By AARON MANAGHAN
Sports editor
While the ceiling over Bremerton Lanes remains finite, the ceiling for the Bremerton girls bowling team seems to be getting higher and higher.
After placing fifth in 2006 and fourth last year at the state bowling championships, the Knights are hungry for a third-consecutive state trip, this time hoping to climb even higher.
“I’m really proud of the gils last year, taking fourth in state,” Bremerton coach Dean Wagner said. “They really came back in that second day. This year, we’re off and running.”
On a team loaded with returners (four of last year’s state rollers are back), the Knights are shooting high once more.
Leading the charge back is Emmy Thomas, whose sister Kayla graduated after finishing with the highest series at the 2A/3A state tourney last year. But in addition to taking on the role as Bremerton’s anchor roller from her sister, Emmy has also inherited another role.
“It is a different dynamic. She’s taking on the role of captain this year,” Wagner said. “(Kayla)’s kind of handed it over to the other family member.”
While Emmy is also the team’s lone senior, the Knights are not short on experience.
Samantha Smith, Ariel Wagg and Samm Stephens are also back for Bremerton.
“They’re doing well,” Wagner said of his returning core. “They are working hard at being leaders and getting experience on the lanes.”
Sophomore Kristie Williams has factored into the varsity mix this year as well.
“It is very nice. And Kristie Williams, the new one, is filling in really nicely at her spot,” Wagner said. “The other girls, all having been there, know what to expect and what they need to do.”
And that is what Wagner believes will give the Knights the edge once the time comes for postseason play.
“It has helped because we know what to expect,” he said. “We know what we have to do. Knowing what to expect, having been there a couple times, it’s a crazy thing. The bowling alley is a crazy place at districts and state.”
So far, the Knights are well on their way.
Bremerton topped Klahowya 5-2 on Tuesday in a match that was tighter than many expected. The win improved the Knights to 5-0 this season as the team prepares to make a run at a second-straight Olympic League crown.
Individually, Thomas (176), Wagg (164) and Smith (163) are second, third and fourth respectively on the league’s average leaderboard, trailing Olympic’s Jessica Sutton (182). Stephens (154) is also in the top 10.
In Tuesday’s win, the Knights jumped out to a quick 729-653 win without Thomas, as Alicia Von Runnen filled in admirably with a 142. In the second game however, the 2A Eagles gave Bremerton all the Knights could handle, taking
