Girls bowling: Scouting Lake County
NORTH SUBURBAN
LAKE ZURICH
Coach: Mel Fox (12th year)
House: Brunswick Zone Deer Park Lanes
Graduated: Dana Nelson, Amanda Tarlos
Top bowlers returning: seniors Allison O'Hara (161), Lauren O'Hara (174), Alexis Naleck (157), Kristie Skoby (173); juniors Nicole Martin (137), Sylwia Skryznski (139), Gabby Vitale (144); sophomore Haley Czabaj (142)
Newcomers: junior Nikki Boeje; freshman Lilliana Perez
Outlook: The Bears had a 19th-place finish at state last season and look to return to Rockford. Senior twins Allison and Lauren O'Hara lead the way along with seniors Alexis Naleck and Kristie Skoby. "We're hoping to return to state again as a team," coach Mel Fox said. "These girls have been bowling together for three years, and we've got a strong group of senior bowlers who have put in their time during the off-season to better themselves. We will continue to work together as a team and a family to build a strong group of bowlers who are committed to improving as individuals and as a team. We will spend a lot of practices picking up spares and looking for another successful season."
LIBERTYVILLE
Coach: Lindsey Siegel (seventh year)
House: Lakeside Recreation Center, Mundelein
Graduated: Ally Doherty
Top bowlers returning: seniors Abbey Humbert, Katelyn Kubalanza; juniors Katie Feisl, Kennah Porcelius
Other bowlers: seniors Allison Friello, Elizabeth Garcia, Chae Lea, Ari Nevarez, Morgan Verbeten; sophomores Kailey Adams, Natalie Czajka, Jada Higgins, Sarah Kenzer, Kristine Kropp, Kylie Pacholski, Anna Wilms; freshman Sofya Karpicheva
Outlook: The Wildcats will count on a strong senior class to lead the way this winter. "This season we have a lot of seniors taking the lead," coach Lindsey Siegel said. "It will be important to build the team up not only for this year, but for the following years. The girls will need to improve their understanding of lane play and how to adjust."
STEVENSON
Coach: Gina Johnson (23rd year)
House: Fairhaven Lanes, Mundelein
Graduated: Amber Albrecht, Neeraja Kadiyala
Top bowlers returning: seniors Genevieve Dominick (175), Jackie Koepp (165)
Newcomers: junior Mariah Dominick; sophomore Reily Sullivan; freshmen Ally Lee, Kelly Radelet, Talia Segal, Yoojin Lee
Outlook: Genevieve Dominick reached sectionals last year, while Jackie Koepp just missed. Both seniors return this season and look to have continued success. The rest of the team is young. "Team goal is just growth and development of our newcomers," coach Gina Johnson said. "Our long term outlook is bright. It's our first good freshman group in a few years."
WARREN
Coach: KC Lange (third year)
House: Bertrand Lanes, Waukegan
Graduated: Victoria Dizon, Sulmarie McGee, Macayla Powers, Kayla Rossi (Valparaiso)
Top bowlers returning: seniors Maggie Faje (181), Hayley Gregerson (181), Amanda Yoder (167); junior Theresa Harrison
Other bowlers: sophomores Mayeril Gil, Briana Haith, Maddison Zeni
Outlook: Warren missed the second day of the state tournament by just 13 pins last season. Kayla Rossi finished 29th, but she graduated. How far can the Blue Devils go this year? "We want to be competitive in conference matches and weekend tournaments," coach KC Lange said. "We want to improve as bowlers and as young ladies. We need to maintain focus, develop positive relationships, and continue practicing with the same intensity and drive that we expect in our program."
NORTHERN LAKE COUNTY
ANTIOCH
Coach: Phil Lindberg (sixth year)
House: Antioch Lanes
Graduated: Jayme Bailey
Top bowlers returning: seniors Jill Everett, Sam Knab; junior Kayla Tikovitsch; sophomores Allison Kane, Lynn Michalec
Newcomers: freshman Alyssa Olson
Outlook: The Sequoits return many bowlers, including senior Sam Knab, who advanced to sectionals last season. The Sequoits also return to Antioch Lanes, which recently reopened. "We should be a strong team this year," coach Phil Lindberg said. "They all have a year experience at the varsity level. I'm very impressed how well they have been bowling so far this year."
GRANT
Coach: Beth Miller (14th year)
House: Lakes Bowl, Round Lake
Graduated: Emily Bajerski, Jamie Goodrum, Nautyca Thul (Robert Morris)
Top bowlers returning: senior Christina Brondi (158); junior Autumn Hernandez (155); sophomore Marisa Garcia (183)
Newcomers: juniors Jorie Burgess (132), Katie Dinschel (135), Hana Yazdani (145)
Outlook: The defending NLCC champs have bowlers in new roles this season after the team graduated three regulars. "We'll focus on improving our fundamentals and sharpening the mental game," coach Beth Miller said. "The team's focus is to defend their NLCC championship and qualify for the sectionals again. The best thing about our team is its focus on representing its school in a positive manner and its support for each other during the long season."
