The boys’ bowling team won the MHSAA state final on March 6 after winning the same title last year.

“It was pretty amazing to win back-to-back state titles,” senior Brandon Richard said. “But the best part about it was doing it with my family. All eight of them are my brothers, and I wouldn’t trade them for anything.”

The final match was against Bay City Western, which jumped in the lead early in baker games.

Kearsley lost the first baker game 160-152 and the second 173-168.

Already in a deficit, the boys had to rely on individual games for the win.

Said win came by a measly seven pins. Final pin total, Kearsley 1,351, Western 1,344.

Senior Anthony Kelly contributed well, rolling a 226.

This is a 19-pin gain, when the stakes were high, from Kelly’s average, which is 207.

Kelley said that winning another state title was “incredible.”

Kearsley had some assistance from a newcomer, junior Phil Hawes.

Hawes bowled for the junior varsity team this season.

Coach Bart Rutledge called up Hawes to varsity to help lock down the state title. The coaching move proved to be fruitful.

Hawes and fellow junior Chad Stephen will look to be the only returning members for the team next season, as all other members are seniors.

Part of the Hornets’ success in winning back-to-back championships is attributed to having an experienced team.

Kearsley only lost one bowler last year.

Next season could be challenging since the Hornets will only return two bowlers from the varsity team.

Kelley gave some advice to the team next year saying the Hornets will need to focus most on being a team to have a chance of winning.

However, the good news is Stephen led the team this season with a 214 average and won the MHSAA Division 2 singles title this season.

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