By Susan Jenior

Staff Writer

The Rootstown Rovers varsity boys bowling team is headed to the OHSAA State Tournament after grabbing the fourth and final qualifying team spot in the Division II district tourney at Roseland Lanes in Oakwood.

Rootstown senior Justin Miller led the way, bowling a perfect 300 game to start his three regular games and added games of 192 and 234 for a 726 series, the third-best in the tough district competition.

It was Miller’s third 300 game, but his first in high-school competition. Miller’s other two rolled in high school match play competition at Spins Bowl in regular league play.

“The boys threw the ball very good today,” said Thom Butcher, varsity boys bowling coach. “Everyone had a tough time carrying strikes other than Justin.”

The rest of the team included: Anthony Cambareri 224-580, Nick Moorehead 188-524 and Sean Boveington 200-542, with Caleb Stevens (139) and Johnny Mays (180) helping the Rovers to victory.

The Field Falcons, after a solid year in only their second year as a school-sponsored varsity sport, finished in 10th place at the district led by junior Joseph Dillworth’s 245-607 and senior Caleb Brastine’s 192-528.

The Rovers will compete in the Division II State Championship on March 1 at HP Lanes in Columbus.

BOYS BOWLING SCOREBOARD

DIVISION II DISTRICT

(At Roseland Lanes, Oakwood)

Note: Top-four teams and four individuals not on a qualifying team advance to the state championship.

TEAM STANDINGS

Champion 4,355; Lutheran West 4,203; Coventry 4,16; Rootstown 3,982; LaBrae 3,907; Lake Catholic 3,891; Fairport Harding 3,877; Hubbard 3,862; East Canton 3,814; Field 3,748; Cuyahoga Heights 3,743; McDonald 3,707; Struthers 3,680; Brookside 3,621; Woodridge 3,481; Firelands 3,320.

INDIVIDUAL QUALIFIERS

Zeke Conley, Lake Center Christian 672; Adam Cowper, Brooklyn 646; Donny Raymond, Cuyahoga Heights 627; Rylan Slusser, Springfield 624.

TOP FIVE INDIVIDUALS

Martin Garrett, Champion 798; Zachary Smeal, Lutheran West 733; Justin Miller, Rootstown 726; Mario Humenik, Champion 713; Wade Allen, Coventry 687.

PORTAGE COUNTY RESULTS

ROOTSTOWN (3,982): Justin Miller 726, Caleb Stevens 139, Anthony Cambareri 580, Nick Moorehead 524, Sean Boveington 542, Johnny Mays 180, Sub game 175.

FIELD (3,748): Joseph Dilworth 607, Caleb Brastine 528, Kalel Holmes 476, Tristan Reuting 464, Peyton Hover 406.