Newark girls bowling continues dominant Ohio Capital Conference run, clinches Buckeye
HEATH — Makayla Adams did not want to talk about what the Newark girls bowling team is in the midst of doing, but the Wildcats did not need any good fortune Thursday.
Newark's talent and chemistry did plenty. The Wildcats beat Pickerington Central 1,900-1,590 at Park Lanes in a battle of Ohio Capital Conference-Buckeye Division unbeatens, clinching at least a share of the program's fourth consecutive OCC title.
"We have one more OCC, so don't jinx me," said Adams, one of four Newark seniors. "Senior year is a big year. We have to make it count. We had to get every pin we could. Don't leave any opens. Make your spares. Spares count more than strikes is what we say."
Newark, which celebrates senior night at Park Lanes on Tuesday before a match against Granville at 4 p.m., can wrap up a perfect OCC-Buckeye season with a victory against Groveport at Wayne Webb's Columbus Bowl on Feb. 15. The Wildcats have won 16 consecutive OCC matches and are 22-1 in OCC play during the seniors' four seasons under coach Denise Wiley.
Star senior Jade Gabor led the way Thursday with games of 224 and 191 for a 415 series. She finished just ahead of Central's Emma Pugh, who recorded a high game of 222 and a 403 series.
"That was my biggest goal this year: getting my fourth OCC title," said Gabor, who leads OCC bowlers in league average. The Wildcats have the highest average among teams in the four divisions.
"That was basically all I wanted," Gabor added. "I don't really care about the single games for me. I have my own time."
Newark's depth did the job. Sophomore Lainee Erlenbach followed Gabor with games of 168 and 167, and Adams was next with games of 165 and 153.
Cipher McAlpine, a senior new to the varsity lineup this season, bowled a high game of 142. Senior Andy Hupp added a game of 130 and junior Regan Shanaberg a game of 126.
"We show the (underclassmen) what we do, show them the ropes. Try your best because that's all you can do," Adams said. "I'm really going to be sad when I leave because these girls mean a lot to me. I really enjoy bowling with these people and having a blast."
Newark's attention will soon turn toward the Division I postseason, which begins with the sectional tournament either Feb. 23 or 24.
Gabor, who is considering several high-level offers to compete collegiately, twice has finished in the top five in the district tournament. She placed 29th in the state tournament in March.
"I am doing more mental skills," Gabor said. "My bowling skills are really top tier, so I just need to get my mind straightened out. I lose confidence because some days you don't bowl as well, and it brings you down a little bit. You can't dwell on it."
Frazier setting pace for Newark boys
Missing a couple of shots in his first game could have previously doomed senior Ricky Frazier. On Thursday, however, he regrouped to continue an impressive season for the Newark boys.
Frazier rolled games of 184 and 232 to lead the Wildcats in a loss to Central, 2,140-1,994. His 416 series bested Central's Mason McClellan by four pins.
"I missed two big spares in the first game, but I bounced back," Frazier said. "You just have to not focus on that and let it go. Forgive and forget. That's what I go by. Go on to the next game and be ready to go."
Junior Dylan Price added a high game of 196 during a 345 series for the Wildcats, and sophomore Zayden Rutherford was next with a 186 as a part of a 326 series. Senior Jace Kim added a high game of 174.
Frazier, who was Newark's only returning varsity bowler this season, twice has recorded a career-best 246, and he also has a 245 to his credit.
"At the start of the year, I struggled a little bit, but I came out of a slump and made two all-tournament teams," Frazier said. "I am starting to find my groove again, shooting 230s. … I am working toward getting better every day, every practice, every game. That's all I care about."
740-973-4541
This article originally appeared on Newark Advocate: Newark girls bowling continues dominant Ohio Capital Conference run
