By Tim Morris
With a 3-0 win over Freehold Township High School, the Howell High School girls bowling team is in a familiar position: first place.
The Rebels, who have been Shore Conference division champions 13 of the last 15 years, moved into first place in B Central with a 15-3 record following their Jan. 13 win at Howell Lanes. Freehold Township, which had been in first place for most of the season, slipped to 14-4.
This was the final meeting between the two teams this season.
Jackson Memorial High School (12-6) is still in the chase.
Champagne Hill has been leading the Rebels with her 183 average. She is followed closely by Amanda Dorner (173) and Nicolle Wetzel (171). All are veterans.
Completing the Rebels’ scoring are Madison Gibson (155) and Alexa Scranton (143).
“Our returnees are doing great,” Howell head coach Bob Wetzel said. “Champagne Hill, Amanda Dorner and Nicolle Wetzel have led the team, [and] newcomers Madison Gibson, Alexa Scranton, Samantha Chibbaro and Olivia Bosko have filled in for the varsity great.”
Howell is having a good season outside the dual meets with a fourth-place showing at the Bishop George Ahr High School tournament and third-place finishes at the Carteret Baker and Brick tournaments.
Freehold Township’s balanced lineup includes Clare Chaffer (174), Allison Finn (165), Victoria Parinello (160), Danielle Taylor (150) and Amanda Fendelender (149).
Colts Neck High School has one of the best bowlers in the division in Jen Sisti, who is averaging 185 for the season.
Manalapan High School’s Kailey Siagkris is averaging 168.
On the boys side, Freehold Township (22-11) and Howell (21-12) are chasing Jackson Memorial (26-7).
Ricky Garvey is averaging a team-high 210 for last year’s NJSIAA Group IV state champions. Tom Laskay (188) and Jeremy Geller (183) are averaging more than 180, and Jon Golba (171) has been a steady contributor.
Robbie Wetzel is averaging an even 200 for Howell. Brian Garofano (194), Jeremy Isaacs (192), T.J. Carey (189) and Joe Inserra have been the Rebels’ mainstays.
Other bowlers having good seasons are Manalapan’s Dan Natoli (193) and Tom Cardella (189).
