Clovis HS – 2012 Doc Buchanan Champions

Defending Doc Buchanan Individual Champions:

Last Yr Wt – Name (School), This Yr Projected Wt
106 – Zahid Valencia (St. John Bosco), 113
113 – Isaiah Locsin (Live Oak), 120
120 – Jonas Gaytan (Clovis), 126 – 2x Champion
126 – Anthony Valencia (St. John Bosco), 138
132 – Javier Gasca (Kingsburg), 132
152 – Isaiah Martinez (Lemoore), 160* – 2x Champion
220 – Spencer Empy (Reed, NV), 220
285 – Nick Nevills (Clovis), 285 – 2x Champion

*Isaiah Martinez looks to become both a 4x finalist and 3x Doc Buchanan Champion

Other Returning Doc Buchanan Individual Champions:
Year – Name (School), Wt
2010 – Vincent Gomez (Frontier), 103
2011 – Emilio Saavedra (Modesto), 103
2011 – Nikko Villarreal (Gilroy), 130

2012 Top 5 Teams:
1. Clovis – 205
2. Bakersfield – 115
3. Poway – 111.5
4. Roseburg, OR – 11.5
5. Gilroy – 88

Each individual championship will be hotly contested in 2013. Here’s a break down the front-runners at each weight class:

106
Nationally Ranked Wrestlers

State Ranked Wrestlers:

Contenders:
This is a particularly deep weight for 106, where young talent often dominates. Two nationally ranked wrestlers lead the field in Adrian Campasano (Central), a state place winner from a year ago, and Tirso Lara (Poway), Reno TOC champion. California always has one of the best 106lbs classes in the nation because of the presence of upperclassmen like Campasano and Lara. Matt Gamble (Monache), Vincent Elizalde (Brawley), and Javier Jimenez (Porterville) are also upperclassmen and should be right in the thick of things as well.

Dark Horses:
With so much young unproven talent, there are quite a few sleepers at 106. Durbin Lloren (Buchanan), Evan Wick (San Marino), and Nico Colunga (Oakdale) may all have enough to take home a cowboy hat. Chris Cisneros (Selma) and Tristan Gilliland (Clovis) have also wrestled well early in the season and pose a threat to some top seeds.

2012 Final: Zahid Valencia (St. John Bosco) dec Paul Mascarenas (Cleveland, NM), 6-4 2OT

Zahid Valencia – St. John Bosco HS

113
Nationally Ranked Wrestlers

State Ranked Wrestlers:

Contenders:
In what looks to be one of the better weights in the tournament, 5 nationally ranked wrestlers are in the field lead by returning state champion Zahid Valencia (St. John Bosco), looking to take home his 2^ndcowboy hat in as many years to go along with his two Ironman titles. Watch for Israel Saavedra (Modesto) and Isaiah Hokit (Wasco) to challenge Valencia, as well as Wyoming Seminary’s Danny Boychuck. Sean Williams (Lemoore) is another to watch after placing at the Ironman this season.

Dark Horses:
It will be tough to sneak up on this top group but Tommy Espinosa (Otay Ranch) isn’t driving up from San Diego for the nice weather. Sergio Mendez (San Fernando) leads a strong LA section contingent and could do some damage as well.

2012 Final: Isaiah Locsin (Live Oak) mdec Micah Perez (Central Union), 14-3

Isaiah Locsin – Live Oak HS

120
Nationally Ranked Wrestlers

State Ranked Wrestlers:

Contenders:
Leading this weight are two nationally ranked wrestlers in returning state champion Isaiah Locsin (Live Oak) and 2x state place winner Mason Pengilly (Porterville). Locsin has gone 2-1 in his first two high school seasons at the state championships. Another 2x state place winner should pose a strong challenge in Arnulfo Olea (Exeter). In the next tier but more than capable, look for Seth Hood (Monache) and Roy Galvan (La Quinta) to push the top guys.

