By Erik Harris
ALABASTER — Hewitt-Trussville’s bowling teams were tested by some strong competition Friday at the Thompson Warrior Classic, and they didn’t disappoint.
“I can’t say enough about how proud I am of both these teams,” said Hewitt-Trussville coach Jake Garrett. “I love these teams. They’re really fun to coach, and they always try to get better.”
The girls cruised their way through the tournament field on their way to a 146-118 win over Spain Park in the finals at Oak Mountain Lanes. They led the entire way behind a great effort from the tournament’s highest scorer, junior Kelsie Ho.
Ho was unable to attend the Huskies’ win over Huffman earlier in the week, but redeemed herself by posting a 164 average throughout tournament play.
“She was outstanding Friday,” Garrett said. “She was a strong anchor in what really was a team effort.”
The Huskies dominated early, which earned them a bye in the playoffs before facing the Jaguars in the championship game. They entered the playoffs with 1,405 total pins, 82 pins ahead of the second-place team.
Spain Park beat The Capitol School in the semifinals, but was no match for Hewitt-Trussville in the finale. Ho along with Virginia McAnnally, Marlee Armstrong, Ashlyn Wiggins and Jordan Somers were locked in and didn’t give an inch.
“We were in cruise control by the time we got to that point, and we kept the throttle down the whole championship game,” Garrett said.
The guys’ team placed second behind Spain Park. A strong final frame by the Jaguars’ anchor cemented a 190-176 victory over Hewitt-Trussville in the championship game.
It took a major comeback for the Huskies to even reach the playoffs. They needed a convincing win over Indian Springs in the Baker games, and that’s what they got.
“When they realized that we were close enough to make a move for the playoffs, it was like a switch was flipped,” Garrett said. “When we started on the comeback, there was no doubt in my mind that we were going to finish it.”
After drilling Indian Springs by 47, the boys took their momentum into the opening round of the playoffs. Four consecutive Husky strikes set the tone for their win over Vestavia Hills. The Rebels were the only team to beat Hewitt-Trussville this season.
But Spain Park, who Garrett says might be the top team in the state, was too much in the finals.
Sophomore Ryan Hindman was the Huskies’ most consistent bowler. Kel Easterling, Hunter Mortimer, Blaine Cardwell and Dylan McCormick all found hot streaks.