The 2024-25 Times News Wrestling All-Star First Team is a testament to the incredible achievements of 11 talented athletes across various weight classes and programs. This year’s selections showcase the exceptional skills, dedication, and perseverance that define the world of wrestling. The team is comprised of six boys and five girls, each recognized for their outstanding performances in the 2024-25 season. The selections are listed below, in alphabetical order, along with a brief bio highlighting their accomplishments, milestones, and what made their season special. The boys on the First Team are:
* Aiden Sterling, Jim Thorpe, who demonstrated exceptional skill and determination in the 145-pound weight class, earning a spot on the Second Team. * Lukas Croizier, Lehighton, who impressed with his impressive record of 22-10 and multiple tournament appearances. * Stephen Korte, Jim Thorpe, who showcased his technical prowess in the 126-pound weight class, earning a spot on the Second Team. * Weston Killar, Northwestern, who anchored his team all season long, finishing with a 42-7 record and a state tournament berth. * Vinnie Fugazzotto, Northwestern, who demonstrated exceptional skill and leadership, earning a spot on the Second Team. * Cody Mazzocca, Northern Lehigh, who competed in the 138-pound weight class, showcasing his dedication and resilience. The girls on the First Team are:
* Alisa Williams, Panther Valley, who showcased her versatility and skill in both the 170-pound and 190-pound weight classes, earning a spot on the Second Team. * Anna Trelease, Northern Lehigh, who demonstrated exceptional skill in the 155-pound weight class, earning a spot on the Second Team. * Cassidy Litts, Lehighton, who rose to prominence in the 155-pound weight class, showcasing her dominance and technical prowess. * Juliette Trout, Pleasant Valley, who achieved a 26-5 record and secured third place at the District 11 tournament, earning a spot on the Second Team. * Lea Schaible, Palmerton, who demonstrated exceptional skill and determination in the 180-pound weight class, earning a spot on the Second Team. The Second Team consists of the following athletes:
Boys:
* Aiden Schlier, Tamaqua
* Chase Sukanick, Northwestern
* Derek King, Palmerton
* Jacob Ferguson, Lehighton
* Konner Nalesnik, Lehighton
* Marc Macias, Lehighton
* Nikolas Schwartz, Jim Thorpe
* Stephen Korte, Jim Thorpe
* Vincent Fugazzotto, Northwestern
* Weston Killar, Northwestern
GIRLS:
* Addison Streubel, Lehighton
* Alivia Reed, Lehighton
* Anelia Bennick, Panther Valley
* Autumn Khuu, Northern Lehigh
* Blayr Strawser, Lehighton
* Claudia Pagotto, Lehighton
* Hailey Marsh, Pleasant Valley
* Isabella Altemose, Pleasant Valley
* Kailey Evans, Lehighton
* Kennedy Quinn, Lehighton
* Lillian Klotz, Lehighton
* Lea Schaible, Palmerton
* Molly Ries, Palmerton
* Skylar Benninger, Palmerton
* Taylor Hawkins, Pleasant Valley
* Zania Braewell, Northern Lehigh
The First Team is led by Luke Fugazzotto, Northwestern, who was named Boys Wrestler of the Year. Fugazzotto demonstrated exceptional leadership and skill, finishing with a 50-5 record and a state tournament berth. Brenda Banks, Panther Valley, was named Girls Wrestler of the Year, showcasing her dominance and technical prowess, earning a 36-1 record and three state championships. Other notable selections include Evan Gillespie, Pleasant Valley, who emerged as a standout wrestler in the 215-pound weight class, securing a third-place finish at the District 11 tournament; Dillon Lombardi, Palmerton, who concluded his high school wrestling career with a 42-11 record, earning a spot on the Second Team; and Cassidy Litts, Lehighton, who rose to prominence in the 155-pound weight class, showcasing her dominance and technical prowess. The selections for the First Team are a testament to the hard work and dedication of these athletes, who have pushed themselves to new heights in the 2024-25 season. The Second Team, consisting of the remaining athletes, also demonstrates exceptional skill and determination, showcasing the growth and development of wrestling in the region. In conclusion, the 2024-25 Times News Wrestling All-Star First Team is a celebration of the incredible achievements of these talented athletes. Their selections are a testament to the exceptional skills, dedication, and perseverance that define the world of wrestling.
| Weight Class | Team | Athlete | Record | Notable Achievements |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 152 | Northwestern | Nolan Koehler | 30-19 | Second-place finish at District 11 2A Championships, fifth place at Regionals |
| 152 | Northwestern | Luke Fugazzotto | 50-5 | Second at Regionals, seventh at States |
| 170 | Panther Valley | Alisa Williams | 33-10 | Third-place finish at District 11 tournament, fourth place at Southeast Regional |
| 170 | Panther Valley | Alisa Williams | 33-10 | Third-place finish at District 11 tournament, fourth place at Southeast Regional |
| 170 | Lehighton | Cassidy Litts | 20-6 | Third-place finish at District 11 tournament, sixth place at Regionals |
| 215 | Pleasant Valley | Evan Gillespie | 30-7 | Third-place finish at District 11 tournament |
| 235 | Pleasant Valley | Lily Decker | 8-10 | Fourth-place finish at District 11 tournament, sixth place at Regionals |
| 285 | Pleasant Valley | Andrew Mihalichko | 26-11 | Fourth-place finish at District 11 tournament |
| 285 | Palmerton | Dillon Lombardi | 42-11 | 100th career victory at Southeast Regional tournament, PIAA Championships appearance |
The First Team is comprised of six boys and five girls, each recognized for their outstanding performances in the 2024-25 season. The boys on the First Team are:
* Luke Fugazzotto, Northwestern, who demonstrated exceptional leadership and skill, finishing with a 50-5 record and a state tournament berth. * Evan Gillespie, Pleasant Valley, who emerged as a standout wrestler in the 215-pound weight class, securing a third-place finish at the District 11 tournament. * Dillon Lombardi, Palmerton, who concluded his high school wrestling career with a 42-11 record, earning a spot on the Second Team. * Andrew Mihalichko, Pleasant Valley, who demonstrated exceptional skill and determination in the 285-pound weight class, finishing with a 26-11 record. * Rory Dixon, Mahanoy, who emerged as a key cog for Mahanoy Area’s wrestling team at 160 pounds, securing a fourth-place finish at the Southeast Regional tournament. * Brenda Banks, Panther Valley, who became a three-time state champion this season, cementing her place in wrestling history and finishing the year with a 36-1 record. The girls on the First Team are:
* Juliette Trout, Pleasant Valley, who achieved a 26-5 record and secured third place at the District 11 tournament, earning a spot on the Second Team. * Alisa Williams, Panther Valley, who showcased her versatility and skill in both the 170-pound and 190-pound weight classes, earning a spot on the Second Team.
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