Massachusetts Wrestlers Shine at National Competition

Seven Massachusetts wrestlers place at NHSCA High School Nationals in Virginia

Mar. 29, 2026 at 10:06pm

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A fragmented, cubist-style painting depicting a high school wrestling match, with the figures and action broken down into sharp, overlapping geometric shapes and planes in shades of navy, green, and red, conveying the raw energy and competition of the sport.The geometric, cubist style captures the intensity and dynamism of high school wrestling at the national level.Haverhill Today

Several top high school wrestlers from Massachusetts competed at the NHSCA High School Nationals in Virginia Beach over the weekend, with seven wrestlers placing in their individual brackets. The state's top finisher was Shea Morris of Haverhill, who placed third in the 145-pound division, while Shawsheen Tech's James Tildsley, the all-time winningest wrestler in Massachusetts history, finished fourth in the 152-pound class.

Why it matters

The NHSCA High School Nationals is one of the premier national wrestling competitions, drawing the top high school talent from across the country. Massachusetts' strong showing at the event highlights the depth and quality of the state's high school wrestling programs and the elite talent they are producing.

The details

In total, 186 wrestlers represented Massachusetts at the national competition. Seven Massachusetts wrestlers placed in their individual brackets, with four earning top-five finishes. Shea Morris of Haverhill placed third in the 145-pound division, while James Tildsley of Billerica's Shawsheen Tech finished fourth in the 152-pound class. Other top finishers included Zayde Facchetti of Minnechaug (4th, 220 lbs) and Brayden Boccia of Milford (5th, 126 lbs sophomore).

  • The 2026 NHSCA High School Nationals took place this past weekend in Virginia Beach.

The players

Shea Morris

A wrestler from Haverhill, Massachusetts who competes for the New York Military Academy during the high school season. He placed third in the 145-pound division at the national competition.

James Tildsley

A wrestling star from Billerica's Shawsheen Tech and the all-time winningest wrestler in Massachusetts high school history. He finished fourth in the 152-pound division at the national competition.

Zayde Facchetti

A wrestler from Minnechaug High School who placed fourth in the 220-pound division at the national competition.

Brayden Boccia

A wrestler from Milford High School who placed fifth in the 126-pound sophomore division at the national competition.

Peter Rincan Jr.

A wrestler from Northfield Mount Hermon, formerly of Billerica, who placed sixth in the 126-pound division at the national competition.

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The takeaway

Massachusetts' strong showing at the NHSCA High School Nationals, with seven wrestlers placing and four earning top-five finishes, demonstrates the depth and quality of the state's high school wrestling programs. The performance of elite wrestlers like Shea Morris and James Tildsley highlights the talent Massachusetts is producing and its status as a wrestling powerhouse.