It was a big scoring day for Julia Kipperman.

The Nauset girls lacrosse player led the way with eight goals in the Warriors 12-7 win over Bishop Stang on Thursday.

Other scorers for Nauset (3-4) included Abby Powers (two goals), Meg Sullivan (one goal), and Cleo Donovan (one goal).

Galie Norah Swanson made nine saves.

Also in high school sports action:

Girls Lacrosse 

Patriot Cup Day 1: Sandwich 18, Hanover 9: The Blue Knights (6-1) bounced back from Tuesday’s loss. Kyla Darmon (six goals, one assist), Elisabeth Stutzman (five goals), Abbie Reisig (four goals), and Avery Cobban (three goals) provided the offense for the Blue Knights. Goalie Ashlynn Krueger made 10 saves for the Blue Knights.

Patriot Cup Day 1: Scituate 13, Falmouth 8: The Clippers (4-3) lost for the first time in five games.

Boys Lacrosse 

Chowda Cup Round 2: Falmouth 10, Cohasset 6: The Clippers (5-2) won to bounce back from Tuesday’s loss. Connor Cusolito led the way with four goals, and Jamison Murphy added a hat trick for Falmouth.

Billerica 19, Nauset 7: The Warriors (5-4) lost to one of the top teams in the state. For the Warriors, Jack Peno (four goals), Joey Berardi (one goal, one assist), Sam Mayhew (one goal), Andrew Reeves (one goal), and Oscar Escher (one assist) handled the scoring.

Baseball 

Somerset Berkley 10, Bourne 0: The Canalmen (1-8) lost for the eighth straight game. Griffin Kelly had the only Canalmen hit of the day. Luca Finton, James Moran-Rose, and Kelly combined to give up five hits and three earned runs, as the defense had costly miscues behind them.

Dennis-Yarmouth 8, Carver 5: The Dolphins (7-2) won their second straight. They took the lead when Jayden Eldredge scored in the sixth inning. Gavin Desley then drove in RJ Delcourt and Hudson Cambal on a line-drive single. Desley earned the win with three innings and one run allowed.

JL Murphy Tournament Day 1: Scituate 2, Martha’s Vineyard 1: The Vineyarders (2-4) lost their second straight.

JL Murphy Tournament Day 1: Hanover 5, Falmouth 1: The Clippers (5-3) lost to end a three-game win streak.

Boys Tennis 

Apponequet 5, Bourne 0: The Canalmen (3-5) lost for their second time in the last three matches.

Girls Tennis 

Apponequet 5, Bourne 0: The Canalmen (1-6) lost for the second straight time.

Adam Kurkjian covers high school sports for the Cape Cod Times. You can contact him at akurkjian@gannett.com and follow him on X at @AdamKurkjian.

Thanks to our subscribers, who help make this coverage possible. If you are not a subscriber, please consider supporting quality local journalism with a Cape Cod Times subscription. Here are our subscription plans.

WARDSVILLE, Mo. (KMIZ)

Here are your local scores from Thursday, April 24, 2025. You can watch the highlights in the video player above.

HS BASEBALL

TOLTON (15) BLAIR OAKS (2) FINAL

BOONVILLE (1) HICKMAN (3) FINAL

SOUTHERN BOONE (5) ODESSA (1) FINAL

CANTON (0) MOBERLY (7) FINAL

FULTON (1) HANNIBAL (2) FINAL

MEXICO (6) KIRKSVILLE (3) FINAL

MONTGOMERY COUNTY (6) NORTH CALLAWAY (7) FINAL

WARSAW (0) CAMDENTON (11) FINAL

ST. CLAIR (1) HERMANN (0) FINAL

PILOT GROVE (0) EUGENE (15) FINAL

WAYNESVILLE (3) ROLLA (13) FINAL

HIGHLAND (0) MACON (10) FINAL

BELLE (4) LINN (5) FINAL

STURGEON (3) SALISBURY (11) FINAL

SCHUYLER COUNTY (12) PARIS (2) FINAL

NORTHEAST (CAIRO) (13) MONROE CITY (4) FINAL

HS GIRLS SOCCER

TOLTON (3) CHRISTIAN FELLOWSHIP SR. (0) FINAL

BLAIR OAKS (2) MEXICO (1) FINAL

KIRKSVILLE (1) MOBERLY (4) FINAL

SMITHTON (3) FULTON (1) FINAL

A new sports documentary titled Zlatá cesta (The Path to Gold), directed by Petr Větrovský, opened in Czech cinemas on Thursday, offering fans an intimate behind-the-scenes look at the Czech national hockey team’s surprise gold medal victory at the 2024 IIHF World Championships.

