Hardy No Longer Perfect, But Still Alive At State Wrestling Finals

As the Region VI champion, Central Regional High School junior Kalyph Hardy came to the state finals as one of the favorites to end his weekend on the medal stand.

After Friday night's action, Hardy is still alive, but the perfect record he brought with him to Atlantic City is no longer in tact after an incredibly competitive pre-quarterfinal match. Standing on the other side of the mat was Jadaen Bernstein, the Region V champion from Voorhees. 

While the Golden Eagles wrestler had a stellar record of 34-0, his opponent was equally impressive at 36-0. In the end, Bernstein prevailed with a 4-3 decision.

Dropping into the consolations, Hardy will face Ryan Sblendorio of Mahwah in the first round on Saturday. Once again it will be a regional champion standing across from him, this time from Region II. Sblendorio suffered his first of the year when Benjamin Fanjoy of Cherokee took him down, 7-3. 

Check out the BerkeleyPatch.com on Saturday for more live coverage from Boardwalk Hall as Hardy competes for a spot on the medal stand.