Experienced Mount Vernon bowlers set sights on league title and postseason run

An experienced core of bowlers on both the boys’ and girls’ teams have the Mount Vernon bowling teams looking at big things.

The boys’ squad returns two seniors and three juniors to this year’s squad. Back are seniors Griffin Beach and J’Haxom Byron, as well as juniors Cooper Ferguson, Bryce Hollenbeck and Jacob Primm.

“We return bowlers who competed in big matches last season, giving us a solid foundation of players who understand expectations, pressure and how to handle different lane conditions,” said MV bowling coach Nathan Cooper.

That quintet will be joined by senior James Coburn and freshman Andrew Primm.

On the girls’ side, MV returns senior Addyson Dusenberry, as well as juniors Haylie Watts, Dani Bumpus and McKenna Miller.

Add in promising newcomers Elena Culletto, Lila Ackley and Madi Davis and Cooper will have a talented squad.

Cooper feels both squads’ strengths will include improved depth, a good work ethic and improvement in spare shooting.

“We have more bowlers capable of contributing at the varsity level. This creates competition in practice and gives us flexibility with lineups,” Cooper said. “This group listens, learns and wants to get better. They take feedback well and apply it quickly, which makes practices productive and helps our overall growth.”

Cooper has strengthened the Jackets’ schedule this year, adding more tournaments to help get the team better prepared for the post-season. With the experience, talent and work ethic of this year’s squad, he feels they have a shot at winning the Licking County League and advancing in the post-season.

“We’ve adjusted our schedule this year to include more tournaments. The goal is to better prepare our teams for the postseason environment, especially since last year we saw how overwhelming the crowds and commotion at the end-of-the-season events can be,” Cooper said. “With more experience in tournament settings, we expect our bowlers to feel more confident and ready when it matters most.

“I believe both our boys’ and girls’ teams have a real chance to compete for a conference title this season. There are definitely some strong teams in the league, but we match up well with all of them.”