HIGH SCHOOL

Smyrna boys finish runner-up at TSSAA State Bowling Tournament

Cecil Joyce
USA TODAY NETWORK - Tennessee

Smyrna's boys bowling team made a valiant comeback effort late, but settled for Division I state runner-up for the second straight year at the TSSAA State Bowling Tournament.

Smyrna's boys bowling team finished runner-up in the TSSAA State Bowling Tournament. Three Bulldogs - Josh Meeke, Justin Lee and Justin Shull - are first-team all-area performers.

The Bulldogs, who fell behind 10-6 and by 92 total pins after two games of the state title match before winning seven points in game three to make things interesting.

However, the total pins deficit was too much to overcome as Hardin County escaped with a 14-13 win and state title.

"We tried to do the best we could to come back, working on spares and hitting our marks," said Smyrna sophomore and Division I Mr. Bowler Josh Meeke, whose squad defeated Tullahoma 19-8 in the semifinals.

Hardin Valley's Calin Meeks rolled a perfect 300 in the second game, ultimately proving to be the difference in total pins.

"Hats off to Hardin County," said Smyrna coach Carl Syler. "They have a kid bowl a 300...how do you beat that?"

Both teams entered unbeaten. Smyrna finished 24-1 while Hardin County ended 20-0.

Smyrna and Hardin County both struggled in the first game, as neither topped 1,100 in total pins. Meeke's 203 was the best score for the Bulldogs, who fell behind by 5-3 and by 63 pins.

"(The lanes) were playing a little wetter than usual," Meeke said.

The Bulldogs fell again 5-3 in the second game, despite Blake Evans' 223, a 215 from Meeke and senior Justin Lee's 207.

Smyrna dominated the third game, winning five of the six individual points and taking total pins 1,154 to 1,106. Meeke's 216 led the way while Collin Heath added a 213 and Evans fired a 201.

"This team has done that more than once," said Syler, referring to third-game comebacks by the Bulldogs. "They're the cardiac kids."

Smyrna's lone loss last season came in the state title match as well, falling to Columbia.

The Bulldogs reached the finals with a 19-8 win over Tullahoma in the semifinals in what was a Region 4 finals rematch.

Smyrna dominated the third game and took total pins 3,390 to 3,115. Meeke rolled a 652 series, Xavier Powell added a 622.

Lee is the team's lone senior.

"We'll take a little time off and start practicing and preparing again," Syler said. "Championships are won in the offseason. We have a fantastic group of guys coming back."

Reach Cecil Joyce at cjoyce@dnj.com or 615-278-5168 and on Twitter @Cecil_Joyce.