The Salem Wildcat Bowlers traveled to Camelot Bowl in Collinsville to compete in their IHSA bowling sectional with 8 of the state’s top 20 teams competing for just 4 spots at next weekend’s state tournament at St Clair Bowl in O’Fallon. The Wildcats came in 2nd to Harrisburg (6499-6379) and advanced to their 3rd straight state tournament along with O’Fallon (6273) and Breese Central (6224). Salem was led by their seniors Rhett Detering with a 6-game score of 1337 (222.83), followed by Ryan 1327 (221.17), Silas Moats 1300 (216.67) and Keaton Gullion 1258 (209.67). Freshman Jaxon Ward added 1157 (192.83).
Carterville’s David Lutchka (1397) was the individual champion and advanced as an individual along with his teammate Evan Flath. Not advancing but bowling well was Jaxon Cushman of Christ Our Rock who finished 52nd shooting 1137. Centralia’s Jackson Mikesell (1050) and Daven Cook (1047) finished 64th and 65th.
To show just how good this Sectional was, Harrisburg and Salem finished with the best two scores of any team in the state at Sectionals. They will compete starting Friday with 24 other teams with the top 12 advancing to the state final round on Saturday. The Wildcats are trying to become the first ever 3-peat winner in IHSA State Bowling history.