2026 Sectional Wrestling Tournament Predictions - Group 4

The Group 4 sectional team tournament has a range of lineup profiles across its four sections, including programs with established postseason experience and others trending upward. While some sections feature clearer favorites, others appear more fluid, setting up a postseason landscape where matchup dynamics and in-dual adjustments will play a significant role in determining who advances to the finals.

Central 

Central Group 4 has one program clearly positioned at the top of the bracket. Based on season results and overall lineup structure, that team stands as the favorite heading into sectionals. While the rest of the field will look to close the gap and create pressure in key matchups, the path to the championship in this section appears to run through the top seed.

The top seeded Colts Neck enters the sectional tournament with an impressive 20-2 record. The Cougars have been a strong presence in the Shore Conference, going 5-0 in divisional action.  Colts Neck picked up solid wins over Toms River East, Lacey, and Old Bridge, just to name a few. Ethan Michaels leads Colts Neck, as he is a returning state qualifier and currently ranked #8 at 120lbs. The Cougars look to continue their dominance all the way to a Group 4 Sectional Championship. 

Prediction: Colts Neck over Hightstown

South

South Group 4 contains a competitive field at the top, as multiple teams have positioned themselves as realistic championship contenders. With several solid lineups capable of winning duals in different ways, this section projects to be more open than others. In addition to the primary contenders, a few dark horse programs have shown enough throughout the season to suggest they could factor into the outcome if key matchups break their way.

#1 seeded Central Regional started the season off hot, going 9-2 in their first 11 matches. However, their last 8 matches have been more challenging, falling in 6 of those matches. Although they have struggled as of late, they were being put to the test by some of the Shore Conference's best teams. This will give them a chip on their shoulder entering the tournament, as well as the fact that they have defeated multiple teams in their bracket, snagging wins over Toms River East and Toms River South. 

#2 seeded Toms River East has been very impressive this season, putting together one of their strongest seasons in recent years. The 15-9 Raiders were handed a tough schedule this season, dropping 4 losses to Top 20 programs. TRE secured key wins against some good programs like Red Bank Catholic, Point Boro, and Collingswood. Returning state medalist Ricky DeLorenzo played a major role in the success of Toms River East this season, as he goes into the post season carrying the rank of the #3 wrestler at 132lbs. 

Toms River South enters at the #3 seed. They hold a bracket best 16-5 record, while holding a win over #5 seeded Northern Burlington. The Indians enter the tournament on a 3-match win streak and are eager to keep it going. Toms River South is looking to avenge their 37-33 loss to Toms River East if they both defeat their quarterfinals opponents. South has a tough and scrapy lineup from top to bottom and are looking to use that to their advantage to battle their way to a sectional title. 

Although they are seeded at #7, that spot can potentially create havoc in this bracket. Clearview is 16-7 entering the postseason and currently on a 5-match win-streak. They hold victories over some top seeded teams in other brackets, like Bridgewater-Raritan and Cedar Grove. The Pioneers have battled all season and it may end up being an unlucky break for their quarterfinal opponent.

Prediction: Toms River East over Central Regional

North 1

North 1 Group 4 features two programs that have established themselves as likely finalists, both carrying top-20 caliber profiles entering the postseason. Their projected collision course gives this section a defined top tier, but a solid third team remains in position to challenge that narrative. If that group is able to capitalize on the right matchups, this section could see its expected finals pairing tested.

#1 seeded Mt. Olive comes in ranked #12 in the state in our rankings. The Marauders compiled a 14-2 record with plenty of impressive wins over West Essex, Middletown South, and Cedar Grove to name a few. Their only 2 losses come by way of Top 20 teams, both teams getting a run for their money. Mt. Olive has 3 wrestlers that hold positions in the states Top 8 rankings, that being; Anthony Piemonte, Nico Gonzalez, and Jared Martini. After winning 4 of the last 5 years' Group 4 North 1 titles, the Marauders look to avenge their loss last year and get back to business. 

#2 seeded Ridge comes in at 19-7, and 3-1 in Skyland-Raritan divisional matches. For a team that had a gauntlet of a schedule, Ridge turned out to have a nice season, enough to earn them a #2 seed in the North 1 sectional tournament. Senior 175lber Ryan Engle has been Ridges ace this season, battling himself all the way to a #5 spot on the state rankings. With Engle leading the way, and multiple solid pieces around him, Ridge can very well mix it up in this bracket. 

#3 seeded Phillipsburg are the returning Group 4 North 1 Champions. They defeated Mt. Olive 31-29 to take home the title, and finished runner up in all of Group 4. Although last year is history, The Stateliners are back and ready to repeat their sectional success. At 11-3 (all losses coming by way of Top 20 ranked teams), Phillipsburg worked themselves to the #14 spot in our Top 20 rankings. They scored key wins over Don Bosco, North Hunterdon, Rumson-Fair Haven, and Immaculata. Their resume is impressive to say the least. Their upper-weight duo of Owen Garriques and Gavin Geleta, who are both among the Top 8 ranked wrestlers at their respective weights, have played a big role in the success Phillipsburg has seen this season. Look for Phillipsburg to do all they can to repeat last year's results in this tournament. 

Prediction: Phillipsburg over Mt. Olive

North 2 

North 2 Group 4 has one program positioned as the favorite, but two additional teams have built resumes strong enough to be considered legitimate challengers. While the top seed holds the edge on paper, the gap is narrow enough that the right matchups and in-dual momentum could push either contender into a serious fight for the sectional title.

Top seeded Middletown South has been a popular name in the Shore Conference this season. At 22-5, The Eagles have put together a strong resume, including wins over Middletown North, Toms River East, and Manasquan. Winning their last 7 in a row, Middletown South looks to bring that momentum into the postseason.

Crosstown rival, Middletown North, sits a the #2 seed of this bracket. The Lions had a great season, as they enter the tournament with a 20-4 record. Outside of their loss to Middletown South, the other 3 losses came from Top 20 teams. Their resume includes wins over Ocean Township, Central Regional, Ramapo and Colts Neck. Middletown North is led by their lower weights. The Blewett brothers are both ranked in the state, Thomas #1 at 106 and Ryan #4 at 113. With their two aces at the helm, the Lions are looking to make a championship run this postseason.

The #3 seed in the North 2 section is an interesting team, as they have spent time jumping in and out of the Top 20 rankings. Holding a 10-6 record against in-state competition, North Hunterdon has been put through the fire this season. The defending Group 4 champions had 5 of their 6 losses come by way of Top 20 teams, losing two of them by one match. On the bright side, The Lions have battled their way to earn tough wins over the likes of Hanover Park, St, Joe's Metuchen, and Bridgewater-Raritan. Although they are the third seed, many see North Hunterdon as the favorite to once again take home the North 2 sectional title. 

Prediction: North Hunterdon over Middletown South