Girls bowling: Scouting Lake County
NORTHERN LAKE COUNTY
ANTIOCH
Coach: Phil Lindberg (sixth year)
House: Guttormsen's Recreation Center, Kenosha, Wis.
Top bowlers lost: none
Top returning bowlers: Jayme Bailey (Sr.), Taylor Comer (Jr.), Sam Knab (Jr.), Alexander Rapp (So.), Kayla Tikovitsch (So.)
Outlook: Experience will be a driving force for the Sequoits. Five bowlers are back with sectional qualifier Sam Knab leading the way. The Sequoits have a shot at winning the new NLCC. "We will see how this new conference goes. We should be close to the top," coach Phil Lindberg said. "I believe we have a strong team this year, but we will learn more about the team as the season progresses."
GRANT
Coach: Beth Miller (13th year)
House: Lakes Bowl, Round Lake
Top bowlers lost: Brianna Bergeson, Payal Patel, Janette Romero
Top returning bowlers: Emily Bajerski (Sr.), Nautyca Thul (Sr.)
Newcomers: Marisa Garcia (Fr).
Other bowlers: Jamie Goodrum (Sr.), Christina Brondi (Jr.), Autumn Hernandez (So.)
Outlook: The Bulldogs could be one of the front-runners in the NLCC. "We would like to focus on improving the fundamentals and sharpening the mental game," coach Beth Miller said. "The team's focus is to make it to sectionals again. The best thing about the team is (the girls') dedication to their individual games while supporting each other's teammates' games."
GRAYSLAKE CENTRAL
Coach: Mike Blasevich (second year)
House: Brunswick Zone-Vernon Hills
Top bowlers lost: Alexandra Goedert, Katrina Scott, Ashley Swajkowski
Top returning bowlers: Kelsey Holst (Sr.), Clover Rodriguez (Sr.), Katrina Scott (Sr.)
Newcomers: Isabella Dinkel (Fr.), Karen Funan (Fr.), Ashley Kilmer (Fr.)
Other bowlers: Samantha Kingsfeld (Sr.), Katrina Seale (Sr.), Chante Cole-Poe (Jr.), Colleen Thake (Jr.), Brianna Cole-Poe (So.), Madison Ervin (So.), Jessica Gurchak (So.)
Outlook: It's a learning process for the Rams, who do have some returning seniors. "I expect us to continue building the foundation of this program," coach Mike Blasevich said. "Our main goal is to make state, but there will be a lot of learning and fun along the way. We need to stay mentally focused at achieving our goals. We need to work as a team to support each other in times of need, and so far they've done a great job of that."
GRAYSLAKE NORTH
Coach: Laura Bertermann (ninth year)
House: Lakes Bowl, Round Lake
Top bowlers lost: Jessica Vaughn
Top returning bowlers: Payton Bertermann (Sr.), Melissa Barnett (Jr.), Taylor Bell (Jr.), Gaby Silva (Jr.)
Newcomers: Shaina Lesniewicz (Jr.), Lexi Sears (Jr.)
Outlook: The Knights have high expectations after winning the Fox Valley Conference championship last season. champions. "We would like to be conference champs and advance to state by being in the top four at both regionals and sectionals," coach Laura Bertermann said. "In order to accomplish these goals, the girls need to always practice with a specific purpose for their individual game improvement as well as increasing their mental toughness. The best thing about my team is that they all have great character, poise and compassion for others. This team is made up of all levels of bowlers that have one common goal - to improve their skill level and competitive edge."
LAKES
Coach: Melissa Cross (13th year)
House: Bertrand Bowling Lanes, Waukegan
Top bowlers lost: Samantha Scroggin (Robert Morris)
Top returning bowlers: Emily George (Jr.), Emily Voight (So.)
Newcomers: Maddie Mullan
Other bowlers: Ashley Popoola (Jr.), Abby Gossman (So.)
Outlook: Coach Melissa Cross is asking her bowlers to be committed. That could take the Eagles far. "We will need dedication and hard work," Cross said. "We'll need a positive attitude and for (the girls) to listen to the coaches. We have a good mix of returning bowlers and new bowlers, so they can learn the proper etiquette of bowling from one another."
ROUND LAKE
Coach: Rebecca Hoffmann (ninth year)
House: Lakes Bowl, Round Lake
Top bowlers lost: Danielle DeVoss
Top returning bowlers: Sydney DeVoss (Sr.), Alison Pederson (Sr.), Samantha Smith (Sr.)
Other bowlers: Morgan Vigeant (Jr.), Rayegan Lenington (So.), Brianna Nunez (So.)
Outlook: The Panthers boast plenty of experience. "We're very heavy with seniors," coach Rebecca Hoffmann said. "I would like to see them think about their shots every time and realize the difference that single-pin spares make."
WAUCONDA
Coach: Mylinda Lorence (10th year)
House: 3D Lanes, Island Lake
Top bowlers lost: Guen Michael
Top returning bowlers: Aimee Berg (Sr.), Deidre Loos (Sr.)
