JACKSON — Jonesville’s varsity bowling programs completed undefeated conference seasons Saturday, as both the boys and girls teams captured league championship tournament titles at Jax 60 to secure outright conference crowns.
The sweep capped a dominant winter for the Comets, who are both ranked among the top three teams in Division 4 and now turn their attention to the MHSAA regional tournament.
The girls defeated Grass Lake, 17-13, before earning a 24-10 victory over Michigan Center to clinch the tournament title.
Against Michigan Center, Karli Wittengen led the team with a 208 and 155 for a series score of 363. The team had baker scores of 147 and 141 for a total of 288. Against Grass Lake, Zoe Woodruff had a score of 229 and 158 for a 387 series. The team had baker scores of 170 and 183 for a total of 353.
The boys opened with an 18-12 win over Grass Lake and followed with a 17-13 win over Napoleon to complete the championship run.
Against Napoleon, Marshall Baker led the team with a 206 and 239 for a 445 series. The team had baker scores of 140 and 194 for a total of 334 pins. Against Grass Lake, Chance Lucas led the team with a 236 and 211 for a 447 series. The team had baker scores of 215 and 179 for a total of 394.
But the path to those trophies was anything but simple. Jonesville had to claw out of early holes several times throughout the day, mirroring what head coach Matt Molinaro said had become a theme in one of the toughest conferences in Michigan.
“This is the toughest conference, I think,” Molinaro said. “The competition in this conference is amazing and they’re getting stronger and stronger every year. Every time I think we should be able to take care of everybody easily, the next thing I know I’m asking, ‘Where did these guys come from?’”
That depth showed in the conference tournament. Both Jonesville teams found themselves down 10–0 after the Baker games during multiple matches — including against Grass Lake and Napoleon — but fought back each time. It was very similar to the match they played against Grass Lake on senior night earlier in the week.
“We were down 10–0 again in the finals against Grass Lake, and the same thing happened in the semifinals with Napoleon on the boys side,” Molinaro said. “I don’t know, we were struggling with Bakers all of a sudden. But the kids just have a lot of confidence in themselves. When we think we’re down, we just find a way.”
In the individual medalist tournament, the Comet boys were led by conference champion senior Marshall Baker, who topped the field with a 1,192 six‑game series, averaging 198.67 pins per game. Baker’s performance anchored a deep Jonesville lineup that produced five top‑10 finishes.
Senior Kyle Covey placed sixth with a 1,085 series, and Chance Lucas followed in seventh at 1,077. Maverick Baker finished ninth at 1,049, and Jag Lawrence rounded out the top 10 with a 1,036 series.
Covey said the team’s ability to stay grounded in the moment has played a key role in their consistency.
“No matter how the game is going, it’s always good to have fun and play for the sport,” Covey said.
Molinaro singled out sophomore Maverick Baker for his strong tournament performance, though he noted how difficult it is to choose just one standout.
“Maverick definitely had a great day for the guys,” Molinaro said. “But honestly, it’s hard to pick one over another. My leadoff bowler had to double to win and he did. They just all find a way.”
On the girls side, Jonesville showcased similar dominance. Morgan Dilyard placed third overall with a 1,056 series, while Addison Luna was fourth at 1,049. Karli Wittengen added a ninth‑place finish with a 945 series. Grace Maddox (12th, 896) and Harper James (13th, 890) also delivered top‑15 performances.
Jonesville’s all‑conference selections included boys individual champion Marshall Baker, along with Kyle Covey (sixth) and Chance Lucas (seventh). Maverick Baker (ninth) and Jag Lawrence (10th) also finished inside the top 10. On the girls side, Morgan Dilyard (third), Addison Luna (fourth) and Karli Wittengen (ninth) earned top‑10 finishes, while Grace Maddox (12th) and Harper James (13th) placed inside the top 15.
Molinaro credited the program’s consistency and preparation throughout the season, while also acknowledging the work of his staff. He praised assistant coach Matt Davis for his leadership and development work with the girls team and recognized Rob Sackett as “my amazing assistant coach and behind‑the‑scenes guy” for his continued support of the program.
With conference titles secured and multiple all‑conference selections on both sides, the Comets now shift their focus to regionals, where team titles and individual state‑qualifying spots will be on the line. Molinaro said the individual conference event also sets the stage for postseason momentum.
Given their undefeated conference campaigns, strong tournament performances and the resilience shown in multiple comeback wins, Jonesville enters the postseason positioned as one of Division 4’s top contenders on both the boys and girls sides. The team returns to JAX 60 once again for regionals, slated for Friday team action and individual bowling on Saturday. Jonesville boys are currently ranked No. 1 in the state, and the girls team is No. 2.
This article originally appeared on Hillsdale Daily News: Top-ranked Jonesville bowling teams win league titles going unbeaten
Reporting by Joseph Flaherty, Hillsdale Daily News / Hillsdale Daily News
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