Watch out for the big boys.

We have reached the end of the line and I think it's the deadliest part of the tournament. The contenders in these last few weight classes are some of the best recruits in the country. My favorite weight class from this part is actually 285. There is some serious depth here and there can be some big man throws coming.

170

Contenders
Travis Wittlake Jr., OR
Andrew Berreyesa, NV
Billy Higgins III, NE
Colt Yinger, OH
Hayden Hastings, WY
Jackson Turley, VA
Josh Ramirez, LA
Leo Tarantino, FL
Max Wohlabaugh, FL
Trent Hidlay, PA

Commentary: Until someone takes it away, it's Travis Wittlake's world. The Cadet World bronze medalist has been a constant on the Fargo stage. He had a performance in Akron to claim another spot on the Cadet World Team that proved even more that he's the real deal as he defeated Julian Ramirez and Aaron Brooks to claim the spot.

In his way will be Max Wohlabaugh who has also claimed a Fargo stop sign in the past. Jackson Turley is another name to circle along with Leo Tarantino who I believe can make it to the finals against Wittlake. Call me crazy, (and I'm sure he will tell me about what I'm about to say), but Andrew Berreyesa is my dark horse pick here. The reason for that is because Berreyesa is more of a Greco guy and failed to place last year. 

Holmes' picks:

1. Wittlake
2. Hidlay
3. Tarantino
4. Wohlabaugh

182

Contender
Aaron Brooks, MD
Anthony Montalvo, CA
Anthony Sherry, IA
Austin Harris, OR
Matt Waddell, GA
Max Lyon, IA
Myles Wilson, CO
Noah Glaser, IA
Tyler Barnes, NY
Victor Marcelli, OH
Jack Jessen, IL

Commentary: Hey, Aaron Brooks, stop growing. Actually, keep doing your thing because you've got the potential to make some college coach very happy if you slide into 197 some day. By now I'm sure you know the story on Brooks. Returning champ in Freestyle and Greco with a deadly ankle pick. Brooks may be the best at growing into a new weight class quickly and bringing his athleticism with him. 

There's four guys that I think can give Brooks some trouble and keep him from repeating this year: Waddell, Lyon, Jessen and Barnes. A question mark for me here is Anthony Montalvo. He's very good, but hasn't wrestled much freestyle. Interested in seeing how he adjusts.

Holmes' picks

1. Brooks
2. Jessen
3. Barnes
4. Lyon

195

Contenders
Jacob Warner, IL
Austin Cooley, MA
Bear Hughes, OK
Brandon Whitman, MI
Brent Booth, MI
Cole Hixon, GA
Joel Shapiro, IA
Sergio Villalobos,IL

Commentary: Joel Shapiro has really come on a of late. At junior duals he went undefeated which included wins over Fargo AA Sergio Villalobos as well as Brandon Moen.

As Shapiro looks to continue his dominant run, former Cadet Greco World team member Brandon Whitman will look to stop it. But, let's be honest, Jacob Warner is the man to beat here.

Holmes' picks

1. Warner
2. Shapiro
3. Whitman
4. Hughes

220

Contenders
Jace Punke, IL
Francis Duggan, PA
Max Darrah, MO
Wade Wheeler, VA
Tyler Curd, MO
Haydn Maley, OR

Commentary: Will Tyler Curd break out any new tricks this year. After last year where he shook the Fargo Dome with his huge throw, Curd has been on everyone's radar. Curd was a champ in Greco and an AA in Freestyle last year claiming a win over Jace Punke in the Greco finals. Punke recently defeated Curd at the Cadet World Team Trials so I'm sure that this match will have some fireworks if it happens again, which I feel like it will.

Francis Duggan has had some ups and downs over the years. We've seen him compete with the best and fall in matches that left us scratching our heads. Though it hasn't been long, let's see if his recent move to Iowa has started improve his game. 

Lastly, there's Max Darrah. He didn't place last year, so you know he will be showing up looking for hardware to erase that memory.

Holmes' picks:

1. Punke
2. Curd
3. Maley
4. Darrah

285

Contenders
Brandon Reed, KY
Aaron Costello, IA
Brian Barnes, OR
Elijah Clark, CA
Jordan Earnest, OH
Montana Phillips, OK
Sammy De Seriere, CO
Sammy Evans, TN
Spencer Trenary, IA
Anthony Cassioppi, IL

Commentary: I really like the field here. I feel like there is some pretty good depth and competition here. A name that people may not be familiar with is Brandon Reed. He gave No. 2 Seth Nevills a big time scare at FloNationals and has a special set of skills that makes him deadly for everyone he faces.

Returning runner-up Anthony Cassioppi will be looking to make another run at the title this year after falling in the finals to Gannon Gremmel last year.

Holmes' picks

1. Cassioppi
2. Phillips
3. Costello
4. Reed

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