Impressive victories help kick off 2024
JUNIOR MIKE Thomas is among those who picked up wins at the 2023 George Bossi Lowell Holiday Tournament over the winter break. (courtesy photo)
After press time: Melrose defeats Reading 57-15 (Jan. 4)
By JENNIFER GENTILE
MELROSE—The reigning state champion Melrose High wrestling team is off to a fast 6-3 start after a very successful December in which they opened unbeaten in the Middlesex League at 3-0 following league wins over Wilmington, Arlington and Belmont.
Melrose competed in the always-tough George Bossi Holiday Tournament on Dec. 22, a hard weekend that pit the team against the best in the state and Melrose more than held their own. Five wrestlers advanced to day two (not an easy feat) including sophomore Jack Shea, junior Mike Thomas, sophomore Johnny Moraes, junior Marco Albanese and senior Pedro Ribeiro, who went 4-4 with a huge weekend. Also competing strongly were Quinn Fogarty, Jake Guzman, Scott Santos, Owen Savage, Brayden Pesce, Jack Ruelle, Alejandro Lopez and Amar Lakacha.
“We’re traveling around competing against the toughest teams in New England. Our plan is to always compete against the best,” says Melrose head coach Larry Tremblay.
Previously, Melrose enjoyed a nice showing at the Sons of Italy tournament in Wilmington on December 13. Several wrestlers placed including Luke Brodeur, three wins for 3rd place, Johnny Moraes, three wins for 3rd place, Marco Albanese, four wins for 3rd place, Michael Thomas, three wins for 5th place, Quinn Fogarty, three wins for 5th place, Pedro Ribeiro, two wins for 5th place, Gabe LaVerde, two wins for 4th place, and Luke Kelley, two wins for 6th place.
Over New Years weekend, Melrose took part in a Super Quad at Beverly High against host Beverly and opponents Haverhill, North Andover, Arlington and Belmont. A key highlight was a win over Arlington 42-38 in which senior Gabe LaVerde earned a big decision late before sophomore Scott Santos clinched the victory with a huge win. Timberlane and Haverhill proved to be stiff competition but Melrose picked up a convincing win over Beverly, 51-30 with work from Mike Thomas (3-1, 3 pins), Johnny Morares (3-1, 3 pins), Marco Albanese (3-1, 3 pins), Scott Santos, (3-1, 3 pins) and more wins from Quinn Fogarty, Jack Shea, Gabe LaVerde and Pedro Ribeiro.
Melrose also earned a win in a match over Hollis-Brookline, 52-30, courtesy of pins from Mike Thomas, Pedro Ribeiro, Scott Santos, Jack Shea, Johnny Moraes and Marco Albanese. In that match, sophomore Amar Lakacha to help earn the victory with his first varsity pin.
As there has been no shortage of steep competition, Melrose is proving to once again be a contender for post season play. They certainly have the depth.
“We’ve seen a lot of strong competition. Jack Shea has been very impressive. Marco Albanese, Johnny Moraes, Mike Thomas are always wrestling great. Pedro had 5 wins at Lowell so he’s been doing really well. And watch out for Quinn Fogarty, he’s leading us in pins and is just dangerous.”
He also points out the strong work of heavyweights Scott Santos. “Scott came up really big for us in our last meet.”
Melrose’s only losses this season have come against the best teams in the state: Haverhill (Div. 1) Beverly and Timberlane. The competition remains tough this weekend when they travel to Southington, Connecticut to face more of the best competition in New England.
This Thursday (post deadline) Melrose was slated to take on Reading whom they hope to beat for their 4th straight ML win. On Wednesday, Jan. 10 they will host Burlington at 6:00 p.m. Stay tuned.
