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The Class of 2010 is the strongest class Massachusetts has seen in years. This class is so strong that a New England champion and two All-State champions are listed merely as honorable mention. Moreover, this class includes two-time Prep School All-American and Junior Nationals freestyle All American Derek Papagianopoulos, four New England champions (Isaiah Williams, Dan Telhada, Corey Melo and Mike Wrin
Wrin) and four All-State champions (Williams, Derek Golner, Nick Flannery and Sam Shames).
Derek PapagianopoulosSchool: Buckingham Browne and Nichol
09-10 Projected High School Weight Class: 285
Projected College Weight Class: 285
Scouting Report: Papagianopoulos has been attending and placing at national tournaments since he was in the sixth grade. Papagianopoulos has always been one of the bigger (189 as a freshman) and stronger wrestlers around. As a result of his hard work. he has perfected a top-notch technique. Although he is moving up to heavyweight for his senior year, Papagianopoulos wrestles more like a 160 or 171-pounder, always attacking and pushing the pace. He has also played varsity football since eighth grade (starting on both sides of the ball) and is already a college recruiting favorite. Further, his honors grades will make him a great addition to any college wrestling program.
2. Isaiah Williams
School: Haverhill
09-10 Projected High School Weight Class: 160
Projected College Weight Class: 165
Scouting Report: Williams ended a disappointing sophomore year without placing at states. Since that time he has worked non-stop to make himself a great wrestler. His junior year he came back with a vengeance finishing the year with a 50-0 record and with wins at States, All-States and New Englands at 160 pounds. He also beat most of the top wrestlers at 171 during the season. Williams' unbelievable athleticism and great work ethic should make him very successful at the college level.
3. Dan Telhada
School: Franklin
09-10 Projected High School Weight Class: 140
Projected College Weight Class: 141
Scouting Report: Telhada hasn't wrestled as long as most people on this list, but he is a quick learner. He is a very solid wrestler in every position. A year-round wrestler who made a huge improvement from third at states as a sophomore to New England champ as a junior. He also posted great performances at Disney Duals and Brute Scholastic duals proving that Telhada can wrestle with the best.
Kevin BarrucciSchool: Burlington
09-10 Projected High School Weight Class: 145
Projected College Weight Class: 149
Scouting Report: Barrucci first stepped on the wrestling mat at age five and never looked back. With a great work ethic and grinder style of wrestling Barrucci has excelled at the sport. Even with such tremendous success Barrucci's drive and determination remains strong. He will be an excellent addition to any college program.
5. Matt Donohoe
School: Tyngsboro
09-10 Projected High School Weight Class: 171
Projected College Weight Class: 165
Scouting Report: Donohoe has a fast-paced and exciting style and he can score big points from anywhere. Donohoe's off season out of state success as well has his Eastern States finish proves he can wrestle with anyone. Not to mention the fact that he is also an outstanding football player.
6. Derek Golner
School: Tyngsboro
09-10 Projected High School Weight Class: 160
Projected College Weight Class: 157/165
Scouting Report: Golner won a state title as a freshman starting an annual tradition. Next year he is looking to become only the eighth Massachusetts wrestler to win his fourth state title. He is very slick and an absolute beast on top. Golner is not one to shy away from top competition.
7. Alex Najjar
School: Shawsheen Tech
09-10 Projected High School Weight Class: 189
Projected College Weight Class: 184
Scouting Report: Najjar put it together his junior year winning his first state title. But his true potential has become evident in the offseason, which has included wins at every tournament he has attended. Najjar is a dominant neutral wrestler with a huge arsenal of offense. With a 5-2 record at Junior Nationals, Najjar fell one win shy of the podium in Fargo ... but showed he is one of the top upperweights in the country.
8. Matt Denhey
School: Dracut
09-10 Projected High School Weight Class: 152
Projected College Weight Class: 157
Scouting Report: Denhey stepped up his game when it mattered most, after a disappointing sixth-place finish at All-States and a first-round loss at New Englands, Denhey reeled off six wins, including the final three in overtime to capture third place at New Englands. He has not slowed down in the offseason with strong performances all over the East Coast.
Matt ShermanSchool: Burlington
09-10 Projected High School Weight Class: 135
Projected College Weight Class: 133
Scouting Report: A smart and determined wrestler, Sherman continues to win with a unique style of wrestling making him a terrible match up for many great wrestlers. A very strong top wrestler, Sherman will be looking for his third state title this year. He is also a high honors student, which gives him a wide variety of college options.
10. Corey Melo
School: New Bedford
09-10 Projected High School Weight Class: 119
Projected College Weight Class: 125
Scouting Report: Melo's funk and counter wrestling have won him a New England and state title this past season. Melo's style and work ethic should help him excel at the college level as well as it did on the high school level.
Honorable Mention:
Eric Harrison
Mike Wrin
Nick Flannery
Josh Gerry
Sam Shames
Alex Giampapa
Jake Sherman
Jordan Michelson
Kyle Senechal
John Coukos
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