2019-20 New Jersey High School Rankings

New Jersey High School Rankings: 126

What a weight.

Robert Howard spent the last four years as one of the state’s biggest stars. The Who’s #1 champ and three-time world team member heads to Happy Valley after winning his second state title in the state’s most brutal weight class. I noted in my state’s recap back in March that Howard was workman-like in AC, leaving no doubt he’s the real deal.

Coming in at #2 is the only guy at the weight class who beat Howard this year, Nico Nardone. The Delbarton junior has yet to make a trip to the finals, but will enter next year as one of the state’s top wrestlers.

McKenzie Bell sent shockwaves through Boardwalk Hall when he knocked off the returning champ Ventresca in the semis. Just recently, the three-time state placer from Kingsway announced he’d be continuing his wrestling career at Rider.

At #4, I went with Ventresca over Almeyda. I know Almeyda won their matchup on the backside of states but when I consider Ventresca’s prior wins over Almeyda, a win over Nardone this year, and his state title last year, I feel OK putting him just a notch ahead. Ventresca had too good of a career to be defined by one weekend in AC. As for Almeyda, his time is coming.

Andre Ruiz hovered around the back half of the top 10 all season. The senior had a great state tournament and was able to snag a spot on the podium in his final season.

Questions or comments? Contact Brendan via email (BSBrendanBS@gmail.com) or Twitter (@thescan_man).