Unbeaten Henderson powers way to Avon Grove duals title

WEST GROVE — It is apparent, after a month of wrestling, the National Division of the Ches-Mont League will be quite competitive.

If Downingtown East is the prohibitive favorite, there will be a couple of teams hungry for a chance to upset them. If nothing else, there should be a wild ride to second place.

West Chester Henderson is throwing its name into the hat of contenders after winning the Devil Duals at Avon Grove High, Saturday, putting the Warriors at 12-0.

Henderson beat Avon Grove, 47-18, in the finals, and 132-pound senior Josh Nichter was named the tournament’s Outstanding Wrestler.

“It was a very good day,’ Nichter said. “I’m very happy. It was good to go out and get done what the team needed me to do. There was a lot of good competition.’

The Warriors defeated Glen Mills (56-9), Strath Haven (54-21), Pottstown (44-31) and Notre Dame (63-18), before downing the Red Devils for the second time this season.

Avon Grove beat Malvern Prep (40-25), Strath Haven (37-28), Oxford (51-24) and Twin Valley (39-33). The Friars went 2-3, while Oxford was 1-4.

Five Warriors — Kyle Medrow (120 pounds), Joey Wilson (126), Nichter, Cody Lind (182) and James McDonald (285) — went 5-0. Jacob Reid (106) lost just once, a 4-3 decision to Avon Grove’s Kevin Edwards, and Brad Patton (152) and Max Sontag (160) were also 4-1.

“They’re buying into the system and believing what we’re doing,’ Henderson coach Rob Beighley said. “We have a very good staff and they’ve devoted themselves to this program and these kids. The kids are listening and good things are happening and gaining confidence.’

Caleb Edwards went 5-0 at 182 and Garrett Compton (145) was 4-0 for Avon Grove. Kevin Edwards (106) was 4-1, with his loss against Oxford’s Alex Chavez at 113. Edgar Garcia (113) won four of five, with his lone loss a 3-1 decision in overtime to Malvern Prep’s Nick Lattanze (113).

Lattanze, who avenged a tight loss to Garcia a year ago, went 4-1, as well as Frank Santriale (120) and Ryder Harkins (182) for Malvern. Jake Anderson (220) was the only undefeated Friar at 5-0.

After placing eighth at prep nationals as a freshman, Lattanze has elevated his expectations a level or two.

“I’m gonna win it,’ Lattanze said of prep nationals. “I placed fourth at the Beast (of the East tournament), which is always tough. I feel like I’m so much better than I was last year. I’m a big 106 finally.’

Freshman David Cox (145) went 5-0 for Oxford, with his biggest win over Sun Valley’s regional qualifier, Alex Elliott, who bumped up from 138. Kyle Youssi (152) and Mike Galbraith were 4-1, and Chavez was 3-2 for the Hornets.

Oxford got its win against American Division foe, Sun Valley, 40-33.