Top central Ohio boys bowling teams ready to strike it big in 2023-24 season
Judging from rosters alone, it would not be a surprise if central Ohio’s top boys bowling teams from a season ago find themselves vying for state tournament spots — if not championships — come late February and early March.
Defending Division I district champion Westerville Central returns its entire lineup other than 2023 graduate Kyle Richardson.
Hilliard Davidson did not lose anyone following a campaign in which it went 14-0 in the regular season, came in seven pins behind Central at district and led the area at state with a third-place finish.
And Jonathan Alder’s Drew Damron, the state runner-up by two pins, is poised to build on that career highlight in his junior season.
“There is great high school bowling talent in central Ohio, but I’m hopeful we can be a factor when it comes down to it,” Central coach Greg Smock said. “Having those guys who have been there before really pays off.”
Seniors Ben Cantieri and Logan Henslee, who combined to average 392 pins per game a season ago, lead a Warhawks team that must fill in for Richardson, the sixth-place finisher individually at state. Junior Michael Gastin is injured to start the year, but classmate Aidan Turner, sophomore Mason Henslee and freshman Kyle Richardson are expected to pick up any slack.
2023-24 preview: 12 central Ohio boys bowlers to watch
Davidson seniors Caelan Guthrie and Nicholas Bremer tied for seventh and placed 15th, respectively, at state. Seniors James Pettis, Tim Voigt Jr., Derek Wellman and Andy Willman also are back, as are junior Logan Asp and sophomore Aidan Lieb.
The Wildcats opened the season with a fourth-place finish in the Ohio High School State Invitational Kick-Off Tournament Nov. 17 at HP Lanes.
“There was a lot of excitement, definitely, and they know what is possible,” coach Tim Voigt Sr. said. “They also realize we’re on the map now. People know who we are. Teams will bring their best games against us and we have to do the same thing. We’ve been really harping on that. We still have good opportunities, but we have to work hard.”
Damron was second at district by four pins to Big Walnut’s Aidan Furukawa, and state runner-up with a 705. The top four individual placers at state, including defending champion and senior Carson Shroyer of Beavercreek, all return this season.
“To repeat and get back to (state) is a task in itself,” Jonathan Alder coach Rusty Walter said. “Drew is just really steady. That’s the key. He’s a steady kid and a man of few words.”
This article originally appeared on The Columbus Dispatch: Top central Ohio boys bowlers ready to strike it big in 2023-24
