Southern High School Clinches Thrilling Semifinal Win Over Howell

Southern High School’s wrestling team triumphed over Howell High School in a closely contested semifinal of the NJSIAA South Jersey Group 5 tournament, securing a 33-26 victory. The match took place on March 7, 2024, at Howell High School, where both teams showcased their strengths, making the encounter feel akin to a state final due to their impressive rankings.

Southern, the reigning three-time state champion, demonstrated exceptional skill by winning eight out of the fourteen matches. Key performances by freshman Anthony Molinaro, who achieved a pin at 150 pounds, alongside decisive victories from sophomores Henry Zimmerman (138 pounds) and Vincent Esposito (165 pounds), were crucial in the team’s success. Junior Levi Foote‘s victory at 215 pounds also played a significant role in Southern’s overall performance.

The momentum shifted in Southern’s favor as freshman Jonas Lusker (106 pounds), sophomore Cade Collins (120 pounds), and senior Anthony Mason (126 pounds) secured wins in the final bouts, cementing the victory. This win marks Southern’s advancement to the sectional final for the eighth consecutive year, where they will face Kingsway.

Coach Dan Roy praised his team’s focus and preparedness, expressing confidence in their ability to compete against Howell at any stage. The match was particularly significant given the alignment of both teams in the same section, a result of power point calculations, which led to this intense semifinal showdown. Southern’s recent victory over Delsea fueled their confidence, evident throughout the match.

Despite Howell’s commendable effort, which included wins from Shane Maghan at 132 pounds and bonus-point victories by Brady Little (157 pounds), Tyler Going (175 pounds), Tanner Hodgins (190 pounds), and Luke Johnston (113 pounds), they could not overcome the defending champions. Howell’s coach John Gagliano acknowledged Southern’s talent but expressed disappointment that such a critical match occurred at this stage of the tournament. He noted the influence of the coin toss, which determined the 190-pound matchup, allowing Southern to strategically position Foote against Tim O’Rourke.

The match unfolded with Howell taking an early lead through Maghan’s victory at 132 pounds. However, Southern quickly surged ahead, highlighted by Zimmerman’s tactical win at 138 pounds and Molinaro’s impressive pin at 150 pounds, showcasing their dominance early on. Howell’s efforts, while commendable, were not enough to halt Southern’s momentum.

This victory not only underscores Southern’s strength but also emphasizes the strategic elements of wrestling, such as the significance of critical moments like the coin toss. As Southern prepares for the championship match against Kingsway, the anticipation builds for another high-stakes encounter in the South Jersey Group 5 tournament.