Kahoks bowling takes second at LeCuyer
By Mark Jurgena
Easing into the season is not part of the Collinsville bowling philosophy.
After traveling deep into Southern Illinois two weeks ago, the Kahoks had two more big events last week.
They took part in the initial two days of the Southwestern Conference Tournament then turned around and hosted the annual Zach LeCuyer Tournament Saturday at Camelot Bowl.
LeCuyer Tourney
Collinsville fired a 3320 series to take the lead after the morning but couldn’t quite hold on for the team title as O’Fallon was able to overtake CHS for the title.
“We are still not quite bowling where our potential is,” said CHS coach Sean Hay. “We bowled very well in the first half but not in the second half. Even with the little stumbles, we finished second in the tournament.”
O’Fallon rolled a 6232 for the tourney while the Kahoks finished a mere 47 pins back. Mascoutah finished in third place.
“We had 30 teams in the building and with a few exceptions, we pretty much have the best of the south every year,” said Hay. “The top teams from this tournament, five of the six go to the state finals from this area. It’s kind of a dipstick to know where you are.”
Kahok Mason Foley fired a 689 and a 635 for a 1324 series on the day. That was good for 3rd place individually.
“He’s really stepped up this year and he’s starting to shine,” said Hay. “He’s had a couple of lower games, but he’s become the bowler he’s been working towards all this time.”
Carterville’s Evan Flath was the tourney winner with a huge 747 series in the afternoon to register 1440 for the tourney.
Cole Buckman finished in 9th place with a 1272 series. He was the tourney leader after the morning session after a 716 series.
Brandon Campbell took 12th place with a 1258 series on the day. He sat in 4th place at the break after rolling a 692 in the morning.
“One of the things I would like to see is them going from a decent level to a level they are absolutely capable of,” said Hay. “I’d like to see them level up. Once this occurs I think we’re going to see a much better team than what we have now which is already a very competitive team.”
Ben Sloan took 33rd place with an 1193 score for the day.
Jacob Taylor was next for the Kahoks with a 537 series for the afternoon.
“It was nice to have Jacob Taylor back,” said Hay. “He was one that I know has been working a lot in the offseason. It’s taken him a little while to shake the rust off because he’s been full-time football, especially with the playoffs. But it was nice to see him back and almost in perfect form.”
SWC Tourney
The Southwestern Conference uses a combination of a four-day tournament format and the dual matches from the regular season to determine a champion.
After the first two days of competition, on November 8 and 9, Belleville East holds a 97 pin lead over O’Fallon. Alton is in 3rd place 138 pins back and the Kahoks show up in 4th place at 162 pins back.
Campbell led the way for Collinsville with a 1207 series after two days with Foley right behind at 1204. Sloan came in at 1199 and Buckman rolled 1194 between days at Edison’s in Edwardsville and Camelot Bowl.
Foley rolled 245 during his third game of day one for the high individual score at Edison’s. Sloan had the high game of 235 at Camelot on day two.
The final two days of the SWC Tourney will be Dec. 12 at St. Clair Bowl in Fairview Heights and two days later at Bel-Air Bowl in Belleville.
Upcoming Schedule
Collinsville hosts Alton today at Camelot Bowl. Admission is either one can or boxed goods which will be donated to local food pantries.
Saturday the team will be at Town & Country Lanes in Joliet for the Plainfield North Invite.
