HAWTHORNE – Hawthorne High School bowling head coach John LaForge believes the experience for the last few years will only get better in the 2016-17 season.

The Bears had a big season in 2015-16 that included coming in second place at the Passaic County Tournament, winning the North 1B state sectional title and also the North Jersey Interscholastic Conference Colonial Division title.

LaForge has even higher expectations for this season with the return of All Passaic County first team bowlers, seniors Steve Plaszky and Madison Perry along with returning starter, senior Nick Hauser.

“This year’s team is about equal, as far as bowling talent,” said LaForge. “However, I believe this team has more competitive experience. Having three seniors with four years of state sectional experience and surviving and winning the New Year’s team challenge last year, this team is ready to perform.”

For LaForge the key to rack up the titles again and more could come down to freshman Amanda Madara and sophomore Hunter Perry, the brother of Madison. The biggest hole to fill from last season’s team is graduated senior captain Ian Bruinooge. “The key to our success will be the ability of the upperclassmen to perform at their highest level and if they are able to transfer their knowledge and experience to our underclass teammates,” added LaForge.

In terms of Madison Perry she finished last season with a 192 average and was a qualifier for the New Jersey Individual Championship where she finished 13th. “I had a really successful season individually with making it to states and placing 13th, but I would like to push a little farther in the finals,” said Madison Perry who sort of joked about registering a perfect game this season. “It’d be awesome if I could pull out a perfect game (300) haha, but you never know. This is my last year and I just want to make it a memorable season.”

 

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http://www.northjersey.com/story/sports/high-school/bowling/2016/12/04/hawthorne-bowling-season-preview/94828156/