Saturday,
December 31, 2011
By Rich Barton
NJS.com Staff Writer
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Don Bosco Prep's Sal Mastriani won his third BCCA title with a 6-0 win at 152. |
Don Bosco Prep’s Sal Mastriani already has two BCCA titles to his credit and a Division 1 scholarship in his back pocket. There is little left to accomplish on the high school level for him, yet he strives for greatness. The first step towards a dream-like senior season was to rip through the BCCA tournament again towards his ultimate goal of being a state champion.
Mission accomplished.
Mastriani got a good battle from Pascack Valley’s Dan Ressler, but eventually wore him down before taking over in the third period. Scoreless through two periods, Mastriani escaped within seconds to start the third, then eventually caught Ressler trying to go for a takedown and turned him for three back points in a 6-0 triumph in the 152-pound final.
"I escaped early in the third period and I knew I was in control, but I had a stall warning against me so I couldn't lay back and rely on that one point because I knew they would hit me [for a stall point]," said Mastriani. "I had to stay aggressive and keep looking for that takedown."
Ressler nearly took down Mastriani late in the first period, but Mastriani was able to get out of bounds to keep the match without a score heading into the second period. In the second period, Mastriani was masterful on top and riding out the entire two minutes to set the stage for the third and final period.
After giving up the escape, Ressler had to go on the offensive to try and grab the lead. But Mastriani was ready and scored a takedown of his own while nearly pinning Ressler for three back points and the final 6-0 margin.
“To win a third title is nice, but this is a baby step. I am working towards winning gold down in AC. That is the one I want,” said Mastriani, who will wrestle at Virginia Tech next year. “This is my third [BCCA title], which I am happy about, but it doesn't mean anything unless I reach my main goal down in Atlantic City."
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