The film traces the team’s journey from a shaky pre-tournament buildup to its dramatic win on home ice in Prague. Despite low expectations from fans and commentators, head coach Radim Rulík’s squad defied the odds to capture gold—Czechia’s first world title since 2010, and the first won at home since 1985.

“The things that didn’t come together for the golden generation in 2004, or again in 2015, somehow clicked for this underestimated group,” a voiceover in the film notes.

Structured around exclusive interviews and raw footage, Zlatá cesta features insights from key figures including Rulík, veteran captain Roman Červenka, and top goalie Lukáš Dostál. The film shows the emotional and physical toll of the tournament, highlighting not just athletic performance, but also the behind-the-scenes strain—jetlag, injuries, public pressure, and internal doubts.

Rulík’s unconventional strategy of testing a wide roster of players in the run-up to the championship, despite repeated pre-tournament losses, is framed as a methodical process aimed at clarity and fairness. “I wanted to be sure why each player deserved their spot,” he reflects in the film.

Yet the coach also admits he underestimated the emotional toll. “I thought I’d announce the lineup and that would be it. I wasn’t ready for the backlash,” he says, referencing the media scrutiny he faced.

Červenka adds a voice of calm in the storm, emphasizing the team’s need to shut out external noise and focus internally. Together, he and Rulík guide viewers through what Větrovský presents as both a sports triumph and a cultural moment. “Hockey in this country is something unique. For a brief moment, it unites the nation,” the director said in a statement.

The documentary also covers the physical limits pushed by players, including NHL stars like David Pastrňák, who arrived to the tournament visibly fatigued days after playing in the NHL playoffs. Rulík notes how even minor time differences affect “already exhausted bodies.”

Větrovský, known for documentaries on athletes Jan Koller and Gabriela Soukalová, once again blends action with emotion in the 101-minute film. Zlatá cesta is now screening in Czech cinemas courtesy distributor Bontonfilm ahead of this year’s IIHF World Championship, which begins May 9 in Sweden and Denmark. An English-subtitled version is not currently available.

The Lindbergh High School girls soccer team notched a statement win on April 14, shutting out Union 2-0 behind a dominant performance from sophomore standout Kasey Patten. Patten netted both goals—one in each half—leading the Flyers to victory. She now has three goals on the season for Lindbergh. 

The Flyers’ defense also shone against Union, with Mackenzie Bieg and Josie Watz combining efforts in goal to secure the clean sheet. It was the third win of the season for Lindbergh, who had previously defeated Seckman and Jackson on March 25 and April 7, respectively.

With the win against Union, Lindbergh improved to 3-5-1 on the year. As of April 24, Lindbergh sits at 4-8-1.

Despite a losing record, the Flyers have been competitive in a challenging early-season schedule, suffering narrow losses to strong programs like Cor Jesu, losing 1-2, and Rockwood Summit, losing 0-1. Though the opposition has been stiff, Lindbergh head coach Jake Pittroff emphasized the importance of testing his squad against elite competition.

“We’ve been competitive and played in some really tough games. I think we are starting to put things together and play better.” Pittroff said. “I’m a big believer that a team has to be built by playing the best. In order to be the best, you have to beat the best.”

With the postseason looming, Pittroff hopes the rigorous schedule will pay dividends.

“I think the tough schedule helps us,” Pittroff said. “We are getting better technically and tactically. I also think our decision-making has improved, especially defensively.”

