ARTESIA — The Artesia High School varsity bowling team traveled to Starlight Lanes last week for the final event of the New Mexico High School Bowling Association (NMHSBA) season.
With the Starlight tournament being the final event prior to this week’s 2023-24 NMHSBA State Championships, the Advanced Division was loaded with 11 of the best teams in the state.
The Artesia No. 1 team showed they are well prepared to defend their Class 4A state championship by beginning the tournament with team games of 975 and 969. A 1,358 Baker game series, including a strong 214 finish, allowed the Bulldogs’ top team to edge Rio Rancho High School by 23 pins for the title.
Artesia No. 1’s winning effort was led by Hagen Murph with a tournament-high 243 game, as well as a 201 game and a 444 series. Additional title team members were Jace Miles (205-199), Payton DeMerritt (204), Chase Collins (202-182) and Tyler Romine (183). Artesia No. 2, also competing in the Advanced Division, placed fourth with Brent McIntire leading the way with games of 221-207, supported by Mason Jeter (210-183), Ayden Gomez (196) and Brenden Depew (188-184).
The Intermediate Division was a battle of the Bulldogs, with Artesia bowlers making up four of the division’s teams.
“Having to put so many teams in the top divisions because their averages are so high is a problem I will never complain about,” said Coach Ken Clayton.
Artesia No. 4 came home with a third-place finish and showed off five bowlers with tournament personal-best scores. First-year bowler Grant Jackson averaged over 200 for the day with his 219-190 tournament and was joined by Adam Longoria (223), Jacob Parrish (213-175), Sebastian Gonzalez (207) and Jackson Parker (175).
“Blue trophies are great, and we hope to get a lot more of them, but when Coach Weddige and I see first-year bowlers rolling 200 games and the excitement that goes with it, that is what coaching is about,” said Clayton.
Additional Bulldogs putting up strong scores were Jaiden Orquiz (221-172), Angelo Silvas (212), Talyn Pacheco (189-183), Damian Lopez (189), Aiden Dawkins (189), Ricardo Huerta (182-174), Justice Aragones (181), Darius Mendoza (175), Diego Molina (175), Beau Medley (169), Mia Campbell (159), Destiny Powell (155) and Elijah Miranda (136).
“Our bowlers have had a strong season with four Advanced Division wins, three Intermediate wins and two Rookie wins,” Clayton said. “Along with the division titles, our teams have added five runner-up finishes. Coach Weddige and I are proud that this team is 35 strong and truly support each other top to bottom.
“We will now select eight bowlers to represent our team and our school at the state championship in Albuquerque on Friday. It is tough to pick the team this season, but no matter what, this is a full team effort and we have always recognized that.”