By: James McKeever
Despite losing to Edison in the GMC Tournament last Thursday, South Brunswick boys bowling coach Brian Burniston is extremely proud of his kids, who went down with a fight.
"We pushed them to three games. They were all close games, all decided in the 10th frame," said Burniston. "I thought the kids bowled very well."
The Vikings had some of their worst performances in the two regular-season matches against Edison. But in the GMCT, South Brunswick went toe-to-toe with the Eagles.
In the best-of-three games format, No. 7 seed Edison won the first game, 989-967. The 10th-seeded Vikings pulled even with a 948-939 victory. The decisive game went to Edison, 1,001-958. South Brunswick’s record ended up 15-10-1.
"We came back strong after losing the first game. We didn’t panic," Burniston said. "In the end I think their experience was the difference. Edison has a lot of seniors and we only have one. But our kids gave it their best shot, showed up and bowled very well. The other team was just a bit better that day."
Matt Forthun led South Brunswick with a 668, rolling games of 236 and 235. Devin Burk rolled a 612 on the strength of a 225 game. Matt Sichel turned in a 202 game and a 547 set. Jared Kohutanycz had a 522, Chris DeSouza a 520 and Adam Kinder a 491.
The Vikings’ season is not over yet. On Saturday they will compete in the NJSIAA Central Jersey Sectional at Carolier Lanes. The top five teams and top 15 individuals advance to the state finals on Feb. 20.
"If we bowl the way we can, we’ll be in good shape," Burniston said. "We probably have to bowl 3,000 to advance. Of course there will be about 20 teams there who can bowl 3,000."
