Smyrna bowlers knock off four-time defending state champ en route to region title

Smyrna's boys bowling team still has a big hurdle in attempts to reach the Division I State Bowling Tournament next week.

However, a huge hurdle was already accomplished earlier in the week as the Bulldogs captured the Region 4 title.

The biggest hurdle was upending four-time defending state champion Columbia in the region semifinals recently.

The unbeaten Bulldogs eliminated the Lions 20-7 in the semifinals before edging Tullahoma 14-13 in the region finals.

"Hard work pays off," Smyrna coach Carl Syler said. "This team has been practicing since this summer. I'm so proud of this team's no-quit, never-say-die attitude."

Smyrna will play host to Rhea County at 1 p.m. Monday in the sectional, with the winner advancing to the state tournament, which will be held at Smyrna Bowling Center next weekend.

The Bulldogs earned that right by knocking off a pair of tough foes in the region.

In the semifinals win over Columbia, Josh Meeke came up huge for Smyrna, rolling a 768, including a high game of 267 in the third game. Blake Evans added a 677 series (high of 246) while Braydon Paul had a 216 game and Justin Shull had a 212 game.

The finals was a showdown, as Smyrna racked up 3,890 total pins and Tullahoma 3,874. That proved to be the difference after Tullahoma won the third game 5-3.

Smyrna rolled a 1,398 second game and captured six points as five of the six starters rolled over 200. Xavier Powell rolled a 279 while Justin Lee added a 242, Shull added a 242, Paul a 222 and Meeke a 212.

Shull rolled a 718 series while Meeke had a 693.

Smyrna entered last year's state tourney undefeated and having beaten Columbia in the region before the two met in the state finals.

The Bulldogs graduated three seniors from that team but have rebounded with strong sophomore play.

"My sophomores have really stepped up," Syler said. Meeke, Lee and Shull will battle in the individual state tourney.

>> The girls teams from Oakland and Blackman will also battle in the sectional which will be Saturday. Region champ Blackman will play host to Walker Valley while runner-up Oakland will be at Rhea County.