Delbarton Completes Catholic Duals Three-Peat, Depth Shines in Statement Weekend
Delbarton arrived at the Catholic Duals with something to defend and something to prove. Even without two top-five ranked staples in the lineup, the Green Wave left no doubt about who still sets the standard, rolling through the field to secure a third straight Catholic Duals title and reaffirm their place among New Jersey’s elite.
The weekend opened with dominance that set the tone immediately. Delbarton blanked Holy Cross Prep 81–0, then followed it with another shutout, 68–0 over Red Bank Catholic. Those two performances weren’t just about lopsided scores, they were about control. From the opening whistle, Delbarton dictated pace, racked up bonus points, and showed the depth that has become the program’s calling card.
Tournament play brought the real measuring sticks. In the semifinals, Delbarton squared off with St. Peter’s Prep, a familiar postseason foe and a program built to test every spot in the lineup. The Green Wave seized momentum early, piling up technical falls at the lower weights before weathering a brief run from the Marauders in the middle of the dual. The marquee bout lived up to its billing as Jayden James met Josh Piparo in a showdown between the top two wrestlers in the state. As he’s done time and time again, James imposed his style, earning a technical fall and swinging the match firmly back in Delbarton’s favor. From there, the Wave closed strong, sealing a 49–13 victory and a spot in the final.
Waiting in the championship dual was Christian Brothers Academy, a nationally ranked powerhouse that brought its own depth and firepower to the mat. The final was anything but easy. Every point mattered, every swing bout carried weight, and the margin stayed tight deep into the dual. Delbarton found separation through timely performances. Tommy Marchetti delivered a technical fall against returning state medalist Braden Jones, Braden Jones answered with a pin that sent six crucial points to the scoreboard, and Trevor Jones battled through a gritty 3–2 ultimate tiebreaker win, a moment that shifted the dual decisively. When the dust settled, Delbarton stood tall with a 41–26 win and another trophy in hand.
Doing it shorthanded made the accomplishment resonate even more. With Ryan DeGeorge and Gabe Logan unavailable, younger wrestlers were thrust into bigger roles, and they responded. Bonus points came from unexpected places, composure showed up in close matches, and the lineup never lost its edge.
After the weekend, head coach Bryan Stoll summed up what the three-peat meant to his program. “It was a tough day for our guys, but I’m proud of what we were able to accomplish,” Stoll said. “There were a lot of tough matchups this weekend, and our guys did what they do best. With some injuries, we needed some of our younger guys to step up, and they did just that. I’m proud of this group and excited for what’s ahead.”
Three years. Three titles. Different lineups, different challenges, same result. Delbarton didn’t just survive the Catholic Duals again, they reinforced a familiar truth across the state. No matter who’s in or out of the lineup, the Green Wave depth, discipline, and culture continue to set them apart as the season rolls forward.