Eight Bossier Parish student-athletes showcased their skills at the LHSAA Singles Bowling Competition on Friday, with Benton High School’s Nick Emory leading the local contingent with a third-place state finish.
The competition featured an elite field of the top 50 girls and 81 boys in Louisiana. Emory, coached by Gabriel Gafford, entered as the No. 45 seed but surged through the standings. After maintaining a 236 average over four games to reach the final round, Emory bowled a 209 in his last game to secure the bronze medal.
Several other Bossier Parish bowlers placed in the top half of the competitive field:
Harper Young (Benton): 20th place (214 average)
Robert Elwell (Parkway): 23rd place (211 average)
Tanner Marsallis (Haughton): 34th place (206 average)
Asa Gates (Bossier): 49th place (196 average)
Owen Phipps (Parkway): 54th place (193 average)
Kaine Allen (Haughton): 58th place (188 average)
The parish was represented by four local programs: Bossier High (Coach Kevin Hastie), Benton High (Coach Gabriel Gafford), Haughton High (Coach Kelly Southern), and Parkway High (Coach Lisa Ballew). Shelby Elwell of Parkway also competed in the girls' division as the No. 41 seed.