Lady Lions lost a lot, but expect winning ways to continue

Last year was a great year for Minerva, even if the Lions did not punch their ticket to the OHSAA Girls Div. II state tourney.

Despite failing to advance to state, the Lady Lions had an impressive season, finishing 19-1 and going a perfect 10-0 in the Stark County High School Bowling Conference’s American Division. Minerva also made it through the Eastern Buckeye Conference schedule without a blemish, posting an 8-0 mark.

For these achievements, Dana Keister was recognized as Coach of the Year by the EBC. And a big reason for his success was Jadynn Thompson, who was not only named to the first team, but was also saluted as Player of the Year. The Lady Lions also had three bowlers named to the second team: seniors Kayla Henderhan, Lillian Kugler, and Izabelle Genet.

All of those bowlers are gone as Minerva lost some considerable firepower; after all, Thompson sported the highest average in the American Division (198.21) alongside the high individual game of 267.

Now, this is not to say the Lions are bereft of talent — far from it. Minerva welcomes back letter winners Bailey Wood, who was first team EBC and All-County, and finished third in the American Division with an average of 182.79. She will be joined by juniors Rylan Klitz (162.46), who was named second team All-County and honorable mention EBC, and Alexis Gonzalez, who received honorable mention recognition from the EBC.

To the mix are four newcomers, led by senior Rainique Simmons, sophomore Alyson Gonzalez, and freshmen Arianna Loy and Kayden Holcomb. All of them will be expected to contribute right out of the gate, placing the Lions in new territory after several seasons of seasoned experience. Keister is confident his team will find the way and establish its footing.

“We hope to compete and hold our own as the majority of our team is new to the high school bowling environment,” he said. “We hope our young team can hold their own and control their nerves and bowl like we know they all can.”

Nerves are part of the game, however, particularly when there is so much new blood in the lineup. That is something that will settle down as the newer players acclimate themselves to the sport.

The Minerva tradition and the leadership of bowlers such as Wood and Klitz will keep the Lions in the game and contending for another championship. As seems to be the case, both the American Division and the EBC will likely come down to one of two teams.

“We’re hoping for a first-place finish but can always expect Carrollton to put up a good fight,” said Keister.

The Lady Lions got their first win under their belts as they defeated Massillon Washington 1,887-1,754 Nov. 19 at Minerva Bowl. Wood had a monster second game of 247 to post the high series of 414 in leading Minerva, while Klitz (192-156) rolled a 348 series. With the nonconference win, the Lady Lions move to 1-0 on the young season.