Serving Lucas, Ottawa, Sandusky and Wood Counties
The Clay boys and girls bowling teams concluded their respective conference seasons at the Northern Lakes League (NLL) Championship at Interstate Lanes on Feb. 3.
Both teams are now prepping for sectional play, which is Feb. 17 for the boys and Feb. 19 for the girls at Interstate Lanes in Fremont. The top four teams at each event advance to district play.
Clay boys finish 2nd in NLL
On the boys side, the Eagles went 7-1 in league play to capture a share of the NLL regular season title with Napoleon and Bowling Green. Following their play in the conference championship, Clay finished second overall behind Napoleon after both regular season and tournament points were combined.
“We've had a really good season,” Clay head coach Ralph Cubberly said. “All five of those guys are good. That's the best part about them. They're all five good, and they all average over 185 a game.”
Junior Niko Lockhart and senior Logan Davis were each named First Team All-NLL.
“Niko serves as the team’s anchorman and has developed into arguably the team’s most solid and dependable bowler,” Cubberly said. “Over the past two seasons, he has worked tirelessly to elevate his game, and that dedication shows every time he steps on the lanes. Trusted to deliver in clutch moments, Niko is the bowler the team counts on when matches are on the line.
“Logan is known for his reliability under pressure and steady scoring. He has helped anchor the team in major, league matches and championship events. His work ethic, focus, and competitive mindset set the tone for his teammates, and his ability to rise to the moment has made him one of Clay’s most dependable bowlers.”
Senior Joseph Mottmiller earned a Third Team All-NLL selection.
“Joey has been an important leader and steady presence for the Clay bowling team, bringing experience, composure, and competitive drive to every match,” Cubberly said. “Throughout his senior season, Joey has provided consistent scoring and clutch performances, helping guide the team in key league competitions.”
In addition to those three, the team also features sophomore Cooper Jahns and senior Tino Madrid.
Cubberly said Madrid is the “glue that makes it all work” for the team.
“He's a really good kid who loves the team concept of bowling rather than the individual, making sure the kids are together and working and having a good time and actually trying to get better,” he said. “Known around the program as ‘Big Ticket,’ he brings energy, confidence, and pride to every match, and his leadership continues to be a driving force behind the team’s success.”
Jahns has established himself as a rising talent.
“Cooper has competed extensively in high-level tournaments and offseason leagues, experience that shows in his confidence and consistency during competition,” Cubberly said. “His work ethic, maturity, and commitment to improvement highlight his potential, and he continues to develop into a bowler Clay can rely on for years to come.”
District play would be Feb. 26 should the Eagles advance past sectionals.
Clay girls show improvement in 3rd year
Cubberly said the girls program at Clay is only three years old, and he is proud of how they’ve ascended over that time.
“I'm really proud of our girls,” Cubberly said. “There's only five girls, and you need five to bowl, and we don't have any extras. They show up every week, every match, and they bowl the best they can. They've improved so much over the last two or three years. It's unbelievable.”
The girls finished fifth in regular season play at 4-4 in conference, fifth at the conference championship, and sixth place overall when including both combined.
The Eagles are led by senior Gabrielle Craig, who was a Second Team All-NLL selection. She averages 165 this season.
“Gabby has been the model of consistency for us, providing steady performances and dependable scoring throughout her career,” Cubberly said. “As the team’s most consistent bowler, Gabby brings focus and composure to every match and sets a strong example for her teammates. Her leadership, work ethic, and competitive mindset have helped shape the culture of the program. Gabby’s presence on the lanes gives the team confidence, and her contributions as a senior leader have been vital to the girls’ success.”
Another key piece for the Eagles on the girls side is freshman Dakota Schmidlin. Averaging 146, Cubberly said she is a promising young bowler.
“Despite being early in her high school career, Dakota shows maturity, confidence, and strong potential on the lanes,” he said. “Her natural ability combined with a willingness to learn positions her for a bright future. Dakota represents the next generation of Clay bowling and is quickly developing into a competitor the team can rely on.”
Other contributors for the Eagles include senior CC Vartorella, who Cubberly said plays a key role in guiding the younger bowlers while continuing to deliver strong performances of her own, junior Grace Gabriel, who approaches competition with determination and a team-first mindset, helping maintain energy and confidence during matches, and junior Larissa Bock, who works hard to refine her game and competes with confidence, contributing meaningful scores in key situations.
District play would be Feb. 24 for the girls should they advance beyond sectional play.
