Some of these U20’s are stacked and a few are pretty awful. 57kg is absolutely incredible. So many elite guys
You have Cortez sitting out and then there is Burnett, Mills, Munaretto, Witt, Botero, Aslikyan, Kenny, Zinkin, Schwab, Farnsworth, Ramirez, and Seacrist. Whoever comes out of the challenge tournament will have earned it
at 92kg Adam Waters is entered. Pretty sure he didn’t compete at the open. I would think he’s the favorite to make the team over Mastny.
61kg is super weak but Seidel is entered. He should cruise through the challenge tournament and I would have him as a pretty big favorite over Cortez as well
At 65kg no one is likely to give Bassett any problems but I hope Shepherd makes the finals. He wrestled really well at the open. He will have Wolbert, Herring, and Dekraker to get through the make the finals
70kg has one of the best possible matchups of the entire tournament with Robideau vs Miller. I think Miller should win the challenge tournament decisively even with him losing at the open. Wrestling seniors at the same time during the open just completely drained him. He looked absolutely wiped out by the end of the second day. Earlier this year I would’ve picked Miller but Robideau is for real. I know we all dislike him but the kid is damn good. I think he wins the spot and is a gold medal contender at worlds
74kg is all about James vs Lockett with maybe some Peterson, Denny, or Howard sprinkled in. James vs Lockett will be my most anticipated match of the entire tournament. I feel like James has jumped about 10 levels since last year when Dee beat him. Lockett is really good at freestyle though and is looking to make his 3rd straight U20 team. He won gold at worlds 2 years ago. Whoever wins will be a gold medal contender for sure. I’m picking James especially after watching him at WTT. Kid is as special as they come
79kg should be a rematch between Burton and Asher. Asher needs to get through some tough kids but he should be a fairly big favorite to make the finals. I’m interested to see what adjustments he makes against Burton
86kg will probably be all Sinclair. I’m curious to see Michael White and Aaron Stewart vs Mantanona. I think Mantanona will be a bit much for both of them and make the finals but White continues to impress every time out. Hutcherson is also throwing his hat in the ring even though he is U17 eligible. He made the U17 finals but lost to Tsarni in 3
97kg is awful. Boyle should win the spot
Heavyweight has Bechtold, Mocco, and Ross with the winner getting Merrill. I expect Ross to come out of the challenge tournament. Merrill was dominating him in the open final early but Ross figured out a few things late. I’m interested to see if he can do it for a full match. I think Merrill is too big and too strong. Kid is an absolute beast
