Traverse City Record-Eagle

Bowling

February 27, 2009

Rogers City sweeps bowling regional

Hurons repeat as D-3 boys, girls champions

By DENNIS CHASE

TRAVERSE CITY -- It was a relaxing regional for Brian Bannasch.

At least compared to last year.

That's when his team won the Division 3 boys regional bowling title at Timber Lanes by one pin over Mason County Eastern. The Hurons won it when Mason County Eastern's anchor failed to convert on a spare in the 10th frame.

On Friday, however, Bannasch could breathe easier as Rogers City defended its crown with a 155-pin win over Iron Mountain, 3792-3637. Menominee was third (3457).

"This was a lot nicer, not as nerve-wracking," Bannasch said. "We didn't expect to win it last year. We were lucky, really. This year was a lot calmer."

Rogers City made it a sweep as the girls repeated, too. The Hurons beat runner-up St. Ignace by 96 pins, 3132-3036. Mason County Eastern placed third (2989).

The top three teams advance to next weekend's state finals.

Rogers City opened a 125-pin lead after the six Baker games and never looked back in the boys event.

"The lane conditions are a little more demanding this year," Bannasch said. "But our kids stepped up to the challenge, made their spares and did what they had to do.

"Spare shooting became a lot more critical because there weren't as many strikes. That (spares) made the difference."

The Michigan High School Athletic Association went to the Broadway pattern for this winter's regionals and state finals.

The oil conditions made for a more challenging day.

"There's a lot of extra oil (on the lanes) and it's spread out so it's difficult to curve the ball," Rogers City girls coach Brett Schalk said. "Shots you normally make at home in practice just aren't there today."

Lucas Bellmore led the Hurons with a 600 series. He had a high game of 237.

"He was solid all day," Bannasch said.

Bellmore, a senior, called repeating in the regional "really cool," although he acknowledged he and his teammates had to adjust to the lane conditions.

"You just had to stay consistent with the ball and keep your mark," he said.

St. Francis led area teams with a sixth-place finish.

"The boys didn't have it today," coach Bernie Bossert said. "They didn't bowl to their potential. Maybe we'll be better in singles (today)."

Rogers City trailed Mason County Eastern by 21 pins after the six Baker games in the girls event. But the Hurons rolled an 832 in its first regular game to take a lead they would not relinquish.

"Not to be cocky, but I had a lot of confidence in our team," sophomore Katie Darga said. "I thought we were going to make it (to the state finals). We've been progressing all year."

Darga led Rogers City with a 494 series.

St. Ignace's Brooke Allan had the high series with a 554.

The individual tournament will be held today.

Division 3 Regional

Boys

Rogers City: 3792
Iron Mountain: 3637
Menominee: 3457
Mason Co. Central: 3365
L'Anse: 3208
St. Francis: 3198
Norway: 3078
Bellaire: 3037
Elk Rapids: 3001
Grayling: 2988
St. Ignace: 2955
Glen Lake: 2768
Mason Co. Eastern: 2765
TC Christian: 2754

Girls

Rogers City: 3132
St. Ignace: 3036
Mason Co. Eastern: 2989
Iron Mountain: 2865
Menominee: 2817
Ewen-Trout Creek: 2707
L'Anse: 2437
St. Francis: 2300
Glen Lake: 2285

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