Cabanban headlines boys pound-for-pound rankings

If the girls side of the wrestling scene is all about the future, the boys are about right now.

Seniors dominate Hawaii Prep World’s preseason boys pound-for-pound rankings, with nine of the top 10 participating in their final high school season. Only No. 4 Kysen Terukina of Kamehameha, a sophomore, will have more prep wrestling in his future after the state championships.

The list begins where it will probably end next year, with Corey Cabanban the class of the state. Cabanban will be going for his fourth state title in the spring, becoming only the fifth boy to do so. The others are Patrick Higa of ‘Iolani, Jonathan Spiker and Brandon Low of Saint Louis and Mid-Pacific’s Josh Terao.

As for the remote possibility that Cabanban falls short, a three-time state champion has never failed to complete the sweep as a senior. Higa was the only boy to go out with a pin. Spiker won his last match 17-6, Low won his 8-4 and Terao was a 15-0 victor.

After Cabanban come the historical names with Zayren and Kysen Terukina surrounding Makana Cooper. There are six state champions returning this season and after that the P4P list will probably change dramatically.

Christian Tavarez of Radford gets the last spot despite rumors of a loss in the preseason. Big names behind him include Alize Wright of Campbell (182), Kamehameha’s Makana Tapia and ‘Iolani’s Jake Angelo (152), Kasen Takenaka of ‘Iolani (160) and Moanalua state runner up Damien Agao (195).

Notables to look out for this weekend at Officials include Brandon Pagurayan of Kapolei (145), Elijah Kaawa (113) and Boltyn Taam (145) of Saint Louis and Moanalua’s stable of Elijah Asuncion (113), Noah Wusstig (138) and Chase Wusstig (145).

Hawaii Prep World will have coverage from both days of the Officials tournament.

Click here for the final 2017 pound-for-pound rankings.

1. Corey Cabanban, Saint Louis senior
2017 state champion (120), 2016 state champion (113), 2015 state champion (106)
2017 ILH champion (120, 2016 ILH champion (113), 2015 ILH champion (108)
2016 Officials champion (120), 2015 Officials champion (113)

2. Zayren Terukina, Campbell senior
2017 state champ (132), 2016 state third (126)
2017 OIA champion (134), 2016 OIA champion (126)
2016 Officials champion (132)

3. Makoa Cooper, Pearl City senior
2017 state champion (152)
2017 OIA champion (154)
2016 Officials champion (152)

4. Kysen Terukina, Kamehameha sophomore
2017 state champion (113)
2016 Officials champion (113)
2017 ILH champion (113)

5. Logan Garcia, Moanalua senior
2017 state second (120), 2016 state champ (106)
2017 OIA Champ (122), 2016 OIA champ (106)

6. Brett Barefoot, Leilehua senior
2017 state champion (182)

7. Kainalu Estrella, Lahainaluna senior
2017 state second (126), 2016 state second (120), 2015 state third (113)
2017 MIL champ (128), 2016 MIL champ (120), 2015 MIL champ (113)
2016 Officials champion (126)
2016 MIT champ (132)

8. Kasey Kikuyama, Pearl City senior
2017 state third (170), 2016 state fifth (160),
2017 OIA champion (172)

9. Noah Respicio, Campbell senior
2017 state second (170)

10. Christian Tavarez, Radford senior
2017 state second (132)
2016 state fifth (120)