Dark Horses:
Joseph Jauregui (Clovis East) has a knack for high scoring affairs and leaving his opponent puzzled by the outcome. Watch for him to entertain the fans at the very least. Johnny Zazueta (St. John Bosco) has some of the best workout partners in the country and put in a solid off-season of work. He’ll be a very tough early (or late) round matchup.

2012 Final: Jonas Gaytan (Clovis) dec Kasey Klaus (Vacaville), 6-0

Emilio Saavedra – Modesto HS

126
Nationally Ranked Wrestlers

State Ranked Wrestlers:

Contenders:
At 126, you start to get into the lower middleweights where the talent is the deepest in high school wrestling. This 126lbs class is no exception lead by nationally ranked Jonas Gaytan (Clovis) and Judson Preskitt (Wyoming Seminary-PA). Gaytan is a 2x state place winner and runner-up a year ago. All Preskitt has done is start the season by going 2^nd at the Ironman and 6^th at the Beast of the East. These two are far from alone with Michael Knoblauch (Clovis West) – Reno TOC Champion, Emilio Saavedra (Modesto) – 2x state medalist, and Vincent Gomez (Frontier) – state medalist and back after a year hiatus.

Dark Horses:
Plenty of possible spoilers here with Tommy Yozzo (Amador Valley) wrestling well early in the year and Joseph Dominguez (St. John Bosco) having a nice start to his sophomore year. Victor Olmos (Gilroy) and Jason De La Cruz (Buchanan) also warrant some attention and could wreak havoc on a quarterfinal or semifinal bracket.

2012 Final: Anthony Valencia (St. John Bosco) pinned Connor Pollock (Folsom), 2:39

132
Nationally Ranked Wrestlers

State Ranked Wrestlers:

Contenders:
At the top, this weight is as good as they come. #1 in the nation Aaron Pico (St. John Bosco) makes his Doc Buchanan debut against two other nationally ranked wrestlers in Javier Gasca (Kingsburg) and Ali Nasser (El Camino Real). Pico has been nothing short of amazing in a brief stint but already talked about across the country for not only his results, but his relentless attacking style. Gasca is a returning Doc Buchanan champion and 10 seconds away from preventing Nikko Villarreal’s magic last March at the Rabobank Center, winning late in his semifinal match before becoming the test run for last second heroics. Not far behind is returning state placer Victor Trujillo (Bella Vista). This is the kind of weight that makes the Doc Buchanan special.

Dark Horses:
The dark horses are a little darker here, but watch out for Ralphie Tovar (Poway) off a solid freshman campaign and freshman Jimmy Scarr (Ponderosa), putting together a good start to his inaugural high school season.

2012 Final: Javier Gasca (Kingsburg) dec Joe Moita (De La Salle), 7-4

Anthony Valencia – St. John Bosco HS

138
Nationally Ranked Wrestlers

State Ranked Wrestlers:

Contenders:
Anthony Valencia (St. John Bosco) leads this field as a returning state and Doc Buchanan champion. He’s the only nationally ranked wrestler in the field but Kyle Leet (Palo Verde-NV) is a returning Nevada state champion while returning state finalist Paul Fox (Gilroy) should be a strong contender. Chris Garcia (Clovis West) and Elijah Davis (Archbishop Riordan) should pose a good challenge as well.

Dark Horses:
Watch out for Mason Koshiyama (Folsom), another sophomore off of a strong freshman campaign, and Sergio Enloe (Poway) who already has put together some big wins this season.

2012 Final: Alex Cisneros (Selma) dec Nikko Villarreal (Gilroy), 4-3 2OT

145
Nationally Ranked Wrestlers

State Ranked Wrestlers:

Contenders:
Three nationally ranked wrestlers lead the field at 145 with multiple state medals to each of their names. Nikko Villarreal (Gilroy) is a returning state and Doc Buchanan champion. Coleman Hammond (Bakersfield) is in his senior season with multiple state and national accomplishments to his name. Victor Lopez (Poway) has two state medals and looks to add to that total. Beyond these three, Jason Ladd (Clovis) comes off of his first state medal.

