A CLUTCH DARTER
Apopka bowler Bailey leads all-area, No. 1 team
When someone averages around 212 in bowling, it can happen two ways.
Either the bowler rolls enough big games to counteract some low scores, or they’re just exceptionally consistent.
Consider Apopka senior Ben Bailey as a master of the latter. In his final season bowling for Central Florida’s top team, Bailey posted that 212 average with a handful of big games, but he may be more known for his clutch gene when the Blue Darters needed him the most. That’s more than enough to earn him Orlando Sentinel bowler of the year.
His high individual game this season was 279. But in Baker play, he was the all-important anchor when Apopka rolled 288 on its way to winning the Kegel High School Challenge and a 299 game against West Orange in the regular season.
Caleb Ochuizzo, Pine Ridge, Jr. Buzz:
After averaging 212 in the regular season with a 728 high series and 267 high game, he rolled 660 in District 3 for fourth place.
Ned Presley, Lake Brantley, Sr. Buzz:
He improved immensely from his 185 average in the regular season with 625 in District 7 (fourth) and a ninth-place state finish after 916 in qualifying.
Bryce Reel, Celebration, Jr. Buzz:
He rolled a 640 series in District 9 (fourth place) and then shot an 879 set with a 241 high game for 19th overall in the state finals.
Kory Richards, DeLand, Soph. Buzz:
He rolled 663 in District 3 for third place, then shot a nice 877 set in state qualifying (22nd overall) with a 236 high game.
Ryan Ward, South Lake, Sr. Buzz:
Last year’s Sentinel bowler of the year finished his career respectably with 662 in District 4 (fourth) and 868 in state finals (26th overall).
Orange City University; Robert Smith, Tavares.
Blue Darters are again the class of Central Florida, finishing state runner-up after winning district title and the prestigious Kegel Challenge. Centurions should be really good for a while with a pair of talented seventh-graders averaging more than 200 already.
Apopka: Circle Christian:
Titans had three bowlers roll more than 800 in the state finals, including Andrew Barrett’s 928, to place fourth in team qualifying.
Orange City University:
Falcons won District 9 and then qualified 15th for state match-play bracket. And five of their top six are due back.
Slightly down year for Lions after winning state last season, but they still won District 7 and were 23rd in state qualifying. Titans bowled well in finishing runner-up to East River in District 9, then barely missing match play at state in 17th place.
East River: Oviedo: Buzz: Olympia: