Owensboro’s boys’ bowling team won the first ever Team Regional Title in the program’s history after winning the championship match 3-1 against Apollo. Both The Red Devils and the Eagles will both advance to the State Championship on Feb. 6 at Kingpin Lanes in Louisville.
The Region 1 Tournament was held from Jan. 25-26 and consisted of team play and individual play for both boys and girls.
OHS
Owensboro’s boys’ team placed 1st overall to secure their first ever Team Regional Championship and move on to State. After seeding 2nd out of 19 teams, Owensboro beat Warren Central, Ohio County and McCracken County before they met Apollo in the championship. They defeated the Eagles 3-1 and lifted the trophy for the first time in the program’s history. Head Coach Regina Christensen said the team is very deserving of their accomplishment.
“We have been working with these bowlers to get them to where they are now,” she said. “They have been working hard, and it is showing on the lanes. These boys are very deserving of this title.”
The Lady Red Devils were seeded 12th out of 15 teams, but were eliminated in the first round after being defeated 3-1 by Bowling Green. In the individual competition, Deghen Riggs qualified to move onto the State tournament after placing 3rd overall in the boys’ competition. Tristan Miller placed 11th in individuals as well. For the girls’ team, Zalaya Brison placed highest for the Lady Red Devils at 23rd place.
AHS
Apollo’s boys’ team placed 2nd overall and will advance to the State Tournament. After being seeded 5th, they eliminated Daviess County in their first match 3-1. They then beat South Warren 3-1 to move onto the semifinals where they beat Bowling Green 3-2. They faced off against Owensboro in the final where they were defeated 3-1 to earn the runner-up finish. Eagles’ Assistant Coach Ryan Gatton said the team has fallen short of advancing to state the past few years, so this finish was a long time coming.
“It felt like a long time coming for our boys,” he said. “We have had some great teams and great players in the past years that have fallen just short of going to state, but this team was able to come together at the right time and do something special. Connor Nantz, senior, and Landon Thompson, junior, were our stars all day long and were the key to having such a great day at the alley. Our Trio of seniors, Connor Nantz, Charlie Roberts, and Chase “em down” Jones, led the way with their veteran leadership, and we are so proud of them. Good luck at state boys!”
Apollo’s girls’ team secured the #1 seed and the bye before they beat Henderson 3-0 in their first match. They moved on to play hosts South Warren in the semifinal where they were defeated 3-1. In individual play, the E-gals had 3 bowlers make the Region 1 All-Star Team. Madison Emmick placed 5th overall, Gracie Brown placed 6th and Sophie O’Bryan placed 9th to make the All-Star Team and will compete against other regional all-star teams on Feb. 24. For the boys’ team, the top individual finisher for the Eagles was Connor Nantz in 17th place.
DCHS
Daviess County’s girls’ team were seeded 11th before they won their first match against Metcalfe County 3-0. They were eliminated in the quarterfinal round after being defeated by McCracken County 3-0. The boys’ team were seeded 12th before they were defeated 3-1 in the first round by Apollo.
In individuals, Maddie Phelp secured her spot at State and was named to the Regional All-Star Team alongside Taylor Curry, and will go on to play against the other regional teams on Feb. 24. Phelps placed 3rd overall and Curry placed 8th to qualify for the all-star team. For the boys’, Ocean Barnett also qualified for the Regional All-Star Team after placing 8th in individuals.
OCHS
Owensboro Catholic’s boys’ team were seeded at 16th before they won their first match against Paducah Tilghman. They were eliminated in the quarterfinals after they were defeated by Bowling Green. In individuals, Meredith Fischer placed highest for the Lady Aces at 13th overall. In individuals, Mitchell Sims ranked the highest for the Aces placing 47th.
