Let's be clear about a couple of things: first, the 69 qualifiers for the state TOC individual championships are not the best 69 bowlers in the state. We all know that. But, every single one of them, I feel safe in saying, is a good bowler. Considering some of the cutlines at sectionals, they'd have to be. There are very few of those in the event that would surprise me by making the cut. Let's also be clear that predicting what a bunch of teenagers are going to do in one bowling tournament on one day might be one of the stupidest endeavors ever taken on by man. Still, we are in the previewing business, so we've got to try to say something.
Here's my list of the ten most likely contenders for the Boys TOC title. This is based on season average, performance in sectionals, and tournament track record over the course of the season. It ain't scientific, but I think it's objective, and I hope nobody takes it too seriously and gets offended; it's just my moderately educated opinion. If none of the stepladder participants are on this list, I will be less shocked than you, I promise.
Anyway, in alphabetical order, the top ten contenders:
Andrew Abbonizio, Sr., Shawnee
Averaging 223, 1st at sectionals (757), 4-game 863 at Snowball
Matt Burzynski, Jr., Dickinson
Averaging 220, 1st at sectionals (772)
Austin Devereux, Sr., Manasquan
Averaging 227, 1st (300/772) at sectionals, 736 at Indians, 715 at LB Wave, 4th at SJ singles
Erik Katterman, Sr., Montville
Averaging 229, 1st (277/713) at sectionals. 300/813 at the Morris County tournament
Cameron LaPlant, So., JP Stevens
Averaging 217, 2nd at sectionals (765), won GMC singles (652-682 qualifying)
Matt Redbord, Jr., Ocean Township
Averaging 217, 9th at sectionals (682), 694 at CJWC, 4th at Monmouth (633)
Kyle Schellberg, Sr., Dumont
Averaging 214, 3rd at sectionals (694), 709 at Irwin, 749 at No. Jersey singles, 661-557 at Bergen
Matthew Stephens, Sr., Egg Harbor
averaging 224, 3rd at sectionals (732), won So. Jersey singles (1691 over 7 games)
James Stoveken, So., Woodbridge
Averaging 226, 5th at sectionals (729), 2nd at James (738) 2nd at GMC individual (694-678)
Evan Weinberg, Jr., Dayton
Averaging 224, 4th at sectionals (668), 6th in 2016 TOC
Late information that Austin Devereux will not be competing. His spot in the TOC will be taken by the next highest finished in Central. The new entrant, Joe Ocello of St. Rose, has the talent to belong on this list himself.
And let's call this a 15-way tie for 11th, just because I don't know when to quit:
Sam Bortnick, Jr., East Brunswick
Kenny Burdge, Fr., Manchester
Colin Dromgoole, Sr., Caldwell
Mark Friedman, Cedar Creek
Ray Ramos, Jr., Dickinson
Jared Duncan, Sr., Indian Hills
Louis Folgore, So., Monroe
David Grant, Sr., Fort Lee
Eric Lawson, Jr., Warren Hills
Derek Lewandowski, Jr., Ridgefield Park
Anthony Mathis, Fr., Cherry Hill East
Justin Pavlik, Ridge
Joey Steele, Jr., Sussex Tech
Chris Swindell, Sr., Toms River South
Tim Zayac, Sr., Sussex Tech
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