Boys Bowling: Lincoln-Way Central finds range vs Joliet Central

Updated: December 1, 2011 9:10PM

The boys bowling coaches at Joliet Central and Lincoln-Way Central are looking for the same thing in this early part of the season. They would both be happy with consistency from their inexperienced teams.

Lincoln-Way Central had a pair of bowlers come up just short of 200 games Thursday in a 1,665-1,481 SouthWest Suburban crossover victory over Joliet Central at Tinley Park Bowl. The Knights won the individual games 817-691 and 848-790.

“Really, we have a pretty new team,” Lincoln-Way Central coach Ken Fiore said. “We’ll throw a pretty big number once in a while, but right now we’re looking for consistency, to be able to stay focused and consistent.”

The Knights have split their four SouthWest Suburban duals, while Joliet Central, in just its second varsity season, has lost its first four.

Season scoring leader Ryan Linder rolled games of 199 and 196 for a 395 series for the Knights. Nick Kress had a 198 second game that included three consecutive early strikes, and a 365 series. Seth Gajdorus rolled a 335 series and Greg Wymer a 317 for Lincoln-Way, which improved to 3-2 overall.

The Knights lineup has two sophomores, including Kress, and three upperclassmen who have not been on the team before, including Linder. The Knights also are without senior Danny Derby, an expected top-two scorer, who is recovering from appendicitis.

The consistency Joliet Central coach Darren Meyers is looking for comes from trying to get a program going.

“This is only our second year, so it is a case of getting kids interested and involved and starting from the ground up,” Meyers said.

Matt Shunk, his top scorer with an average of nearly 175, rolled just a 122 first game before rebounding with a 193. Drake Bernhard (179, 152) had the top series at 331 for Joliet Central.

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