The team is led by captain Lauren Smith, who will continue her soccer career at Spring Hill College, a Division II school. Senior Kate Warren also provides leadership and experience, while Danni Cotter, who has tallied four points this season, is set to play at UMSL. Patten, as well as Gabby Moran, who has six points on the season, have emerged as key offensive catalysts.

With a daunting Class 4 district on the horizon, Pittroff remains realistic about the challenges ahead.

“It’s just a powerhouse,” Pittroff said. “It’s one tough district.”

As the Flyers continue to build both their tactical foundation and mental grit, Pittroff is optimistic about where this journey could lead.

“It’s a journey of learning,” he said. “The girls are building aptitude and mind skills, which are life skills they will need to be successful.”

The Flyers faced Notre Dame on April 16, winning 1-0. They next played Webster Groves on April 18, St. Joseph’s on April 21 and Layayette on April 22, losing the three games 0-3, 1-4 and 0-5, respectively.

Lindbergh will face Ursuline Academy on April 25 at 5:30 p.m.

The U20 freestyle division at the 2025 US Open goes down Saturday, April 26 and Sunday, April 27 in Las Vegas. Before all the action gets underway, check out our preview plus top-eight predictions for all ten weights!

57 kg 

13 ranked HS wrestlers: #1 Anthony Knox, #2 Christian Castillo, #2 Ronnie Ramirez, #2 Jayden Raney, #3 Henry Aslikyan, #3 Joseph Uhorchuk, #5 Revin Dickman, #6 Domenic Munaretto, #8 Carter Chunko, #9 Dominic Deputy, #10 Gauge Botero, #14 Antonio Mills, #19 Aydan Thomas

High impact college guys: Vinny Kilkeary, Ohio State; Kael Lauridsen, Nebraska; Mack Mauger, Missouri; Davis Motyka, Penn; Gage Singleton, Oregon State; Ayden Smith, Rutgers; Cam Stinson, North Carolina; Nick Treaster, Navy; Mason Ziegler, Lehigh

Vinny Kilkeary and Anthony Knox, the second and third place finishers at this tournament a year ago, are the only returners from the top eight at 57 kg. Kilkeary beat Knox in the quarterfinal last year in a bout without a takedown. Knox went on to finish third while Kilkeary fell in the finals to eventual U20 World champ Luke Lilledahl. It’s worth noting that Lilledahl is still U20 eligible but registered for the Senior division in Vegas with his eyes on a rematch with Spencer Lee at Final X.

Kilkeary & Knox’s 2024 U20 US Open Quarterfinal

Knox and Kilkearly could be on a collision course this year, but this bracket has plenty of talent looking to derail the potential rematch. 57 kg has 13 nationally ranked high schoolers and no shortage of tough young college guys. Christian Castillo, Jayden Raney, Henry Aslikyan, and Dom Munaretto have all won U17 world medals in either freestyle or Greco.

College fans will want to keep an eye on this bracket to get a look at several potential starting 125-pounders for the 2025-26 season. Kael Lauridsen (Nebraska), Mack Mauger (Missouri), Ayden Smith (Rutgers), Cam Stinson (North Carolina), and more will all vie for starting jobs next season. Strong showings in Vegas could signal that they’re ready to make an impact during the upcoming NCAA season.

Prediction: 1) Anthony Knox 2) Vinny Kilkeary 3) Jayden Raney 4) Kael Lauridsen 5) Ronnie Ramirez 6) Mack Mauger 7) Dom Munaretto 8) Davis Motyka

61 kg 

15 ranked HS wrestlers: #3 Aaron Seidel, #3 Nathan Desmond, #6 Matthew Botello, #7 Manuel Saldate, #8 Isaiah Cortez, #8 Tyler Dekraker, #9 Layne Kleimann, #10 Antonio Rodriguez, #12 Slater Hicks, #13 Deven Casey, #15 Sam Herring, 61 kg – #16 Elijah Cortez, #18 Khimari Manns, #18 Kellen Wolbert, #18 Dean Anderson

High impact college guys: JJ McComas, Oklahoma State; Adrian Meza, Iowa State; Omar Ayoub, Nebraska; Mason Gibson, Rutgers; Kyler Larkin, Arizona State

Incoming Arizona State freshman Kyler Larkin may be the favorite to with 61 kg this year. He’s a US Open finalist, Fargo champ, and U17 World team member whose best performances have been in freestyle over the years. He could be a big part of Arizona State’s future, so Sun Devil fans will want to keep an eye on this bracket. JJ McComas (Oklahoma State), Adrian Meza (Iowa State), Omar Ayoub (Nebraska), and Mason Gibson (Rutgers) will also look to crack lineups for their respective colleges after time in D1 rooms.

