BY JIM MISUNAS

jmisunas@gbtribune.com

WICHITA — Great Bend’s 5A state runner-up Paige Wagner and past 5A state runner-up Bryce Moore earned first-team all-state bowling honors.

Wagner rolled 10 consecutive strikes at North Rock Lanes to give herself a chance at Kansas high school state bowling history March 4. She threw a sharp-looking ball that left a 10 pin standing that would’ve given her the 5A state championship. Wagner’s 725 series (201/235/289) was runner-up to Wichita Carroll’s Kaylee Back’s 734 series (244/248/242). 

Wagner earned Great Bend school records for high game (289), high series (725) and best all-time season average (209).

“I hit my marks all day. I threw a good ball, just left a 10 pin,” Wagner said. “It was a really great day for all of us.”

Wagner won the 5A bowling regional with a 642 series (182/246/214). She was runner-up for WAC Bowler of the Year and earned first-team All-Western Athletic Conference honors. 

The Panthers captured the 2021 WAC bowling championship 64-57 over Garden City.  Wagner placed fourth (598) at the WAC Tournament.

Wichita Carroll’s 3,347 pin total captured the 5A state championship ahead of runner-up Great Bend (3,188), which spotted the Golden Eagles a 186-pin lead after three games.

Moore matched Wagner with a 289 game at the 5A state bowling championship. Moore earned third medalist honors at 698 (193/289/216) and posted the best game score of the day. Moore earned 5A state runner-up honors in 2018.

“Bryce posted 10 consecutive strikes and left the 10 pin, just like Paige Wagner did,” said Great Bend coach David Feldbauer. “Bryce bowled really well in his games.”

Great Bend’s boys placed eighth with 3,005 pins with series of 798/708/733 and Baker games of 207/183/205/141).

Moore captured the 5A regional bowling title with a 751 series (225/257/259).

Garden City (71.5) won the WAC title over Great Bend (59). Moore was runner-up for WAC Bowler of the Year.