Hononegah wrestling team advances to IHSA 3A Dual Team State Tournament

ROCKTON — After a strong showing in the IHSA 3A individual state wrestling championships, Hononegah is looking to add to its resume in the dual team state tournament.

The Indians advanced to state for the first time since 2016 by knocking off visiting Arlington Heights Hersey 39-25 on Tuesday.

Hononegah will face No. 1-ranked St. Charles East in Friday’s quarterfinals at Grossinger Motors Arena in Bloomington. If they win, they return on Saturday for the semifinals, the third-place and the championship round.

As expected, the Indians were led in the sectional by their eight individual state qualifiers and four state place-winners.

Freshman Rocco Cassioppi, who finished second at state at 106, got things started with a pin of Hersey’s Cole Anselmi. His twin brother Bruno, third at state at 113, collected a 16-2 tech fall over Danny Lehman.

Thomas “T.J.” Silva, who was runnerup at state at 138, picked up a 10-3 major decision over Maksim Mukhamedaliyev and freshman Brody Sendele, third at state at 157, earned an 18-6 major decision over Tim Boldt.

The Indians, ranked ninth in the final 3A team rankings, also picked up wins from state qualifiers Connor Diemel (165) and Kurt Smith (175) as well as from Greyson Cotone (190) and Isaak Smith (285).

Diemel pinned Alex Garza and Kurt Smith pinned Nolan Saccone. Cotone pinned Leo Delgado and Isaak Smith won 10-5 over Gus Dammann.