Malek Taylor
Apopka junior
The two-handed junior took first place in the District 8 tournament with a 702 three-game series, then rolled 957 in four state qualifying games at Boardwalk Bowl, including 279. That was second best among 193 bowlers at the state tournament. Taylor went on to win 3 of 5 state bracket matches, with a 213 average and high game of 276, to finish fourth. He averaged 217 in the regular season for a Blue Darters team that went undefeated.
All-Area bowlers Dakota Beckworth West Orange junior Buzz:
He rolled 644 at District 8 tournament and had 70% strikes in Baker System rounds. Shot 849 in state qualifying (233 high game) to place 26th. Averaged 196.
Bruno Brandao Timber Creek freshman Buzz:
Led the area with 228 per game average in the regular season for undefeated Wolves (16-0). That included a 276 high game, a 473 two-game series and a 719 three-game set.
Truman Byrd Leesburg senior Buzz:
Averaged 214 during the regular season and rolled 581 in District 4. He shot 803 in state qualifying to help Leesburg advance, then was stellar in Baker play to help the Yellow Jackets win the state title.
Richard Caruso Apopka junior Buzz:
Rolled 641 district series and shot 885 in state qualifying — second best among area bowlers — with a 233 high game. Then won 2 of 4 bracket play matches, averaging 240 with a 279 high.
John Connell Leesburg junior Buzz:
Averaged 226 and rolled 706 series to take first in District 4. At state tournament, he shot 850 in qualifying and was the anchor for Baker System victories that gave the Yellow Jackets the championship.
James Drehoble III Hagerty sophomore Buzz:
Averaged 210 during the regular season to lead Seminole County. Shot 663 with a 268 game as the District 7 champ, then rolled 799 in state qualifying for the Huskies, who went 15-1 in conference play.
Tim Harrell East Ridge junior Buzz:
The Knights captain averaged 213 with a 269 high game and a 510 two-game series (266-244). He shot 659 in District 4 and totaled 838 in state tournament qualifying
with 232 game.
Spencer Richter Pine Ridge senior Buzz:
Bowled a perfect 300 game in a sterling regular season performance that included series scores of 579 for two games and 836 for three. Totaled 877 in state qualifying, third best for the area. Averaged 215.
Miguel Rivera-Ruiz Gateway senior Buzz:
Averaged 233 during the regular season with a high three-game series of 739. He took
first place in District 9 with a 682 series and shot 788 in state qualifying with a 235 high game.
Jeremy Walker Apopka junior Buzz:
Averaged 223 in the regular season with a 268 game and 527 two-game series. He shot 699 in District 8 for second, then rolled 852 in state qualifying; fourth best for the area.
Varsity Content Editor Buddy Collings can be reached by email at bcollings@orlandosentinel.com.