Newcomers: Kala Issleb (Fr.), Kelly Mason (Fr.), Jasmine McKeel (Fr.)
Other bowlers: Shannon Franklin (Sr.), Kaitlyn Johnson (Sr.)
Outlook: One thing that the Bulldogs have on their side is senior experience. "I think this team will do well this year," coach Mylinda Lorence said. "We have newcomers that have been bowing on travel teams and in tournaments. So it will be fun to see what this team will accomplish this year. The team needs to focus on their mental part of the game. When they're having a bad frame or game, they need to focus on not getting down and taking one frame at a time. They get along well with each other, and they are driven to succeed this year."
NORTH SUBURBAN
LAKE ZURICH
Coach: Mel Fox (11th year)
House: Brunswick Deer Park-Deer Park
Top bowlers lost: none.
Top returning bowlers: Dana Nelson (Sr.), Amanda Tarlos (Sr.), Becky Mnichowicz (Jr.), Alexis Naleck (Jr.), Allison O'Hara (Jr.), Lauren O'Hara (Jr.), Kristie Skoby (Jr.)
Newcomers: Emily Lin (Jr.), Sylwia Skrzynska (So.), Kirstin Grzonka (Fr.), Emily McHugh (Fr.), Jenna Spaulding (Fr.)
Other bowlers: Evelyn Lamb (Jr.), Nicole Martin (So.), Gabby Vitale (So.), Olivia Wiersma (So.)
Outlook: Expectations are on the high side for the Bears, who return some experience. "We're expecting to bowl well in our new-look conference and are hoping to qualify the entire team for state," coach Mel Fox said. "This group has been together for the last two years and they are a close-knit team, supporting and cheering each other on every day. The girls are dedicated and willing to go the extra mile to get better for themselves and as a team. We will be spending many practices working on picking up spares."
LIBERTYVILLE
Coach: Lindsey Siegel (sixth year)
House: Lakeside Lanes, Mundelein
Top bowlers lost: Haley Anderson, Emma Davellis (Aurora University), Taylor Sloan
Top returning bowlers: Ally Doherty (Sr.)
Newcomers: Katie Selsl (So.)
Other bowlers: Abbey Humbert (Jr.), Kennah Porcelius (So.)
Outlook: The Wildcats have had strong bowlers the last few years. They will look to rebuild with some younger bowlers. "We have a very young team with little competitive experience," coach Lindsey Siegel said. "The hope is that each girl will fill in with their own strengths. We need to work on our consistency and covering our spares. Everyone is willing to learn and try. We have an incredible group of ladies."
STEVENSON
Coach: Gina Johnson (21st year)
House: Fair Haven Lanes, Mundelein
Top bowlers lost: Amy Atkinson, Xanthe Coulson, Kaitlyn Rudy (Wichita), Nina Wright
Top returning bowlers: Neeraja Kadiyala (Sr.), Genevieve Dominick (Jr.), Jackie Keopp (Jr.)
Other bowlers: Amber Albrecht (Sr.), Jilian Searrcy (Jr.)
Outlook: The Patriots need to replace a number of talented bowlers who graduation. "We have a rebuilding year ahead of us," coach Gina Johnson said. "Expect us to have a lot of fun and teach the new bowlers."
WARREN
Coach: KC Lange (second year)
House: Bertrand Bowling Lanes, Waukegan
Top bowlers lost: Megan Martin
Top returning bowlers: Victoria Dizon (Sr.), Sulmarie McGee (Sr.), Macayla Powers (Sr.), Kayla Ross (Sr.), Maggie Faje (Jr.), Hayley Gregerson (Jr.), Amanda Yoder (Jr.)
Newcomers: Brianna Haith (Fr.)
Other bowlers: Breanna Kneeland (Jr.)
Outlook: The Blue Devils have several juniors and seniors returning with experience from last year's run. "We need to maintain focus, develop positive relationships and continue practicing with the same intensity and drive that we had last season," coach KC Lange said. "(The key will be) how well they get along and their ability to come together and compete as a team."
CENTRAL SUBURBAN
VERNON HILLS
Coach: Andra Dalton (11th year)
House: Brunswick Zone-Vernon Hills
Top bowlers lost: Carter Ray, Andreana Tangonan
Top returning bowlers: Emily Carido (Sr.), Nikki Flora (Sr.), Lauren Lee (Sr.), Alex Napierkowski (Sr.)
Newcomers: Ashley Budziak (So.), Veronika Pyshynska (So.)
Outlook: Learning the game and improving are some of the things the Cougars are trying to accomplish this season. "I expect our team to continue to develop their bowling skills, both physically and mentally," coach Andra Dalton said, "In order to be successful, we need to make the necessary adjustments throughout the meets and tournaments. In addition, it's always critical to maintain a positive attitude, regardless of the score."