Plenty of highly ranked college commits will also make this an incredibly deep weight. Aaron Seidel (Virginia Tech), Nate Desmond and Sam Herring (Penn State), Matthew Botello (North Carolina), Isaiah and Elijah Cortez (Cornell), Tyler Dekraker (Ohio State), Layne Kleimann (Utah Valley), Deven Casey (Penn), Khimari Manns (Brown), Antonio Rodriguez (Arizona State), and Kellen Wolbert (Oklahoma State) have all had impressive high school careers and will look to take home hardware from Vegas.

Of the high school group, Aaron Seidel poses the biggest threat to win this bracket. He fell to Nate Desmond at the Open last April, but since then he avenged his loss to Desmond and has notched victories over #6 Botello, #8 (126) Cortez, and #8 Dekraker who are all in this field. He won Fargo and Beast of the East last year but fell at Who’s Number One and in the finals of Super 32 and PIAAs. A US Open title would cap a massively successful year for the Virginia Tech commit and give him an automatic spot in the best of three finals at the U20 trials.

Prediction: 1) Kyler Larkin 2) Aaron Seidel 3) Adrian Meza 4) Mason Gibson 5) Nate Desmond 6) Matthew Botello 7) Manny Saldate 8) Tyler Dekraker

65 kg 

13 ranked HS wrestlers: #1 Bo Bassett, #2 Daniel Zepeda, #2 Eren Sement, #3 Sergio Vega, #4 Dalton Perry, #5 Drew Gorman, #7 Nathaniel Askew, #7 Noah Nininger, #10 Camden Baum, #17 Tyler Traves, #19 Jesse Grajeda, #20 Drake Hooiman, #20 Jason Worthley

High impact college guys: Luke Stanich, Lehigh; Pierson Manville, Arizona State; Gabriel Bouyssou, Cornell; Alex Braun, Oklahoma; Kolter Burton, Oklahoma State; Joey Butler, Indiana; Jack Consiglio; Stanford; Smokey McClure, Utah Valley

65kg is widely regarded as one of the deepest domestic men’s freestyle weights, and this year’s field at the U20 US Open represents that depth. Six high school wrestlers are ranked in the top five in their respective weight classes. On top of a stacked high school contingent, Lehigh All-American Luke Stanich and a bunch of other accomplished young college guys will create awesome matchups at this weight starting in the early rounds.

Iowa commit Bo Bassett is the returning champ at this weight. He parlayed his success last April into a U20 World team spot and an eventual bronze medal. He won’t see last year’s finalist, Aden Valencia, in Vegas although Valencia could still enter the U20 World Team Trials in May. 2024 placers Pierson Manville, Drew Gorman, and Gabriel Bouyssou will look to improve on their finishes from a year ago.

Bassett is the clear favorite, and while he hasn’t lost to domestic competition since the Last Chance Olympic Team Trials qualifier finals over a year ago when he fell to multiple time Princeton All-American Matt Kolodzik. Despite his consistent succes, Bassett has been tested. The two wrestlers in the field who have given him his closest matches this year are Daniel Zepeda and Sergio Vega. Bassett and Vega had a 14-12 barn burner in last year’s round of 16 that came down to the wire. Daniel Zepeda forced overtime in his rubber match against Bassett in the Super 32 finals. Nobody is safe in this bracket.

