Belizzi, Shinhoster still alive for medals
CHAMPAIGN - Jake Bellizzi of Maine West and Dayven Shinhoster of Barrington were the shining stars Friday night but- unfortunately for the two big men, their hopes to reach the state final were dashed by some cloudy weather inside State Farm Arena.
Bellizzi (30-8) went into his 220-pound semifinal match after a dominating performance earlier in the day against Nik Mishka (Mt. Carmel) but was unable to hold off Central Suburban League rival and top-rated Ramin Abraham (Evanston), who with his 7-3 victory ran his record to a perfect 51-0.
"What a great effort from Jake today. He gave it all he could but unfortunately it's the little things that are the difference," said Warriors head coach, Chris Brassell. "He's been terrific all throughout the postseason, nearly getting into the final in a big-time weight class, so there's no doubt in my mind that he'll be ready to go (Saturday) morning for his wrestleback opener."
Bellizzi will face the winner of Trent Williams (Glenbrook North, 39-5) vs. Ryan Boersma (Providence Catholic, 44-6) knowing a win ensures a third-place state medal.
Shinhoster (32-3) was at the mercy of 2018 state champion and the No. 2 rated 195-pounder in the nation, Peter Christensen (Montini Catholic, 46-2), which ended with the Montini star collecting a 10-2 major decision victory.
Shinhoster meets either Cody Goodman (Deerfield, 47-5) or Max Gomez (Stevenson, 39-9) to decide if he's playing for third or fifth Saturday.
Wrestlebacks open the final day of the tournament at 9 a.m. with the third and fifth place matches set to begin at 1 p.m.
Mid-Suburban League champions Jack Lingle (Schaumburg, 145, 32-9) and Luke Rasmussen (Barrington, 160, 43-4) are each one win away from collecting their first state medal, which for both would be well deserved after they navigated their way through the rough waters of two very difficult weight divisions.
The terrific career of Alex Giuliano came to an end when the four-year veteran from Conant lost his second round match in wrestlebacks.
For the third consecutive season, Giuliano (32-7) drew an eventual state medal winner, Lockport superstar Anthony Molton, who last year claimed a state title.
"That's kind of the way it goes," said the classy senior, who leaves with 119 wins in all, 56 career pins, two MSL and regional championships, and plenty of praise from an appreciative coach Chad Hay.
"Alex is a bright young man, which he carries over onto the mat, as he's one of the few guys around who understands the strategy behind winning duals and tournaments, always knowing what he, and his teammates need to do so," said Hay.
"He has a great sense of humor, and is the ultimate leader, and has been Conant wrestling at its best."
"Hay has helped me grown both as a wrestler, and as a person, and it's that relationship with him that I'll miss the most," said Giuliano.