Roxbury's Dillion Artigliere advanced to the final at 160 while Jefferson's Bryan Damon and Delbarton's Christian Innarella fell in the semifinals during the second day of wrestling during the NJSIAA State Wrestling Tournament at Board Walk Hall in Atlantic City yesterday.
Artigliere defeated Brearley's John Balboni 9-2 to advance.
"It feels great to make it here," Artigliere said. "I made the semifinals last year but lost. To be able to make the finals not only for me but for my team, coach, school and most importantly family is amazing."
Artigliere will face top-seed Johnathan Schleifer of East Brunswick in the finals at 3:30 pm tomorrow. Videos of Artigliere's quarterfinals and semifinal wins are up on the website.
Damon fell in the 113 semifinals 4-3 in Ultimate Tie Breaker to Kevin Corrigan of Toms River South. Damon was unable to escape in either the second :30 over time period or rideout. Damon will face Randolph's AJ Vindici in the wrestlebacks tomorrow morning with the winner advancing to the third place bout.
Innarella lost in the 120 semifinals 4-3 on a late escape and controversial takedown as time expired. Innarella jumped the railing and ran into the stands enraged after his loss.
Other wrestlers still in the hunt for third place are Hanover Park senior Gennaro Cuccolo at 126 and West Morris' Nick Matthews at 138. Delbarton's Josef Johnson (160) and Ty Agaisse (106) will be wrestling for 7th place.