2019 PIAA Individual State Wrestling Championship

Sammy Hillegas vs Julian Chlebove: Who Has The Advantage?

Sammy Hillegas vs Julian Chlebove: Who Has The Advantage?

This potential matchup between #6 Sammy Hillegas and #8 Julian Chlebove could be an absolute show stopper.

Mar 4, 2019 by Ryan Holmes
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This potential matchup between #6 Sammy Hillegas and #8 Julian Chlebove could be an absolute show stopper. 

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This potential matchup between #6 Sammy Hillegas and #8 Julian Chlebove could be an absolute show stopper. 

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With brackets getting released over the weekend, we’ve already found out that the pair of two-time champs are on the same side and could potentially hit in semifinals, which is unfortunate, but no matter when it happens, all eyes will be on that mat. (Check out this breakdown by PA Power Wrestling as to why this happened.)

These two have a little history which will make this match even more interesting. At the 2017 Bison Legend Duals, Chlebove defeated Hillegas 4-0. He had a reversal in the second period and a takedown in the third to get the win. 

But that was two years ago. Both have evolved. So who has the advantage now?

Overall Assessment

Yes, each of them has the upper hand in two categories, but overall I think Chlebove’s style will be a bit much for Hillegas to handle. Now before you fire up the D11 bias mobile, hear me out.

Chlebove thrives off putting pressure on and keeping a high pace in all positions. He’s very good on his feet ,uses a ton of different attacks and going catch and release feeds into his high paced offense. Even though Hillegas has the advantage when it comes to having a ruthless top game, Chlebove has no problem playing the hammer on top as well. And if you check out Hillegas’ Powerade final, he does have a little trouble getting out from bottom.

Now the spot where Hillegas can, and usually does, make a huge impact is on top. That’s no secret. Just ask basically anyone that’s been on the receiving end of his methodical leg ride. On top he has an extremely deep arsenal of tilts, turns and pinning combos. He’s like a weighted wet blanket that smothers his opponents. However, turning Chlebove will be another story and last time they met, Chlebove was able to score a reversal. 

So make sure you set your FloArena alerts early, because this is one match you won’t want to miss.