Wagner, Yates break new ground; Stevenson wins team title
Newcomers Zach Wagner of Wauconda and Danny Yates of Grayslake North are the first boys bowlers from their respective schools to advance in the boys bowling state series after excelling Saturday in the Vernon Hills regional at Brunswick Zone Vernon Hills.
Wagner tossed 1,267 over his 6 games and Yates threw an 1,181 as they qualified for the sectional round.
The other qualifying individuals included Alec Munro (1,139) and Jacob Stern (1,128) of Vernon Hills and Libertyville's Spencer Baumruk (1,147).
Stevenson has been on a roll all season and extended that them Saturday. The Patriots won the regional with an impressive 6,483, finishing 52 pins ahead of Lake Zurich (6,431).
McHenry (6,190) and Grant (5,753) also advanced to next Saturday's sectional, to be hosted by Stevenson at Lakeside Lanes in Mundelein.
Wagner was one of 10 qualifying individuals. He had a consistent day and rolled a high game of 257.
"It's all kind of exciting to be a part of this," said Wagner, a junior. "There were a lot of good bowlers out here. I've never done this before and I'm learning what's going on."
Yates enjoyed Grayslake North's first-ever boys bowling team, but stood alone among his teammates in advancing. Four of his six games were in the 200s.
"I feel very honored to be the first to do it," Yates said. "I'm the only one representing my school for the big event at sectionals. Our team is a first-year program and we weren't expected win every tournament. It will feel awkward not having my team there to back me up or pick me up when I feel down. Hopefully, some will hitch a ride a support me a little bit."
Stevenson's team continues their ride in search of a first-ever trip to state. The Patriots rolled every game over 1,000 and had couple that were significantly better at 1,139 and 1,107.
"Hopefully, we can take the next step," Stevenson coach Barry Lapping said. "We're working hard as a team and working on our spare shooting."
Stevenson made a bit of a change in its line up and had Matt Poetker in the leadoff spot, with Richy Zenner moved to the anchor position. It turned out to be effective, as they finished 1-2, just 1 pin apart.
Poetker rolled 1,422 with high games of 268, 257 and 247, while Zenner had a 1,421 with high games of 267, 266 and 248. Zach Singer had a 1,299. Other Patriots' bowlers included Ted Tapas (642), Josh Singer (581), Edie Mendrala (545), Michael Aranyi (402) and Rafael Radao (171).
Lake Zurich was consistent over the six games. All the Bears' games exceeded 1,000 on the day, with best scores of 1,112 and 1,103.
"Our bowlers are peaking at the correct time," Lake Zurich coach Peter Kupfer said. "We're bowling our best right now."
Leading the Bears were Connor Kovanda (1,344, fourth) and Donny Gross (1,339, fifth). Teammate Zach Johnson had a 1,284, good for ninth.
Grant will be making its first trip to the sectional after edging Johnsburg by 2 pins.
"We made it by 2 points," said Grant coach Steve Smidl. "It's got to come out now, matter what whether it's 100 points or not. We get to move on. That's the best thing, we get to dance one more time."
The Bulldogs threw their best of the day in game five, a 1,072. Jake Lostrocio led Grant with a 1,248 and had a high game of 244. Nathaniel Abernathy threw an 1,155 series and Michael Payne rolled 1,143.