two-time state champion Austin Trotman.
 

(50) JR Sweezy - Sr. Mooresville (285lbs) - 3A (40-2) career finishes (1) Sweezy won his first state championship with a 9-5 decision over Chris Carter of Rockingham County. JR Sweezy has singned to play football for NC State.

(51) Cody Walton - Sr. Rockingham County (189lbs) - 3A (44-2) career finishes (2,5)
Walton was a state runner-up last season. At the state tournament Walton lost his only two matches of the year and finished 5th.

(52) Chris Carter - Sr. Rockinghan County - 3A (46-6) career finishes (SQ,2,2) Carter was a state runner-up in 2006. At the state tournament Carter lost a (5-9) decision in the state tournament finals to JR Sweezy of Mooresville.
 

(53) Chris Watson - Sr. Southern Vance (130lbs - 1A/2A (28-3) career finishes (2,2) Watson lost a 3-0 decision to two-time state champion Cameron Drye in the state finals.
 

(54) Rico Diaz - Sr. Jack Britt (140lbs) - 4A (51-6) career finishes (4,4, DNP-Inj)
The last two years has placed 4th in the state tournament. In early December defeated Manns at the West Henderson tournament. WRAL 3rd Place. Injured at the state tournament. One a pin then lost by injury default and forfeit.

(55) Glenn Holms - Sr. Pinecrest (189lbs) - 4A (51-3) career finishes (SQ,5,3)
Holms was a state 5th place winner last season. Member of the NCUSA National Junior Duals team. At the state tournament Holmes lost to two-time junior state champion Anthony Clinton in the quarter-finals by a 7-3 decision. He went on to place 3rd.
 

(56) James Alexander - Sr. Northside (215lbs) - 1A/2A (36-2) career finishes (SQ,SQ,3) Alexander is a strong and aggressive wrestler. Both of his losses this year were DQs from appling illegal holds and his opponent chosing not to continue wrestling. In the state tournament Alexander lost in the semi-finals to DQ which put him in the consolations which he won placing third.
 

(57) Chase Calloway - Sr. West Stanley - 1A/2A (40-5) career finishes (6,2) Calloway was a NCUSA Fargo National Team Member last summer.Calloway finished as a state runner-up losing in the finals by a (9-11) decision to state champion Eric Webster.
 

(58) Cody Singleton - Sr. Mt Pleasent - 1A/2A (54-6) career finishes (2) Singleton scored a tech fall, a major decision and a pin in the state tournament before losing by a late third period pin in the finals by highly regarded junior Jon Burns of Cardinal Gibbins.
 

(59) Kyle McGarity - Sr. West Stanley - 1A/2A (39-5) career finishes (SQ,2) McGarity was a regional runner-up and a state tournament runner-up. At both tournaments he lost in the finals by decisions to two-time state champion Patrick McIntosh of Bandys.
 

(60) Bradley Saunders - Sr. Southern Alamance - 3A (51-2) career finishes (2) Saunders scored two pins and a decision before giving up a 6-18 major decision to Ngu Tran in the state tournament finals.
 

(61) Cory Sly - Sr. DH Conley - 3A (41-5) career finishes (SQ,DNQ,SQ,2) Sly scored a pin, a decision and won by an injury default before he lost by a 5-14 major decision to highly regarded junior Bobby Shanor of Morehead in the state tournament finals.
 

(62) Josh Downs - Sr. West Forsyth - 4A (50-7) career finishes(SQ,2) Downs lost a (3-1) decision in the state finals to Chad McDuffie of Fuquay-Varina.

(63) DJ Barrett - Sr. Forest Hills - 1A/2A (42-5) career finishes (SQ,2) Barrett lost a (3-13) major decision to highly regarded junior Jose Sanchez of Mt Pleasent in the state tournament finals.
 

(64) Jerome Poole - Sr. Forbush - 1A/2A (53-1) career finishes (2) Following an injury by an illegal hold from James Alexander of Northside, Poole could not continue and Alexander was DQed. Poole lost in the state tournament finals to Josh Edwards of Northwood by a 5-2 decision finishing as state runner-up.
 

(65) Willis Blue - Sr. TW Andrews (130lbs) - 3A (23-1) career finishes (3,2,2,2) Blue is a very good wrestlers, but he has some character issues. Twice after placing second he refused the go to the medal stand as a sophomore and again as junior. He was ineligible this season until late January. None the less under the proper college coaching leadership, he could be a fine college wrestlers.Blue lost a close 6-5 decision in the state finals to two-time state champion Phillip Goodwin.
 

(66) Robbie Blount - Sr. Forest Hills (189lbs) - 2A (38-2) career finishes (3,2)
Blount was a state 3rd place winner last season. He was pinned in the tournament semi-finals by Chris Bullins. On January 27th Blount returned the favor when he pinned Bullins at the Forest Hills Duals. Blount is a very strong, quick and athletic wrestler. One down side is his quick temper. Blount lost several matches last season and two matches this season by DQ. Under the right tutelage Blount can be a good college wrestler. At the state tournament Blount finished second losing by DQ (Flagrant Misconduct) in the final seconds of the match.

Gordon Witte - Sr. Salisbury (285lbs) - 2A (52-0) career finishes (SQ,1,1) Gordon Witte has signed with Appalachian State to play football.

Austin Ollis - Sr. Polk (189lbs) - 2A (45-2) career finishes (5,3,2,1) Austin Ollis has signed with the Air Force Academy to play football.

JR Sweezy - Sr. Mooresville (285lbs) - 3A (40-2) career finishes (1) JR Seezy has signed to play football for NC State.