WICHITA – Great Bend's Daegan Miller timing was perfect to roll a career best series.

Western Athletic Conference Most Valuable Bowler Miller was red hot with a 756 series to place runner-up in Thursday's 5A state bowling championship at Northrock Lanes. Miller fired games of 248, 278 and 230.

Miller led 5A state champion Ryan Pfeifer of Wichita Carroll by 22 pins after two games. Pfeifer's 266 third game picked up 36 pins on Miller, who lost by 14 pins – 770-756.

Great Bend's 2-time state qualifier Josh Manning placed 30th with a 580 series (171-278-194). The setup enhanced quality scores with 40 bowlers scoring higher than 600.

Miller ties state runner-up Bryce Moore in 2018 and 2021 for the second-highest finish in Great Bend history. Panther Hunter Herrman captured the 2013 state championship.

At regionals, Miller posted a 548 series (187-167-194) and Manning shot 584 (198-142-244) to qualify as individuals.