Of the 10 division titles the Howell High School girls bowling team has won in the last 11 years, this season’s championship was perhaps the most difficult.
The Rebels withstood the challenge of Jackson Memorial High School and Jackson Liberty High School and an overall improved Shore Conference B Central Division to win their second straight title and ninth in the last 10 years.
Howell finished the division season with a 37-8 record, two games ahead of Jackson Memorial (35-10) and three games ahead of Jackson Liberty (34-11), both of Jackson Township.
Like Howell’s previous championship teams, this squad has a will to win.
“As with past teams, this year’s team has the same relentless determination and dedication to the sport they love,” said Howell coach Dave Clampffer, comparing the 2011 Rebels to the other championship teams.
“All of them work on their games five to seven days a week, not just during the season, but also in the offseason. They understand the meaning of working hard and smarter, and using that knowledge to accomplish their team and individual goals,” he said.
This title may be the most rewarding because of the teams Howell had to get past to claim the crown.
“The main difference for this team is the hard-fought victories due to the other great teams in our division,” Clampffer said. “At one point in the season, four of the six teams in our division were ranked in the top 20 in the state. These victories against top opponents have made this year’s team mentally tough and more battle-ready.”
Being tested under fire in league play had its rewards at the NJSIAA Central Jersey Group IV championships at Brunswick Zone Carolier Lanes in North Brunswick. The Rebels finished second behind defending champion North Brunswick by 29 pins, 2,800 to 2,771. By finishing second, the Rebels qualified for the NJSIAA Tournament of Champions, which was held on Feb. 14 at Carolier Lanes.
Ashley Buck, who rolled a 614 series, and Kendall Patterson (577) finished sixth and 15th, respectively, to advance to the state individual tournament on Feb. 16 at Carolier Lanes.
Allison Savoye, who had a 570 series, had the second highest game of the tournament, 246.
Clampffer praised the leadership of his seniors, Buck, Savoye and Alexandra Garcia, for playing a big role in Howell’s success.
“From day one they worked tirelessly to motivate and bring the girls together as a team,” the coach said. During the B Central season, Howell led the division with a team average of 883 (42 pins better than Jackson Liberty). The Rebels also had the high scratch game, 1,032, and scratch series, 2,909.
Buck led the team with a 187 average and was followed by junior Shanna Kelly (184). Savoye (175), Patterson (170) and sophomore Jamie Kelly (167) rounded out the starters’ scoring.
Substitutes Leanne Reed (161), a sophomore, and senior Alexandra Garcia (152) also came through with solid performances when Clampffer put them in the lineup.