GRAYSLAKE CENTRAL
Coach: Micheal Blasevich (third year)
House: Brunswick Zone Hawthorn Lanes
Graduated: Kelsey Holst (UW-Whitewater), Samantha Kingsfield, Clover Rodriguez (Morningside College), Katrina Seale (Robert Morris)
Top bowlers returning: senior Colleen Thake (157); juniors Maddison Ervin (154), Jessica Gurchak (156); sophomores Bella Dinkel, Ashley Kilmer
Newcomers: junior Victoria Medina; sophomores Natalie Espino, Anne Robins, Yovanna Torres; freshmen Daniella Contreras, Paige Minogue, Grace Serres
Outlook: The Rams lost a good number of bowlers to graduation after a successful run last year in the NLCC. "This will be a rebuilding year," coach Michael Blasevich said. "I want my girls to continue to learn and grow as teammates and as individuals. Every year, we strive to win the NLCC championship and to make a run for the IHSA state series. We had a good year last year, and I'm looking forward to see how the girls compete during this season."
GRAYSLAKE NORTH
Coach: Laura Bertermann (10th year)
House: Lakes Bowl, Round Lake
Graduated: Payton Bertermann (Valparaiso), Bethany Newby
Top bowlers returning: seniors Melissa Barnett (163), Taylor Bell (166), Gaby Silva (202); junior Emily Mack (164) Newcomers: juniors Karissa Ackerman (135), Sam Schlesser (134)
Other bowlers: senior E'sence Kenebrew; juniors Jalynn Knight, Lexi Sears; sophomore Sydney Swiercz
Outlook: Grayslake North graduated Payton Bertermann, who carried a 200 average and is bowling at Valparaiso. The Knights will rely on returning senior Gaby Silva to lead the way with her 200-plus average and experience. "The girls on the varsity last year must continue to stretch and grow to help us maintain our competitive edge," coach Laura Bertermann said. "As a team, we have a lot of work to do this season to be competitive for titles and advancement to sectionals. However, the work ethic and team mentality to improve and compete is palpable. We continually work on the basics and apply them to game scenarios. Developing knowledge about the game and how to adjust is always at the forefront of individual development. As always, it's our team goal to win conference, be in the top four regionals to advance to sectionals and ultimately advance to state."
LAKES
Coach: Melissa Cross (13th year)
House: Antioch Lanes
Graduated: Ashley Popoola
Top bowlers returning: junior Emily Voight (207)
Newcomers: junior Sophia Doris; sophomores Hannah Lawson; freshman Aubrey Kiddle (165)
Other bowlers: senior Rachel May, junior Sarah Rausch
Outlook: Emily Voight returns after finishing 31st in the state tournament as a sophomore. Antioch Lanes, which recently reopened, serves as the Eagles' home house. "This year we're expecting the team to work hard, be consistent and focused with their games," coach Melissa Cross said. "For conference (NLCC), we're expecting our bowlers to be focused and positive, to focus on one ball at a time and one frame at a time, and to support each other and cheer each other on."
ROUND LAKE
Coach: Russell LaChance (first year)
House: Lakes Bowl, Round Lake
Graduated: Danielle Devoss, Allison Pederson, Sami Smith
Top bowlers returning: junior Rayegan Lennington
Newcomers: seniors Monica January, Torriea Kirk; junior Malanali Galvez; sophomores Crystal Garcia, Alexia Brown, Dani Sanchez; freshmen Natalie Castro, Destiny Folz, Alexandrea Francisco, Melanie Franco, Kayla Harris, Michelle Lauritzen, Judith Villegas
Outlook: Russell LaChance takes over as coach from Rebecca Hoffman, who coached the Panthers the last nine years. LaChance has 13 years of coaching experience at Calumet High School in Indiana, Proviso West and Oswego. His Panthers will be on the young side. "Like any team, we will strive to be the best we can be," LaChance said. "We have all new inexperienced bowlers. The sky is the limit, but we have a lot of work to accomplish."
WAUCONDA
Coach: Mindy Lorence (11th year)
House: 3D Bowl, Island Lake
Graduated: Aimee Berg, Kaitlyn Johnson, Diedre Loos, Lilley Meeks, Anna Padula, Shannon Peat
Top bowlers returning: sophomores Kala Issleb (157), Kelli Mason (154), Jasmine McKeel (200)
Newcomers: juniors Samantha Cunningham (125), Gretchen Hoffeditz (125), Katelyn Johns (135)
Outlook: The Bulldogs lost a number of talented bowlers to graduation. "This year will be a transition year due to losing six seniors," coach Mindy Lorence said. "The ladies from last year's junior varsity team are working hard to raise their averages for a spot on varsity. They are motivated to learn, improve and have a successful bowling season."
CENTRAL SUBURBAN
VERNON HILLS
Coach: Andra Dalton (12th year)
House: Brunswick Zone Hawthorn, Vernon Hills
Graduated: Alexia Napierkowski (Illinois State)
Top bowlers returning: junior Ashley Budziak
Newcomers: senior Maria Manzella; juniors Ashley Budziak, Abby Daniels, Veronika Pyshynska, Rinky Shah, Riya Shah, Rebecca Snarski; sophomores Ayen Amadeo
Outlook: Junior Ashley Budziak will lead a young group. "I expect our team to learn about the sport of bowling with so many bowlers who are brand-new to the program and the sport," coach Andra Dalton said. "Our focus will be building the fundamental skills with our brand-new bowlers and continuing to build on those fundamental skills with our returning bowlers."