The sounds of pins clattering have become a familiar victory song for the Indian Hills Braves bowling team. This season, they’ve not only dominated the lanes but broke school records. With an unbelievable sectional championship victory for both the girl’s and boy’s teams in the 2023-2024 season, the Braves have cemented their place as one of the most dominant bowling teams in Indian Hills history.

The girl’s bowling team had a successful season with a record of 13-4. The team broke two school records with a new High 4 Person Game total of 817 and a new High 5 Person Game Total. The girls also won the state sectional championship for the second year in a row. Bowling at Hills is a fun environment where memorable moments take place frequently. Sophomore Shannon Cassidy shares her favorite moment from this year’s bowling season: “My favorite memory is the day we won the state sectional championship. It wasn’t just because we had broken the school record, or that it was the second year in a row of being champions, but because as a team we really came together that day. In doing so, we all made each other better players, and made everlasting memories.” Similarly, Head Coach Mr. Michels said, “My favorite memory this season was the Girls Team repeating as state sectional champions which showed all their hard work and effort pay off.” The girls also received multiple All-League and All-County awards for their performance this year. Senior Allison Babino received 1st Team All-League, All-County, and All-State Group 2. Senior Daria Carlson and Sophomore Shannon Cassidy received 1st Team All-League and 2nd Team All-County. Senior Julianna Kulmala received 2nd Team All-League and Kaitlyn Marscovetra received an honorable mention All-League.

Mr. Michels had a strategy which focused on the mental side of the game by encouraging players to always stay positive all season. He stated, “The most difficult aspect of the season was finding a 5th bowler for the certain matches. We have many fantastic bowlers on the Varsity and Junior Varsity bowling levels, but it was challenging to choose the bowler who fits the best into the match.” Shannon Cassidy said, “What helped the team succeed this season, I believe, is the competitive yet fun environment that the coaches created. It allowed my teammates and me to relax, have fun, and still retain our passion for the game. All members of the team supported each other, and we even were able to cheer on other teams throughout the season.” 

The boy’s bowling team had an undefeated regular season going 13-0. They won the Patriots Division Championship and the Bergen County Group 1 and 2 Championship for the second year in a row. Mr. Michels explained that his favorite memory of the season was, “Seeing Senior Justin Becker win the county tournament with a high game of 287.” The boys also received many All-League and All-County awards for their performance this year. 2023 Bergen County “Athlete of the Week” Senior Jake Willis received 1st Team All-League, 1st Team All-County, and 1st All-State Group 2.  Senior Maddox Chlewicki received 1st Team All-League and 3rd Team All-County. Senior Justin Becker received 1st Team All-League and 2nd Team All-County. Junior Ryan Clemente received 1st Team All-League and Senior Owen Longo received Honorable Mention All-League. 

After a fantastic season, Mr. Michels said, “What I will miss the most about the graduating Seniors is their passion for the game. They love to bowl nonstop and I truly see their enjoyment for the game every day.” Shannon Cassidy said, “For anyone interested in potentially joining the bowling team, is to just try it out! It doesn’t matter your skill level, we have amazing coaches who are more than willing to help anyone new to the sport. Our schedule is also less demanding compared to other sports, so you can still find time for other sports and clubs. Bowling is also a sport that as our Coach Duncan would say ‘what you put into it, you get out of it’ so it is best to just have fun throw a couple balls, and try it out! There’s so many great experiences and friendships to gain!”