Bowlers from Owensboro and Daviess County kick off action in the KHSAA State Championships in Louisville today in the singles and unified events, while the DC squad will compete as a team on Friday.
Owensboro’s Savanah Yarber was the lone local bowler to advance to state individually after placing fourth in the Region 1 tournament. Yarber said she was excited to make the cut, and now her focus is to embrace the opportunity ahead.
“It is my senior year, and what better way to end my high school journey than by going to state,” she said. “I just want to have fun and enjoy the experience.”
OHS head coach Shannon Mitchell said Yarber has worked hard all year to improve her game, and everything she learned all came together at region. Mitchell said no matter what, the team is proud of Yarber’s accomplishment.
“The competition at the state level is strong,” Mitchell said. “She will have to stay focused on herself and make good shots in order to stay competitive. Regardless of where she places, we are all very proud of her.”
Daviess County’s unified team of Daniel Morris and Briar Harper will also compete today advanced after placing second at region. They also made it to the state championships last year, where they lost in the first round
“My unified team looks ready to go,” said DC head coach Byron Johnson. “Daniel and Briar have done well this season and I think they have a good chance to do well.”
The rest of the DC squad will be in action Friday in the team competition. With their runner-up finish in the region tournament, the Panthers are making their third straight trip to the state championships. They’ve lost in the semifinals each of the last two seasons.
One team member’s father recently passed away, and Johnson said he thinks the team will fight especially hard to win for him.
“We had some good practices and the boys appear to be ready and focused,” Johnson said. “One of my bowlers lost his dad unexpectedly, and I think the team will be there for him — he will be bowling. I think they will want to give it 100% and will want to win it all.”
Morris and Harper will compete at 7:30 a.m. today in the unified event, while Yarber will be in action at 10:30 a.m. in singles play. The DC team will begin around 1 p.m. Friday in the boys’ team competition.
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