The biggest struggle for Upper Valley bowling teams this winter won’t be winning matches. It will be the challenge to find lanes on which to practice because of Vermont’s restrictions on nonessential travel during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Hartford bowling has moved from its normal home of Claremont’s Maple Lanes to Randolph’s Valley Bowl. Windsor, another Maple Lanes guest, is still searching for a place to play.
White River Valley returns five varsity bowlers, something that excites coach Shannon Palone. Stevens will be at Maple Lanes and look to build off its seventh-place performance at last year’s NHIAA team championships.
Coach: Cean Lieberman (3).
Last year: Ranked 11th entering team championships, lost in quarterfinals to eventual state champion Fair Haven.
League: VPA Division I.
Returnees: Senior — Ryan Burnham. Junior — Cean Lieberman. Sophomores — Franklin George III, Corinne George, Hailey Rogers.
Newcomers: Seniors — Parker Kehoe, Jalen Labonte. Sophomore — Leara King. Freshman — Maxwell Portnoy.
Analysis: Junior Cean Liberman, the coach’s son, fell in the round of 16 at last year’s state individual championships and will look to build off that performance.
“Good group of returning bowlers, experienced with offseason bowling leagues,” said Hurricanes coach Cean Lieberman. “Newcomers have shown signs of ability and potential.”
Coach: Shawn Wadsworth (10).
Last year: Finished seventh overall in the team tournament.
League: NHIAA Division I.
Returnees: Senior — Bryce Weymouth, Clayton Wadsworth. Junior — Alexys Corliss. Sophomores — Cam Bard, Colby Craig.
Newcomers: Sophomore — R.J. Raymond.
Analysis: The Cardinals will look for Cam Bard to build off his strong showing at last year’s NHIAA individual state tournament. Clayton Wadsworth won’t be found only on the lanes this season; he’s a guard for the boys basketball team.
Coach: Shannon Palone (9).
Last year: Ranked No. 9 entering team championships, lost to No. 1 Windsor in quarterfinals.
League: VPA Division I.
Returnees: Senior — Alex Madden. Juniors — Hannah Bryan, Nicholas Ramos, Kaleb Thornton, Hayden Howe.
Analysis: Shannon Palone returns five bowlers who all have varsity experience and has a strong group of freshmen who might get some action later this season. Getting in practice reps will be the biggest challenge for the Wildcats; as of Jan. 19, they had only practiced together once.
Coach: Steve Bly (9).
Last year: Patrick Kelley won state individual championship. Team finished first in the regular season, knocked out in the semifinals by No. 4 South Burlington.
League: VPA Division I.
Returnees: Senior — Maddy Leduc. Juniors — Bailey Eddy, Patrick Kelley, Jacob Underhill, Jasmine Martens.
Newcomers: Freshman — Avery Bean.
Analysis: Windsor will have to reload after graduating six seniors and dominating regular-season competition last winter. The Yellowjackets do return Patrick Kelley, the reigning state champion.