SHS boys post runner-up regional finish
Story By Jason Bowen
Defending AHSAA Class 1A-5A Girls Bowling state champion Scottsboro is headed back to state with a regional title on its resume.
The Wildcats claimed the Class 1A-5A Girls North Regional title in Trussville last week thanks to a dominant three-win performance.
Scottsboro advanced to compete in the AHSAA Bowling Championships Class 1A-5A Girls state tournament, which begins today and concludes Friday in Mobile.
At the regional, the Wildcats defeated Springville 1,242-947 in the opening round before topping John Carroll 1,330-714 in the semifinals and Indian Springs 1,352-985 in the regional championship game.
“Super proud of these Lady Wildcats,” said Scottsboro head coach Matt Brewer. “Watching these girls bowl is why I enjoy coaching. This team has poured their hearts into practices and matches and it shows on the lanes.”
Scottsboro’s roster is comprised of junior Sydney Moore, sophomores Grace Anderton, Jill Hambrick, Brenley Moore, Emma Osby and Surina Patel, freshman McKynna Handley and eighth-grader Danika Pritchett. The coaching staff is made up of Brewer and assistants Labron Anderton, Lee Becker and Chris Moore.
Grace Anderton was the was individual regional medalist after turning in the top total pin count of 402. She bowled traditional game score of 178 and 224. Patel finished second in the regional with a 353 total pin count and traditional game scores of 191 and 161 while Moore was fourth with a 309 total pin count after bowling traditional game scores of 147 and 162.
Scottsboro was set to open the state tournament against Elberta this morning. Other first-round matches were Orange Beach vs. Etowah, East Limestone vs. Satsuma and Horseshoe Bend vs. Indian Springs.
“Their journey started long before the season even started,” Brewer said of the SHS girls team. “They have worked to defend their state championship from last year, and we are excited to see what they do in Mobile. Their journey has also been built on trust, perseverance and an unshakable bond with one another. They don't just bowl for themselves. They bowl for their teammates, Scottsboro High School, and this amazing community.”
Scottsboro places second in Class 1A-5A Boys Regional — The Wildcats overcame a second-round setback to win three elimination games and secure a runner-up finish in the Class 1A-5A Boys North Regional tournament.
The finish earned Scottsboro the North' No. 2 seed for the state tournament in Mobile.
After opening the regional with a 1,477-1,209 win over Springville, Scottsboro suffered a 1,566-1,425 loss to Fairview. But on Day 2, the Wildcats won three straight elimination bracket matches, defeating West Point 1,539-1,145 and Etowah 1,483-1,266 before avenging its previous loss to Fairview with a 1,489-1,362 win to earn the regional runner-up finish.
“What our boys bowling team accomplished this season is something special,” said Scottsboro head coach Matt Brewer. “Finishing as regional runner-up for the first time in program history is a testament to their hard work, belief and refusal to settle. This group has grown together, battled through adversity and learned how to compete at a championship level. They’ve earned every bit of this moment and are carrying confidence, chemistry and purpose into the state tournament. This team isn't just happy to be there. They're prepared to make a deep run and we couldn't be more proud of them.”
Scottsboro’s roster is comprised of seniors Luke Anderton, Parker Dodson, Mikey Horan, Jacob Lovett and MJ Skelton, junior Jamie Smith, sophomore Will Venable and freshman Sean Kropf. The coaching staff consists of Brewer and assistants Labron Anderton, Lee Becker and Chris Moore.
Horan was the Class 1A-5A Boys North Regional medalist, posting a tournament-best 475 total pin count thanks to traditional game scores of 254 and 221. Luke Anderton finished fourth in the regional individual standings with a 410 total pin count after bowling traditional game scores of 217 and 193.
