9 Morris County wrestlers advance to state finals
ATLANTIC CITY − If Joey Monticello learned anything about himself over the last three years, it’s that perseverance and the power of belief are key to overcoming challenges.
After his first two seasons at Don Bosco ended prematurely due to injuries and off-the-mat issues, the Hanover Park junior believes he’s in the right place and where he always expected to be.
Advertisement
On Friday night, Monticello advanced to the state title match by securing a 5-3 decision in a 157-pound semifinal at the NJSIAA Championships at Boardwalk Hall.
“Since I stepped in the room at Hanover Park this year, I knew it was going to be different. Everyone wants you to get better before themselves,” Monticello said. “It’s a great community and environment. I have all my guys and people here. I couldn’t be happier of where I am now.”
Hanover Park’s Joey Monticello shoots his headgear like a basketball after defeating Delbarton’s Trevor Jones in a 157lb semifinal bout during day two of the NJSIAA Boys Wrestling State Championships at the Jim Whelan Boardwalk Hall on Friday, March 13, 2026, in Atlantic City.
For the second time in two weeks and the third time in their series, Monticello got the best of Delbarton senior Trevor Jones. This time, he earned a 5-3 decision to reach his first state final. It was a rematch of the Region 3 title bout from Feb. 28 that Monticello won, 4-2.
Advertisement
Monticello led 4-0 until Jones, the No. 2 seed, scored a takedown with 14 seconds left.
“This was my fourth time facing him [Jones]. I’m 3-1 if you count the one loss,” Monticello said. “I learned that you don’t put the match in the refs hands.”
Monticello (40-5), the No. 3 seed, will face No. 9 seed Joey Canova of Bergen Catholic in the March 14 finals.
Nine lives
Monticello leads a contingent of nine Morris/Sussex wrestlers into respective championship matches on March 14.
Seven Delbarton competitors advanced to the finals, including returning state champions Cameron Sontz (120) and Jayden James (165).
Advertisement
Ryan DeGeorge (144), a 2024 state champion, advanced to the finals for the third straight year.
Delbarton’s Tommy Marchetti (126), Nick Schwartz (150), Gabe Logan (175) and C.J. Betz (190) will compete in their first state final on Saturday afternoon.
“My goal has always been to be a four-time state champion. A win tomorrow would put me in a spot to get it done next year,” Sontz said. “Everyone I know is here. It makes it more exciting.”
Delbarton’s Cameron Sontz high fives his coach after defeating Caldwell’s Carmine Sipper in a 120lb semifinal bout during day two of the NJSIAA Boys Wrestling State Championships at the Jim Whelan Boardwalk Hall on Friday, March 13, 2026, in Atlantic City.
Added DeGeorge: “To be able to go out on the mat tomorrow in the New Jersey state final at Boardwalk Hall is a dream come true. It’s the third time in a row that I’ve been able to do this,” DeGeorge said. “After losing last year, I’m definitely really hungry and I want that back. I’m just looking forward to the opportunity.”
Advertisement
Mount Olive senior Nico Gonzalez (215), who finished fourth last year at 215 pounds, advanced to his first state final. Gonzalez stunned top seed Dante DeLuca of Don Bosco, 19-11 in their semifinal bout.
Gonzalez will meet No. 2 seed Tanner Hodgins of Howell in the championship bout.
This article originally appeared on Morristown Daily Record: 9 Morris County wrestlers advance to NJ state wrestling finals