Some big names head this list, but there is definitely some room for argument although this sport has been MHSAA sponsored only since 2004.
Remember, we're introducing a potential All-Decade team each Thursday until December, when, based on your comments and my original groupings, we'll come up with our All-Decade teams for each sport. Check out the links at the bottom of this post to contribute to all of the conversations so far.
Here's what I have for a start:
Jalen White, Lansing Catholic (2010) -- Burst on the scene with multiple 300 games as a freshman and won the Division 3 state championship a year later. He’s made at least the match play all three seasons, averaging between 209-216 during that time.
A.J. Ward, Ionia (2009) -- Made the Division 2 state quarterfinals and semifinals his final two seasons, respectively, after either winning his regional or finishing second. He averaged at least 207 in both.
Chad Fox, Holt (2007) -- Selected to four LSJ Dream Teams and as the Bowler of the Year as both a sophomore and senior. He averaged 220 and won his regional by 156 pins as a senior and made the state semifinals as a sophomore.
Eric Kozdemba, Haslett (2006) -- Averaged what was at the time a CAAC record 215.1 in being named Bowler of the Year as a senior. He also led the league in average as a junior.
Jordan Valentine, Mason (2011) -- Averaged an incredible 227.5 in league matches as a freshman and rolled a 300 game. He made the state match play as a freshman and also made the state tournament as a sophomore.
Others in the conversation:
Jordan Foster, Holt (2010): Averaged 213 in the Blue last season to make the Dream Team, and also made the state tournament as a freshman.
Austin Landry, Charlotte (2011): Named LSJ Bowler of the Year last season after leading the area with a 219 average and finishing second at his regional. He also rolled a 300 and made the all-state team.
Ray Crippen, Ionia (2004): One of many who have seemed to put up similar numbers for the Bulldogs, Crippen was the first LSJ Bowler of the Year, with a 206 average and after making the first state match play.
Scott Honeysett, Grand Ledge (2004): Led the area with a 214.7 average in the first season bowling was sponsored by the MHSAA.
And the coaches: Ithaca’s Wally Schneider has led the Yellowjackets to the state tournament every season, by my quick count, and Kendall Krick has taken Ionia there all but once and led the Bulldogs to the semifinals in 2004. They are my frontrunners, but I’m definitely looking for input on this one.
