Girls bowling: Wauconda's McKeel closes out high school career

Over the last three years, Wauconda's Jasmine McKeel has made her way into the IHSA girls bowling state tournament. But, going back to her freshman year she was left a pin short of getting a chance to compete at the Cherry Bowl in Rockford.

For McKeel that only helped her pick things up, keep practicing and got her mindset for the following years.

Actually, she did that not only her sophomore year, but her junior year and in her final opportunity as a senior.

She made state for three straight years and also made the second day in each of those years, which was a great accomplishment for McKeel, who plans on bowling in college at Mount Mercy in Iowa.

On Saturday, McKeel was trying to get herself up to the Top 12 for a medal, but she couldn't get to that level and ended her run in 36th place after reaching 21st last year.

"It was pretty tough bowling this year," McKeel said. "The lanes were different and I kind of put some pressure on myself. In looking back, I wouldn't trade it for anything in the world. I learned every year and am thankful for the opportunity for the three years making the second day. I got a lot of experience and want to take it with me to college."

McKeel rolled a 637 on Saturday morning with games of 213, 236 and 188. Then she threw a 579 with a high game of 233 in the afternoon and finished with a 12-game total of 2,359.

Aubrey Kiddle of Lakes was also trying to finish near the top but ended in 26th place. She had a 554 and 626 on Saturday. Her games in the afternoon were consistent being 202, 214 and 210. Her 12-game series was 2,395.

Mary Orf of O'Fallon was the individual champion with a total of 2,743. She had a 760 with games of 227, 297 and 236 in the morning and threw a 661 over the last three games with a 278 game.

Lockport was the state champion posting a team total of 12,353 pins. Harlem was second (11,955) and Minooka third (11,857).