Luke Stanich may prove to be Bassett’s toughest competition. The Lehigh All-American has been on an upward trajectory during his first two years of college. When he moved from 125 lbs where he finished 5th at the 2024 NCAA Championships to 141 lbs for his redshirt year, some wrestling fans wondered whether he would be as competitive two weight classes above where he competed the previous season. He answered those questions by defeating Michigan round of 12 finisher Sergio Lemley and All-Americans Kai Orine and CJ Composto in unattached competition this season.

Relive last year’s insane 65kg US Open action

Prediction: 1) Bo Bassett 2) Luke Stanich 3) Daniel Zepeda 4) Sergio Vega 5) Pierson Manville 6) Gabriel Bouyssou 7) Jack Consiglio 8) Alex Braun

70 kg

14 ranked HS wrestlers: #1 PJ Duke, #1 Landon Robideau, #2 Kollin Rath, #3 Melvin Miller, #3 Collin Gaj, #3 Logan Paradice, #5 Maddox Shaw, #7 Vince Bouzakis, #9 Beau Hickman, #9 Ishmael Guerrero, #10 Wyatt Medlin, #10 Chase Van Hoven, #16 Gus Cardinal, #19 Blase Mele, #20 Ryan Lawler

High impact college guys: Cross Wasilewski, Penn; Jaxon Joy, Cornell; EJ Parco, Stanford; Laird Root, North Carolina

PJ Duke dominated his way to the U20 World team last year, and he just might do it again this weekend, but he’ll have to navigate a deep bracket in Vegas. Five different wrestlers in this field (Landon Robideau, Kollin Rath, Melvin Miller, Collin Gaj, and Maddox Shaw) have competed in Who’s Number One, 14 are ranked high schoolers, and there are no shortage of college competitors.

Returning place winners from last year at this weight include Duke and #1 ranked 157-pounder Landon Robideau who finished 4th. Few wrestlers have improved more in the last couple years than Robideau. In 2023, he finished 3rd in Fargo and 2nd at Super 32. One year later he won both events in convincing fashion and notched victories at Who’s Number One and the Pittsburgh Wrestling Classic. Duke as proven to be on another level from the rest of the wrestlers in this field, so a strong performance from Robideau in that potential match would be a massive statement for the Oklahoma State commit.

One Robideau’s two losses at last year’s Open came against Penn round of 12 finisher Cross Wasilewski who is also back in the field. He was 25-5 in his first year for the Quakers and could make a strong push in this bracket.

Prediction: 1) PJ Duke 2) Landon Robideau 3) Cross Wasilewski 4) Jaxon Joy 5) Melvin Miller 6) Laird Root 7) Kollin Rath 8) Collin Gaj

74 kg

7 ranked HS wrestlers: #1 Ladarion Lockett, #2 William Denny, #4 Brogan Tucker, #4 Dominic Bambinelli, #17 Benjamin Weader, #19 Jason Kwaak, #20 Tucker Roybal

High impact college guys: Joel Adams, Oregon State; Cam Catrabone, Michigan; Boeden Greenley, NDSU; Zach Hanson, Stanford; Isaias Jimenez, Penn; Charlie Millard, Minnesota; Paul Ognissanti, Penn; Latrell Schafer; NC State; Joe Sealey, Penn State

Dee Lockett was a U20 World silver medalist last summer after a U17 gold medal performance in 2023. He’s the favorite to make the team again this year in a field that includes 7 ranked high schoolers and a large contingent of seasoned college guys.

In addition to Lockett, placers from last year’s field include Joe Sealey (2nd), Zach Hanson (6th), and Charlie Millard (7th). Two other placers, Bouzakis and Root, have decided to descend to 70 kg for this year’s US Open.

Some of Lockett’s toughest high school competitors include Super 32 champ Will Denny, four-time Ohio state champ Brogan Tucker, and Doc B champ Dominic Bambinelli. The field of college guys obviously includes the three placers from a year ago (Sealey, Hanson, and Millard) but also includes Fargo finalist and Penn Quaker Isaias Jimenez, Fargo champ and NDSU Bison Boeden Greenley, Super 32 finalist and Michigan Wolverine Cam Catrabone, and U17 Greco champ Joel Adams who is now training at Oregon State.

