Brearley - Phillipsburg

It was frigid outside in Kenilworth on the first Thursday evening in February but the temperature in the crowded Brearley gym was mid July like as an overflow crowd saw the Bears upset Phillipsburg, the state’s second ranked team 45-22. Brearley registered seven pins and won nine of 14 bouts as they beat a team that has long been synonymous with wrestling supremacy in the state, Phillipsburg, has won a state-record seven Star-Ledger Top 20 trophies as New Jersey's top-ranked team and had lost just once in 19 matches, falling only to top ranked High Point.

“For the program it is the biggest, and by far its most historical as it relates to who we have wrestled over these past four years, and really since the school was opened in 1966,” said an elated Bears’ Coach Brian Luciani.

“Phillipsburg as it is stated many times over is the most storied program in wrestling history and that is a small part of what makes this victory extremely special. For me it was important that we represent the Mountain Valley Conference and Union County Wrestling in a positive way and I feel our coaches and team did just that,” added Luciani.

As would be expected, the heroes were numerous for the winners. Freshman Nick Lospinoso, who recently has had trouble making weight at 112, came up with a huge pin at 112 pounds and sophomore Devin Geoghegan iced the meet with a pin in overtime at 140 pounds in the next-to-last bout of the evening.

After Phillipsburg jumped out to 6-0 lead with a pin at 152, Umar Taramov quickly tied the match with a pin at 160 in 1:37. After Khasan Taramov lost 7-2 at 171, twin brother Khusen, responded with a 48 second pin at 189 to give the Bears a 12-9 lead. Phillipsburg took victories at 215 and heavyweight to forge a short lived 19-12 lead, before sophomore Anthony Madonia changed the momentum when scored a pin at 103 in 5:32. It set the stage for Nick Lospinoso’s pivotal match at 112. After grabbing a 6-3 lead on the strength of three takedowns, he ignited the crowd by pinning his opponent to put Brearley in front for good at 24-19.

For the immensely talented freshman, the toughest battle has been making the weight. "That was the plan -- to get me to 112 -- but it's been tough getting down," Lospinoso said.

“He knows believe me he knows, with a full line up we can be a dangerous team. He is an integral part of it and understands what his duty and responsibility is to the team,” said Luciani.

Brearley extend the lead to 27-19 when sophomore Dan Ries continued his near perfect season with a 7-2 win at 119. Allen Phillips was edged in an overtime match, but senior co-captains Kenny Knapp and Joe Lospinoso won 9-3 and 3-2 respectively, giving the Bears a solid but not insurmountable 33-22 lead with only the two bouts involving the Geoghegan twins remaining. Devin Geoghegan put the match away when he took pinned his opponent in overtime. Dillion added the icing to a great night with another pin. Luciani was happy but not that surprised that the sophomore twins came through with the match on the line. “Devin is in a different universe, he is just getting better and better and no matter what position he is in just is able to score and score big, no matter what the stage. Dillon is deliberate and steady, always pushing the pace and wrestling smart. Both boys are doing a great job and we are all proud of their effort” said Luciani, who was effusive in his praise for the knowledgeable wrestling fans who packed the gym for both teams.

“The Phillipsburg fans were great, loud and supportive of their kids and their team. The Brearley side was almost fanatical with the cheers and constant support of us during every match of every minute. It was the most electrifying atmosphere the gym has ever seen, including Roselle Park. It was a very special night,” said Luciani.