One Strike at a Time, Boys Bowling Dominates the Lanes

The team finished second in the division for the second straight year. *Photo: Continental Studios*

By MEGAN LIU and OMAR GONZALEZ

The Boys Bowling Team started off their regular season with an eight game win streak and finished with an impressive 9-1 record, securing a spot in the playoffs. Unfortunately though, their journey was cut short when they fell into the hands of the number one seed, New Dorp, in the second round of playoffs, losing 3-0. Although they didn't get the ending they worked so hard for, the boys showed heart throughout the season, putting their best foot forward and supporting each other all the way.

On October 28, the team entered the first round of the playoffs against the High School of Telecommunication Arts and Technology. They took home the win in the first game, 687-606, with Andrew Ngo ‘27, the A team’s anchor, bowling a 229.

Just three lanes down was the B team, consisting of Christopher Ayala ‘28, Sky Woo ‘28, Marc Hoang ‘27, and Jahssiah Philbert-Flack ‘26. The match was neck and neck, but the Hornets came through with a spare to end the game 477-473 and clinch the win.

“Telecom has really good players, so competing with them was a challenge,” said Jordy Jimenez ‘27. “But it pushed us to play our best.”

“I was excited because their coach was my former student,” said Head Coach Mr. Michael Moore. “We were the 16th seed and they were the 17th seed, so we both had an equal chance to win.”

On October 30, just two days after celebrating their playoff victory, the boys fell to New Dorp, losing the A game 722-608 and the B game 692-494.

“It may not have been our proudest game, but it was still enjoyable,” said Ivan Chen ‘26.

The team took home some individual accolades this year as well. On November 1, Ngo competed in the city individual tournament at Funfest Lanes, winning third place. Ngo started bowling in the eighth grade. “I stayed inside a lot, so my dad dragged me to the alley and I bowled with him and my brother,” he said. “At first, I disliked it, but now I love the game.”

The boys acknowledged Mr. Moore for his support throughout the season.

“Coach is someone you can always fall back on,” said Ngo. “He coordinates a lot and takes his personal time just for our team. I’m very grateful.”

“He’s really patient and always pushes us to stay focused and consistent, which helps us perform stronger as a team,” said Jimenez.

This season continued a trend of excellence, as the team also finished 9-1 last year, and 8-2 in 2023-2024. Though the Hornets ended their journey faster than hoped for this time, their run was nevertheless extraordinary, and it revealed each bowler’s passion and dedication to the both the game and to each other.