Lockett vs Sealey in the 2024 U20 US Open finals

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Prediction: 1) LaDarion Lockett 2) Will Denny 3) Joe Sealey 4) Brogan Tucker 5) Zach Hanson 6) Joel Adams 7) Dominic Bambinelli 8) Charlie Millard

79 kg

7 ranked HS wrestlers: #2 William Henckel, #8 Eli Leonard, #10 Jordan Chapman, #10 Mario Carini, #12 Peyton Westpfahl, #16 Tyrel Miller, #18 Travis Grace

High impact college guys: Brock Mantanona, Michigan; Omaury Alvarez, North Carolina; Louie Cerchio, Cornell; Collin Guffey, Stanford; Jasiah Queen, Drexel; Jed Wester, Minnesota

This feels like one of the most wide open weights in the U20 division. One of the top college wrestlers in the field, Brock Mantanona, finished his high school career a year ago as a California state champ at 150 lbs while Will Henckel, the top high school prospect in the bracket hasn’t seen 150 lbs since his sophomore year, and he’s the only returning placer at this weight.

While there are plenty of nationally ranked high schoolers at 79 kg, the college guys loom large. Don’t be surprised if the podium in Vegas is filled with guys on the older end of age spectrum. Most of the NCAA wrestlers on the registration list will be competing for starting jobs in the fall. Drexel’s Jasiah Queen seems to have secured his starting spot by qualifying for NCAAs a year ago.

Prediction: 1) Will Henckel 2) Brock Mantanona 3) Collin Guffey 4) Louie Cerchio 5) Jasiah Queen 6) Jed Wester 7) Jordan Chapman 8) Peyton Westpfahl

86 kg

5 ranked HS wrestlers: #2 Adam Waters, #3 Carson Thomas, #4 Lane Foard, #6 Jimmy Mastny, #19 Jonathan Rocha

High impact college guys: Max McEnelly, Minnesota; Aeoden Sinclair, Missouri; Jake Dailey, North Carolina; Nicholas Fox, UNI; Cole Han-Lindemyer, Stanford; Damarion Ross, Northern Illinois; Jared Schoppe, Lehigh; Luke Vanadia, Michigan State

The two heaviest hitters at this weight are Minnesota All-American Max McEnelly and Missouri redshirt Aeoden Sinclair. They finished third and first respectively at this weight a year ago, and both have made U17 World teams (McEnelly earned a bronze medal in 2022). A potential McEnelly vs Sinclair showdown would be a good indicator for who’s in position to make the U20 World team later this spring, but it would also shine light into what NCAA fans can expect at 184 lbs during the 2025-26 college season.

Aeoden Sinclair’s 2024 U20 US Open finals victory over NCAA finalist Josh Barr

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While a lot of eyes will be on the current college guys, Ohio State commit and rising high school senior Adam Waters put together an incredible junior season. He helped lead Faith Christian to the top team ranking this year by notching titles at Ironman, Beast of the East, Escape the Rock, and PIAAs. His star has been on the rise all year, but a title, or even a close match with the likes of Sinclair or McEnelly would go a long way in establishing Waters as an NCAA title threat down the line.

Prediction: 1) Max McEnelly 2) Aeoden Sinclair 3) Adam Waters 4) Cole Han-Lindmeyer 5) Luke Vanadia 6) Carson Thomas 7) Lane Foard 8) Jimmy Mastny

92 kg

2 ranked HS wrestlers: #3 Angelo Posada, #19 Jason Singer

High impact college guys: Connor Mirasola, Penn State; Sonny Sasso, Virginia Tech;  Cody Merrill, Oklahoma State; Dillon Bechtold, Bucknell; Tucker Hogan, Lock Haven; Nick Nosler, SIUE; Max Shulaw, Virginia

Last year’s U20 World 5th place finisher Connor Mirasola is in the running to make his second straight team. He’s coming off an 8-1 true freshman season at Penn State in which his only loss came against teammate and NCAA finalist Josh Barr. Mirasola is the only returning placer from last year’s Open, but that doesn’t mean he won’t be tested. 

