Class AA State Team Rankings - Preseason Edition

   One month from today, wrestling teams in Pennsylvania can begin official practices for the 2015-16 high school season. Of course, there are plenty of happenings set to go already from a national standpoint, with the Who's No. 1 and Night of Conflict events taking place this weekend, and the Super 32 Tournament over the Halloween weekend.
   Locally, it is a much anticipated year with a number of storylines. I plan to have much more on those things in the coming days and weeks.
   Just to whet your appetite for now though, I've put together my top five preseason teams in Class AA.

Spring Into Sports Class AA Team Rankings - Oct. 16

1. Reynolds
   Why the Raiders are here - Reynolds, third in the state duals last season, is primed to do better this time around. Four state placewinners, including champion Cole Matthews (42-6 at 120) and runner-up Seth Hogue (41-6 at 126), are set to return. The other two are heavyweights Cole Rickert (36-11 at 220) and Gene Ringer (42-11 at 285), who were seventh and sixth in the state, respectively. Also back is Gage Bayless (34-13 at 113), while incoming freshman Beau Bayless (PJW qualifier) could make an strong impact in the lightweights. The key for Reynolds appears to be how the lineup from about 145-195 fills in.
2. Chestnut Ridge
   Why the Lions are here - The defending state runner-ups are definite title contenders again in 2015-16. With three returning state placewinners and some other good talent, Chestnut Ridge is positioned to be the best team in this region. Lehigh recruit Aaron Burkett is a two-time state medalist after taking second last year (41-6 at 106). West Virginia signee Conner Buttry took third at 195 (42-5), and Justin McCoy was sixth at 120 (38-8). Dylan Williams, Levi Hobson, and Morgan Deremer are other names to watch for the Lions. And we can't forget about freshman Jared McGill, who's a former PJW champion and multiple-time placewinner at the junior level. He was second last season. Buttry appears to be fully healthy after suffering another knee injury in February, while Williams also looks like he's on the quick mend after an offseason injury.
3. Wyalusing
   Why the Rams are here - Wyalusing was one of the surprises of last year's Class AA state duals, taking fourth after losing in the semifinals to Chestnut Ridge. The Rams are slated to have seven wrestlers who had at least 24 wins last year back, fronted by fourth-place state medalist Collin Edsell (44-7 at 138). Creighton Edsell (44-7 at 132) and Josh Haley (41-9 at 120) also had over 40 wins and were state qualifiers.
4. Montoursville
   Why the Warriors are here - I put another District 4 team in the mix here with Montoursville, where five state qualifiers, including three medalists, should be back on the mat. Keith Batkowski (38-6 at 138) and Gavin Hoffman (41-6 at 170) were sixth in Class AA, while Garrett Hoffman (44-3 at 182) was eighth after entering the state tournament undefeated. Overall, Montoursville has 12 potential returnees who won at least 10 bouts in 2014-15.
5. Bermudian Springs
   Why the Eagles are here - Three state qualifiers and 10 wrestlers who won in the double digits a season ago have Bermudian Springs as my top team in District 3 and No. 5 in my preseason state rankings. Austin Clabaugh (42-9 at 120), Noah Fleshman (30-13 at 160) and Brady Linebaugh (36-4 at 285) all reached Hershey, while Ashton West won 33 bouts at 152. Bayley Oberlander was 25-4 at 106, and would have likely been at least a state qualifier had he not suffered a season-ending injury. Bermudian should also have incoming PJW champion Chase Dull in the lineup.
Others to keep an eye on
 — Boiling Springs, Brookville, Greenville, Northern Lehigh, Saucon Valley, South Fayette