Central Texas District - Texas High School Bowling Club

News Release

2007-08 Halftime Report

 

January 17, 2008

 

            Halfway through the district season, the Harker Heights Knights appear to have the upper hand at capturing their first boys district title.  The Knights are undefeated after five matches and hold a comfortable 2 game lead over Ellison, Killeen, and Shoemaker.  Javon Stanford, Donald James and Keith Guerrero all average 189 or better to lead a solid lineup that is averaging a district-best 182.  Close behind are the Ellison Eagles who are averaging 181.  Jordan Watkins and Angel Morales both average over 210 to lead the defending district champs, who currently own a 3-2 district record.  The Killeen Kangaroos, also at 3-2, are led by Josh Morgan (204) and Mitchell Salak (191) and average 168 as a team.  The surprise team this year has to be the Shoemaker Grey Wolves.  Featuring just one returning starter off a 4-6 team last year,  the Grey Wolves took a pounding early in the season, but have come on strong of late, upsetting Killeen this week to also post a 3-2 record.  Copperas Cove is much improved this year (36 pins higher) and feature one of the top district bowlers in Kevin Williams (190 average), but has been hit with inconsistency in their first 5 matches.   The Lampasas Badgers, although still looking for this first district win, are also improved from last year.  Natalie Wessels leads the Badgers coed team.

            Like the Knights, Ellison’s Lady Eagles are also undefeated and looking for their first title in a district dominated by Harker Heights and Shoemaker in past years.  The Lady Eagles boast the top team average in the district (154) and are led by Cindy Gill (176).  Ashley Staten, Chelsea Evans, Devin Revels and Brittany Evans all average over 150 for Ellison.  Close behind the Lady Eagles are the Lady Grey Wolves (152 average), the pre-season favorite.  Shoemaker is 4-1 in district play with their lone loss a 14-3 pounding by Ellison in mid-December, which they hope to avenge when the two teams meet again on Feb. 4. Briana Hewitt, Kaneysha Black and Elisha Thomas lead a solid lineup.  The defending state runner-up Harker Heights Lady Knights started the season 0-2, but have rebounded with 3 straight wins to hold the third and final playoff spot.  Danielle Shea carries the top average in district at 194 and the newcomers are gaining valuable experience as the season progresses.  Copperas Cove (2-3) has one of the top bowlers in Jamie Reed and can be dangerous if their returning starters get hot.  Killeen’s Lady Roos (1-4) field just one returning starter, Brittanie McGhee, but Courtney Lopez has been a solid addition to the team.

 

Future matches to watch are Harker Heights vs. Shoemaker on Jan. 22 at Hallmark Lanes; Ellison vs. Harker Heights at Killeen Bowlerama on Jan. 29; Shoemaker vs. Ellison on Feb. 4 at Hallmark Lanes; and Killeen vs. Harker Heights on Feb. 5 at Killeen Bowlerama.  All matches start at 4:30 p.m.

 

The top 3 teams from district in both boys and girls divisions will advance to the regional tournament at Killeen Bowlerama at 1 p.m. on Saturday, March 1.  Other districts competing in the Region V tournament include Austin, Brazos Co. (Bryan/College Station), Comal Co. (New Braunfels), and San Antonio NE.  The top half of the regional finalists advance to the state tournament at Copperfield Bowl in Houston on March 29-30.

            The top 3 boys and girls get a bid to the State Singles Tournament on the same weekend.  Each bowler must compete in 2/3 of the scheduled games to qualify for this tournament.

 

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For any additional information desired, contact Dick Atkinson at bowling@hallmarklanes.com or by phone at (254) 690-4949.