Dark Horses:
Two to watch include Tony Williams (Ponderosa-CO) and Lorenzo De la Riva (Folsom). They could play not only spoiler, but also take home the cowboy hat themselves.

2012 Final: Willie Fox (Gilroy) dec Natrelle Demison (Bakersfield), 6-4

Shayne Tucker – Bella Vista HS

152
Nationally Ranked Wrestlers

State Ranked Wrestlers:

Contenders:
One of the deepest and most diverse fields in the tournament, 152 boasts 3 nationally ranked wrestlers and 3 top out-of-state wrestlers. Shayne Tucker (Bella Vista) leads the way with a state runner-up finish a year ago. Alex Aniciete (Las Vegas-NV) is a two-time Nevada state champion while Reed Van Anrooy (Roseburg-OR) is an Oregon state champion. Blayne Briceno (Crespi) is right at the top of this field off of a state medal from last season. Ty White (Wyoming Seminary-PA) was 4^th at the national prep school championships last year and already has a 5^th place finish at the Beast of the East this season.

Dark Horses:
There could be some real sleepers at 152 with such a deep field. Three names to watch include Zac Contreras (Archbishop Riordan), Kevan Garcia (Paso Robles), and Andre Cabrera (Laguna Hills).

2012 Final: Isaiah Martinez (Lemoore) dec Coleman Hammond (Bakersfield), 8-4

160
Nationally Ranked Wrestlers

State Ranked Wrestlers:

Contenders:
160 could be entertaining for one reason – Isaiah Martinez (Lemoore). Isaiah leads a strong top-end field off of two state championships and widely recognized as one of the top wrestlers in the nation at any weight class. He goes for his 3^rd Doc Buchanan championship and 4^th finals appearance, trying to join a select group to accomplish the feat. Standing in his way is state medalist and judo extraordinaire Kyle Perrault (Clovis East) as well as returning state medalist Luke Wilson (Righetti). Chris Weiler (Wyoming Seminary-PA) is only a freshman but already placed at the Ironman this year. Nick Fiegener (Folsom) and Steven Lopez (Northview) will add to the top-end of this weight.

Dark Horses:
Though it’ll be tough to sneak your way to a championship or even a finals appearance here, look at a pair of Bakersfield wrestlers Kyle Shepherd (Frontier) or Hunter Hodges (Bakersfield) to be the best odds.

2012 Final: Victor Pereira (Newark Memorial) mdec Javier Mandera (Roseburg, OR), 10-2

Peter Santos – Oakmont HS

170
Nationally Ranked Wrestlers

State Ranked Wrestlers:

Contenders:
When you think loaded weight class, you don’t normally think 170 but it’s one of the best this season. Five nationally ranked wrestlers, the most in any weight this year, are in the field. Three California wrestlers placed at the Ironman this season all at 170 – Peter Santos (Oakmont), Corey Griego (Sultana), and Keaton Subjeck (Oak Ridge). Bryan Salinas (Northview) is a returning state placer and will be right in the mix. And don’t forget Nicky Hall (Wyoming Seminary-PA) who not only placed 7^th at the Ironman, but also followed that up with a 5^th place Beast of the East finish. Dylan Gabel (Ponderosa-CO) is ranked #1 in Colorado’s 5A division and Stevie Cervantes (Poway) just placed 2^nd at the Reno TOC.

Dark Horses:
As if you needed more, look for Bryce Martin (Bakersfield) to cause some real problems for the upper weights after wrestling 126 a year ago! Colton Madrigal (Paso Robles) is also someone to keep an eye on.

2012 Final: Joey Davis (Santa Fe) dec Zach Nevills (Clovis), 11-5

182
Nationally Ranked Wrestlers

State Ranked Wrestlers:

Contenders:
One big name stands out at 182 – Eric Morris (Wyoming Seminary-PA). Morris is the #1 ranked 182 in the country with Ironman and Best of the East titles to his name. The challengers will mostly come from the Golden State with state runner-up and Reno TOC runner-up Kyle Pope (Bakersfield) and 2x state medalist Adrian Salas (Clovis). Two other state medalists that provide a challenge to Morris are Trevor Smith (Ripon) and Ray Lomas (Central Catholic), up from 145 last season.

