D'Andre Russell's win sparks Bellport over Newfield

D'Andre Russell of Bellport wrestles Paul Toscano at Newfield High School in Selden on Jan 4 , 2019. Credit: Daniel De Mato
Bellport senior D’Andre Russell looked over the updated Suffolk wrestling rankings and was immediately put off. He was ranked third at 182 pounds.
“I took it personal,” Russell said. “A guy drops down into my weight class and he’s ranked number one ahead of me. I guess I had a lot to prove tonight.”
Russell made it no secret that he was motivated against Newfield’s top-ranked Paul Toscano. The two battled through a terrific two periods and Toscano held a 4-2 edge late into the third period before Russell hit a two-point reversal to tie the score with 28 seconds left. Russell rocked the crowd when he headlocked Toscano to the mat for three back points and a stirring 7-4 win.
The win by Russell preceded a string of four first-period pins as visiting Bellport opened a 32-6 lead on its way to a 47-28 win over Newfield Friday night in a Suffolk League IV dual meet. The victory enabled the Clippers (8-2, 5-0) to claim at least a share of their first dual-meet crown in 21 years. The Wolverines are 13-4, 3-1.
“Ka’Shawn Parrish got us started with a great win at 170 and then Russell’s win was huge to give us the momentum,” Bellport coach Chuck Maragioglio said. “We came out with such intensity. We’re getting athletes in the program and they’re buying into the process.”
Parrish kicked off the meet with a win by technical fall over Frank Micari, 23-8. Russell followed with his gem to improve to 13-0.
“I might be one of the weaker guys on our team,” Russell said with a laugh. “But I use my length and balance to beat guys. If I was in [Toscano’s] shoes I might not have expected such a tough match. I know I surprised him.”
The run of four pins to give the Clippers the large lead started with senior co-captain Shakeese Byrd at 220 pounds. Byrd moved up to 220 to meet Pat Ganter and came away with a pin in 1:25. Super heavyweight Carlos Maldonado followed with a pin of Tom Macy in 1:09 at 285.
“The whole lineup top to bottom was ready tonight,” said Bellport senior co-captain Josh Leidig, who won by injury default at 160 pounds. “We’re a very young team but we have senior leadership and all the younger guys are earning it in the classroom and on the mat. Our coaches have really picked it up and pushed guys to their potential."
The ninth-grade Gentzel twins turned in back-to-back pins at 99 and 106 pounds. Wyatt Gentzel beat Nick Roethel in 1:33 and Troy Gentzel stopped Andrew Gabb in 1:29 to make it 32-6.
“It feels really good to win such a big dual meet,” Byrd said. “Now we need to beat Deer Park [on Wednesday] and finish undefeated in league. That’s the goal.”