Like Mirasola, Oklahoma State’s Cody Merrill also had a solid redshirt campaign. He was 10-2  in his true freshman season with two-point losses to NCAA champion Stephen Buchanan and U20 World medalist Justin Rademacher. Mirasola and Merrill could be on a collision course in Vegas. While they haven’t faced one another in relevant competition, 

Potential high place finishers this year include Virginia Tech’s Sonny Sasso, Bucknell’s Dillon Bechtold, Lock Haven’s Nick Nosler, Virginia’s Max Shulaw, and Stanford commit Angelo Posada. Both Hogan and Bechtold from that group have already qualified for NCAAs and have proven that they’re among the nation’s elite.

Prediction: 1) Cody Merrill 2) Connor Mirasola 3) Sonny Sasso 4) Dillon Bechtold 5) Tucker Hogan 6) Angelo Posada 7) Nick Nosler 8) Max Shulaw

97 kg

2 ranked HS wrestlers: #4 Cade Ziola, #7 Austin Johnson

High impact college guys: Justin Rademacher, Oregon State; Camden McDanel, Nebraska; Soren Herzog, Air Force; Quin Morgan, SDSU

Last year’s champion, Nebraska true freshman All-American Camden McDanel, is back in the mix, but he was knocked off at the U20 World Team Trials by eventual medalist Justin Rademacher. Those two are the heavy favorites to make the finals. Rademacher won their best of three finals series in Geneva in two straight matches with very different margins. The first bout was a 4-3 contest in which Rademacher scored three straight after surrendering a three-point lead, but their second was an 11-1 tech.

McDanel is the only returning 97kg placer from 2024 which makes room for some fresh faces to make an impact at this weight. Both Cade Ziola and Austin Johnson are finishing stellar high school careers and could find themselves high up on the podium with college guys like Air Force’s Soren Herzog (a U20 Greco champ last year) and SDSU’s Quin Morgan.

Prediction: 1) Justin Rademacher 2) Camden McDanel 3) Cade Ziola 4) Soren Herzog 5) Austin Johnson 6) Quin Morgan 7) Garrett Kawczynski 8) Aiden Cooley

125 kg

6 ranked HS wrestlers: #1 Coby Merrill, #2 Dreshaun Ross, #4 Rocco Dellagatta, #5 Rylan Kuhn, #7 Michael Mocco, #9 Melvin Whitehead

High impact college guys: Cole Mirasola, Penn State; Koy Hopke, Minnesota; Parker Ferrell, Virginia Tech; Jay Henderson, Cornell; Shilo Jones, NDSU; Richard Thomas, Oklahoma; Oscar Williams, Maryland

Heavyweight is one of the most exciting weights of the entire U20 US Open. It has high impact true freshmen like Penn State’s Cole Mirasola and Minnesota’s Koy Hopke along with massive recruits like uncommitted Coby Merrill, future Oklahoma State Cowboy Dreshaun Ross, and future Iowa Hawkeye Michael Mocco. This bracket really could set the state for the next wave of NCAA heavyweights who will be populating the All-American podium for the next four to five years.

Minnesota’s Koy Hopke is the highest (and only) returning 125 kg place winner from a year ago. He and Cole Mirasola, the 97 kg runner up in 2024 are the two on-paper favorites to reach the finals. Both Dreshaun Ross and Michael Mocco were busy making U17 World teams at last year’s open. Mocco would go on to win a 110 kg World title while Ross had to miss the Worlds due to injury.

Another contender at this weight is top-ranked high school heavyweight Coby Merrill. He beat last year’s runner up, Nicholas Sahakian during the high school season to secure the #1 spot in the country, and he’s a force at 125 kg. Between Merrill and formidable guys like  Dellagatta, Kuhn, Whitehead, Ferrell, Henderson, Jones, Thomas, Williams, and more, this bracket is extremely hard to predict.

Prediction: 1) Cole Mirasola 2) Koy Hopke 3) Coby Merrill 3) Dreshaun Ross 4) Michael Mocco 5) Rocco Dellagatta 6) Rylan Kuhn 7) Parker Ferrell 8) Shilo Jones