BOWLERS TO WATCH

Abby Binck, Gloucester, Jr.

Binck had an average series of 501.1 during her sophomore campaign for Gloucester. Binck notched two games in the 200s and they both came back on Feb. 5 as she had a 225 and 203 on her way to a 571 series. Binck was consistent, and averaged a 167 per game. But it appears she has taken her game to another level as the junior threw a perfect 300 earlier this month. Binck was on the SJT All-Area team last year, but she wants more.

Grace Kim, Washington Township, Sr.

There are others in the area who had an average game stat that is higher, but Kim was pretty much better than anyone last Feb. 23. That day, Kim came across some magic and rolled a 263. In the same match, she rolled a 197 and a 153 for at three-game, season-high 613 series. Her other high games on the season were 197, 183, 172, and in the 160s. Now a senior, Kim figures to have improved on those numbers overall.

Anthony Malesich, Gloucester Tech, So.

Following the graduation of last season’s South Jersey Times Bowler of the Year, Malesich will likely step into the anchor spot for a team looking to build off of an undefeated season. He performed very well as a freshman, averaging 578 throughout the regular season with four series of 607 or better. If Malesich can demonstrate the improvement that skilled bowlers typically show from their freshman to sophomore season, he may end up on the shortlist of candidates to win the SJT Bowler of the Year.

Megan Prettyman, Gloucester Tech, Sr.

The reigning two-time SJT Bowler of the Year, Prettyman, a First Team All-State member as well, set school records with a high game 269 and a 721 series on Feb. 10. She also notched a 709 series with a 267 later in the month. Prettyman averaged 608.8 per series and averaged 202.9 pins per game. She had 18 games over 200. Prettyman has steadily improved over her previous three years, and it’ll be interesting where she’s at now as a senior.

Ryan Satnick, Clayton, Sr.

After playing a role as a sophomore, Satnick took his game to the next level as a junior last season, boosting his average from 164 to 192. Coming off a season in which he averaged 577 as the best bowler on an 8-2 Clayton squad, Satnick will be heavily counted upon as the team looks to continue its upward trend. If Satnick can make a similar jump as last year this time around, he will insert himself in the conversation for the best bowler in the area.

Steven Spino, Washington Township, Sr.

The third boys bowler from last season’s South Jersey Times All-Area team returning for another go this year, Spino averaged 196 as a junior and will likely take over the anchor spot for Washington Township following the graduation of Marcus Spann. The team put together a record of 6-2 last season and will count on Spino to lead the way following the graduation of three of the team’s five starters from last winter.

TEAMS TO WATCH

Clayton boys

The Clayton boys team finished with an 8-2 record last season, splitting a pair of matches against area rival Gloucester to cap off its successful regular season. The team will benefit from the return of each of its top three bowlers, with seniors Ryan Satnick, Anthony Laganella and Gerald Santa Cruz ready to lead the way once again. Joshua Jacobs saw limited action as a sophomore last season and may step into a larger role in the 2021-22 campaign as a junior.

Gloucester boys

Gloucester managed to build an impressive 8-3 record last season but will have a significant challenge in repeating that level of success following the departure of two of its top bowlers from a season ago. Juniors Matt Angelo and Ian Angelo each showed the ability to go over 500 last season and may benefit from some increased consistency with another year on the lanes under their belts. Senior Shawn Foley was a vital piece last season and figures to once again play a major role in his third year as a starter.

Gloucester Tech boys

Following the graduation of 2021 South Jersey Times Bowler of the Year Alex Gonzalez, Gloucester Tech’s roster is left with a sizable hole to fill. If the team is to replicate the success of its undefeated 11-0-2 campaign, it will need solid performances from its three returning bowlers from a season ago. Anthony Malesich made a splash as a freshman, including a five-match stretch in which he went over 600 on four occasions, including a 669 against Hammonton. Seniors Jude Uhl and Boone Bautro also made an impact last season and will be heavily counted upon as the team looks to build on its best season in years.

Clayton girls

Clayton enjoyed a solid 8-3 season last winter. It won its first eight matches, seven 4-0. The entire team is slated to return, which bodes well. Cameron Wailgore and Brionna Berwick averaged series of 413 and 408, respectively. Addie Fooks, Samantha Reinert, Mirrah Perdue, Rhema Sylvester, and Kacey Marshall all have experience as well.

Gloucester girls

The Lions dazzled with a 10-0 record last year. Binck, who was mentioned up top, is ready to improve on her numbers. Gloucester will have to replace Shannon Johnson and Sarah Bonney, but senior Danaka Bennett, who averaged a 405 series, has the opportunity to step up and be a leader with Binck. Another senior Rylee McNee, averaged a 364 set as a junior. Emily Newman will look to have a role this winter, too.

Gloucester Tech girls

The Cheetah’s finished the abbreviated 2021 season last winter with a perfect 11-0 record and as the No. 7 tea in the final NJ.com Top 10. Tech was led by the aforementioned Prettyman. Tech will have to replace standout seniors in Kasey DeLorenzo and Rebecca Long, but Gianna McGahon is expected to take the next step as a senior as well. Bayleigh Calhoun was another key component to the team a year ago. Several returners such as Jillian Johnson, Heidi Sheppleman, Brianna Wilson, and Gillian Williams will look to make more of an impact.

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Contact Chris Nalwasky at cnalwasky@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter at @ChrisNalwasky. Casey Roland may be reached at croland@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @CaseyRoland24.