By Ken Hamwey

Staff Sports Writer

King Philip’s wrestling team enjoyed a banner day when it competed in the Division 2 Central Sectional Tournament at Bellingham High on Feb. 12.

The Warriors, who finished third in the team standings behind Sharon and North Attleboro, ended the day with three champions, three second-place competitors, one third-place finisher and two placing fourth. Wrestlers who place 1-4 advance to the state tourney in Fitchburg.

KP’s sectional champs include senior Michael Gorman in the 145-pound class; sophomore Colby Cloutier at 152 pounds; and senior Daniel Nineve at 285. The three Warriors who claimed runner-up honors were seniors Sam DeBaggis at 126; Will Conniff at 170 and Hunter Hastings at 195. 

Freshman Loden Wells captured third place in the 113-pound category; and junior Eriksson Daveiga (106) and senior Amro Ismail (220) finished fourth. Senior Josh Raimer was fifth in the 160-pound class, giving him alternate status for the state tourney. At the end of the day, KP finished with nine wrestlers advancing to the state playoffs.

Warriors’ coach John Adams, commenting after the tourney, said: “We’re proud of what we accomplished at the sectional and we’re always striving to perform at an optimal level.’’

Adams, who’s in his eighth year as KP’s head coach, mentioned several keys to the team’s success at the sectional. 

“Our senior leadership is a plus, the kids believe in themselves, we’ve got positive energy and good team chemistry,’’ he emphasized. “We’re in a solid position to keep moving forward. We had the most kids to ever come out for the team this season, we’ve got a staff of capable assistants, and for the first time KP now has a youth program for students in Grades 5-8.’’

KP’s trio of sectional champs claimed their triumphs on one pin and two by decision. Gorman beat Robert Wingert of Boston Latin on a pin in the second period. Cloutier won by decision (8-4) over Aaron Cashton of Sharon, and Nineve defeated Keysun Wise of North Attleboro, 6-3.

All three were not only excited about their triumphs, but they’re also eager for more success at the state tourney, scheduled for Feb. 18 and 19 (the tournament will occur after Local Town Pages deadline).

“I’m happy because this was my first title,’’ said Gorman. “My match against Wingert was competitive. He had strength and experience. I got a bit lucky on the pin. I caught him in a moment of hesitation because he was in transition. I’m going to be super competitive at the states and I’ll be bringing extra effort.’’

Cloutier said his victory provides optimism about his future. Only a sophomore, he’s got two more years to wrestle. “My match against Cashton was tough,’’ Cloutier said. “I lost to him earlier in the season, so this was an opportunity for some revenge. Mike Gorman helped me develop a game plan after we watched film to correct some flaws. I firmly believe that all nine of our wrestlers who placed have a good shot at winning at the states.’’

Nineve said he was “pumped’’ for his match. “Wise was ranked 7th in the state but I felt I had a chance to win,’’ Nineve said. “He made a mistake trying to throw me and I took advantage of that and it led to five points — two for the takedown and three for back points. I was super pleased and now I can’t wait for the states. I’m hoping for similar results.’’

Adams was upbeat about KP’s success at the sectional because the placements fell in line with several of the team’s goals that were set at the start of the 2021-22 campaign.

“One goal is to double our wins against our losses,’’ he said. “We finished 16-5 in the dual-meet season and satisfied that objective. Another goal is to improve the number of boys who get to the sectional final and the number who win titles. In the past we had four kids get to the final with two coming away as champions. This time we had six boys compete for the title and we had three winners. We also strive to have at least half of the 14 weight classes advance to the states. This time, we’ll have nine boys in the states and one alternate.’’

All of the placement winners and the alternate deserve mention for a dynamic day at the sectional. Following are comments by Adams on the gang of 10.

Gorman — “Michael has grown as a competitor and uses his length to his advantage. He’s strong, has excellent balance and can throw his opponent.’’

Cloutier — “A student of the sport, he’s a technician who’s in excellent condition. He’s strong in all facets.’’

Nineve — “An intense competitor who relies on high expectations. Always involved, he’s less about technique and more about using strong fundamentals in a consistent and highly aggressive way.’’

DeBaggis — “Sam is dedicated to wrestling and it shows by his hard work, his technical skills and his resiliency.’’

Conniff — “On the mat, he stays active from sequence to sequence. He’s talented, has a high wrestling IQ and he’s technically sound. His positive mindset and intestinal fortitude make him special.’’

Hastings — “A strong athlete, Hunter is a finisher. He pins most of his opponents, he’s got a positive attitude, he’s aggressive and confident. And, he’s having fun wrestling.’’

Wells — “Loden has excellent potential and he clearly appreciates and respects the sport. He’s invested and determined to continue to work.’’

Daveiga — “Eriksson wrestled at the sectional the way he was seeded. He finished fourth and he was seeded fourth. He’s very fast and he’s a scrambler.’’

Ismail — “Amro is excellent at controlled aggression. He approaches matches with the determination of pinning his opponent.’’

Raimer — “Josh wrestled up at the sectional. He was lighter than the required 160 pounds. He’s got fortitude and he’s a grinder, always finding a way to win.’’

Adams, who previously was a head coach at Hopkinton and Norwood, has 186 dual-meet wins during his 22-year career that includes assistant positions at Bridgewater State and Natick High. He’s got KP’s wrestling program clicking and there’s no doubt the Warriors are eager to replicate what they achieved in Bellingham at the state tourney.