Daily Press Staff Report

The Artesia High Bulldog bowling team looked to build on their strong 2024-25 New Mexico High School Bowling season by making a return trip to Silva Lanes in Albuquerque. The first Silva Lanes tournament saw a back-and-forth Advanced Division battle between Artesia No. 1 and Artesia No. 2, with the second team winning the championship by eight pins.

In an advanced division that had eight other schools’ field teams, it was evident early that this once again was going to be a battle of the Bulldogs.

“The thing I would like everyone to realize is that there are some schools in our state that have really good teams and some seriously good bowlers” said Artesia coach Ken Clayton.

“The fact that we battle at the top each week is a testament to the talent of our bowlers and the work they are willing to put in.”

The first game of qualifying saw the Artesia teams tied at 911. The second qualifying round had Artesia No. 2 improve with a 980 game, followed closely by Artesia No.1 with a 974 game as the two teams moved to the Baker game format in first and second place, 1,891-1,885.

The seven Baker game portion of the tournament proved to be Artesia No. 2’s day. A slow first game was followed by a huge 257 game, and with additional games of 203-211-195 Artesia No. 2 had a lead they would not surrender in winning their third NMHSBA title of the season. Leading Artesia No. 2 were three Sophomores in Jace Miles with games of 222 and 212 for a 434 series, Chase Collins with his 203 and 198 games for a 401 series, and Maggie Morris with a 210 game and 365 series. Adding to the Bulldog victory were Damian Lopez with 214 and Mason Jeter with his 207.

Artesia No. 1 recorded the third sweep of the top two positions for the Bulldogs with their runner-up finish and were led by Senior Hagen Murph’s 234 and 203 games and tournament leading 436 series. Adding to Artesia No. 1 scoring were Ayden Gomez with his 223 and 192 games, and 415 series. “Having four bowlers average over 200 and having nine bowlers roll at least one 200 game says something about our team,” said Clayton.

Rounding out the scoring for Artesia No. 1 were Kambry Collins 187-172, and Payton DeMerritt 184.

The Artesia No. 3 intermediate team wasn’t going to allow the advanced division teams to steal all the thunder in nearly pulling off a victory, coming up only 30 pins short in their runner-up finish. “Having three first year bowlers make an Intermediate team alone is an accomplishment, let alone a second-place finish in a sixteen-team field,” Clayton said.

Leaders of the Artesia No. 3 effort were Talyn Pacheco with 190-187, Ayden Huffman 196, Axel Hartley 176, Gael Ruiz 161 and Sebastian Gonzalez 159. Artesia #3’s Baker series of 1204 led the field by over 100 pins.

Additional Bulldog bowlers scoring well at Silva Lanes were Darius Mendoza 211, Jody Roberts 206, Adam Longoria 191-180, Diego Molina 181, Jurijah Gonzales 171, Grant Johnson 168, Ricardo Huerta 166, Alejandro Bahena 165, Destiny Powell 155, Mia Campbell 153, Ayden Dean 153 and Sophie Kitchen 146.

“I tell the kids that we may be battling it out with each other every week, but don’t forget that we as Artesia High School bowling, are 4-0 and undefeated heading to our home tournament this weekend,” said Clayton.

Bowlers host home meet

The Artesia High School bowling team will host a New Mexico High School Bowlers Association (NMHSBA) event consisting of 12 schools that make up 29 teams and 145 bowlers on Saturday, Jan. 18th at the Artesia Lanes. The team events will be held with 15 teams bowling at 9 a.m. and 14 teams competing at 1 p.m.

“This is the one time a year our bowlers have a chance to show the people of Artesia how good they really are and how well they compete against the rest of the state,” said Clayton.

“These Artesia bowlers do a 400 mile, 15 hour Saturdays to compete every week and getting to compete at home in front of our families and our fans is special.”

Kicking off the weekend on Friday at 7 p.m. will be the annual Dan Harvey Memorial singles tournament.

“What started out years ago as a Friday night warm-up for our team and to honor a man I admired so much in Dan Harvey, has turned into an amazing night of one hundred high school bowlers competing in a three-game tournament in an incredible atmosphere,” Clayton said.

“Coach Laura Weddige and I would ask that everyone come out and support these bowlers. Our school brings bleachers to the bowling center and our tournament is truly an experience that our kids look forward to.”