Bowling is a sport that requires precision, strategy, and practice. The highest score you can achieve is 300, a perfect game.
The Spring Lake team has put in a lot of practice toward perfect – work that has paid off in recent tournaments.
Senior Hudson Case has led the way with his recent 6th-place finish to earn All-Conference honors in back-to-back seasons and will head to the state tournament this weekend. Meanwhile, the girls team dominated regular-season play with an 11-3 record.
The combined boys and girls teams practice twice a week at Northway Lanes in Muskegon for 90 minutes. They warm up, bowl three games, and then do baker games, where five bowlers take turns for one team game. Their matches consist of two baker games and two individual games. Boys and girls practice together on separate sides of the lane, but they often compete in baker games and help each other out.
Case has averaged a score of 188 this season, with an overall high score of 289 and season high of 267. Senior Charlie Record has the second-highest score of the team, 235; he finished in 13th place with a 168 average to earn Honorable Mention. Senior Easton Vasquez finished 19th with a 151 average, and had the third-highest score on the team of 230.
For the girls team, Alaina Lamb has the top score in practice of a 199, and Anistyn Lawson had the highest match game of 180. After finishing 5th in the preseason tournament, the girls ended up 2nd in the OK White Conference.
This year, the boys’ team finished 4th in their conference tournament and 4th in the conference, 8-5-1 in conference and 8-6-1 overall.
Case has been bowling for five years. He was inspired by his dad, who is also a great bowler. “I mentor two-handed bowlers, as it’s a newer technique that our coaches aren’t always familiar with,” he said. “Experienced bowlers share tips to help the team improve.”
As the season comes to a close, both teams are focused on staying focused and giving their best effort in every frame. No matter how the final standings turn out, this season has shown hard work and determination.
Case will compete at the state tournament on Saturday in Waterford.