Dark Horses:
Sohrab Movahedi (Granada Hills) will change perceptions on city-section wrestling and is definitely a threat to all the top wrestlers. Another to watch is Austin Flores (Clovis North), coming into his own in his sophomore season.

2012 Final: Nikko Reyes (Clovis West) dec Paul Yoo (Cypress), 5-1

195
Nationally Ranked Wrestlers

State Ranked Wrestlers:

Contenders:
Not a particularly deep weight, Matt Doggett (Wyoming Seminary-PA) is likely the front-runner. He’s the only returning state or national preps placer from a year ago. Top contenders include Matt Weiss (Clovis), Taryn Christiansen (El Molino), Mason Kumashiro (Los Alamitos) and Clayton Hartwell (James Logan).

Dark Horses:
This weight could be won by a number of relatively unknowns, but look for Josh Karam (Clovis North) and Dylan Bollinger (Sultana) to have the best opportunity.

2012 Final: Dakota Gordon (Clovis) dec Kyle Lincoln (Yosemite), 10-3

Sean Medley – Wasco HS

220
Nationally Ranked Wrestlers

State Ranked Wrestlers:

Contenders:
220 is one of the best weights in the tournament…yes, that’s what I said. Four nationally ranked wrestlers are set at 220, lead by #4 Spencer Empy (Reed-NV) who already has a Doc Buchanan championship to his name along with multiple Nevada state championships. Challenging him will be FILA Cadet champion (both Greco and Freestyle) Garrett Ryan (Wyoming Seminary-PA) who has 3^rd place finishes at the Ironman and the Beast of the East already this year. Then in the Golden State, look for Sean Medley (Wasco) off a state medal from last year and a much improved Derrick Jones (Bloomington) to pose a serious threat. Jordan Sepeda (Natomas) and Cortez Morales (Clovis West) should be right in the mix as well.

Dark Horses:
Tim Chassen (Poway) is one to watch as well as Eric An (Buchanan).

2012 Final: Spencer Empy (Reed, NV) dec Alex Encarnacion (College Park), 6-1

285
Nationally Ranked Wrestlers

State Ranked Wrestlers:

Contenders:
The big boys have some fireworks at the top but the field is thin, unlike the wrestlers. 2x Doc Buchanan champion Nick Nevills (Clovis) leads the way and looks for his 3^rd hat in three seasons. Posing a great challenge is Michael Johnson (Wyoming Seminary-PA), ranked #7 in the nation himself and already having 2^nd place Ironman and 3^rd place Beast of the East finishes this season. Watch for Jeff Camilli (Ponderosa) and Kenneth Carter (Carter) to challenge as well.

Dark Horses:
The dark horse here is definitely sophomore Jose Alvarez (Selma) who is going to be a force at the weight in the future.

2012 Final: Nick Nevills (Clovis) dec Johnny Schupp (Vacaville), 10-8 OT

NATIONALLY RANKED TEAMS

TOP 40 CA TEAMS

Contenders:
Wyoming Seminary comes west this year for the first time and puts their #2 national ranking on the line. Despite having a few injuries, they are the prohibitive favorite to win the event and become the FIRST team outside of California to win the Doc Buchanan in the 35-year history of the tournament. There will be challengers however, most notably from 3x defending champions #9 Clovis and #17 Poway. Both have the numbers and the top-end to unseat the east coast giant with a great performance.

Also look for St. John Bosco, at a tournament this deep, to really score well with their 3 studs provided a few others could step up add to the total. Never count out Bakersfield with their tradition and Northview returns a ton of talent from a year ago. They will just have to find the Top 4 kids to score the necessary points to challenge for the title.

Dark Horses:
With 32 of the Top 40 in California, you’re going to see a state-tournament like atmosphere from the opening whistle. Watch for a very strong, balanced Buchanan team to finish much higher than their #22 ranking.