Iowa high school bowling 2023-24: Gazette-area teams and bowlers to watch

A look at some of the top Gazette-area teams and bowlers to watch in the 2023-24 Iowa high school bowling season.

Girls’ teams to watch

Cedar Rapids Jefferson — The J-Hawks finished fourth as a team at last season’s Class 3A state bowling tournament, upsetting top-seeded Waterloo West in the opening round of bracket play. Jefferson returns seven of its top eight bowlers, including junior Kayla Staub, who qualified for bracket play as an individual.

Decorah — Four of the Vikings’ top six bowlers from last season were freshmen, including pins-leader Jasera Tweten. This young roster will look to build upon its eighth-place finish at state (2A) last season.

Cedar Rapids Kennedy — Kaylee Harris returns for her senior year after leading the Cougars in scoring in 2022-23. Elaina Chesmore, Daisy Slater and Lily Bader also will be key contributors. Kennedy ranked first in 3A in score per match last season.

Vinton-Shellsburg — The Vikings finished seventh in last year’s 1A state tournament and return their top two bowlers, juniors Tori Richart and Kylee Kirchner. Senior Tori Elwick also will play an important role.

West Delaware — Right behind Vinton-Shellsburg in the 1A state tournament was West Delaware. The Hawks return juniors Mia Cuevas and Amelia Schneiders, who finished third and fourth on the team in total pins, respectively.

Girls’ bowlers to watch

Kendra Schwarting, sr., Iowa City High — A first-team all-stater, Schwarting was second in 3A and third among all classes in score per game at 211.86 last season.

Kaylee Harris, sr., Cedar Rapids Kennedy — Harris finished right behind Schwarting in 3A with the third highest average (206.8), good for seventh in the state. She finished 18th at state individually and also was a first-team all-state selection.

Jasera Tweten, so., Decorah — A freshman phenom in 2022-23, Tweten had 2A’s 11th-best average (185.5) and helped the Vikings advance to bracket play in the state tournament.

Miranda Nolte, sr., Cedar Rapids Xavier — Nolte had 2A’s 17th highest average (177.82) and led a Saints team that struggled last season, but brings back six of its top seven bowlers.

Tori Richart and Kylee Kirchner, jr., Vinton-Shellsburg — Richart and Kirchner finished 12th and 17th in 1A in score per game last season, respectively. Richart was named second-team all-state in 1A. The dynamic junior duo will look to build upon the team’s seventh place finish at state.

Boys’ teams to watch

Cedar Rapids Kennedy — How will the Cougars respond after losing their top three bowlers from last year (Lucas Dolphin, Jaxon Robinson and Alex Hume)? They’ll look to seniors Cayden Foye, Colton Musil and Gunner Green for answers.

Cedar Rapids Jefferson — The J-Hawks, too, lose some top talent from last season after finishing fourth at state. Fortunately for Jefferson, 2021-22 individual state champion Aiden Mitts returns to the fold.

Independence — The Mustangs had a terrific showing at the 2A state tournament, finishing fifth. Four of their top five bowlers (Teegan Cross, Garret Niedert, Michel Decker and Zachary Brown) return.

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Vinton-Shellsburg — Top bowlers Vann Lessig and Byron Christianson are back for a Vikings team that reached the 1A state championship match last season.

West Delaware — A fifth-place state tournament finish (1A) should have the Hawks encouraged about their 2023-24 outlook. Plus, West Delaware returns top bowler Louis Shontz.

Boys’ bowlers to watch

Peyton Guyer, jr., Cedar Rapids Prairie — Guyer had a fantastic sophomore season, finishing fourth in 3A averaging 222.2 per game and recording the 12th highest score individually at state. He was a first-team all-stater.

Jacob Shaffer, sr., Marion — Shaffer’s 213.89 score per game average was good for eighth in 2A. He was named to the second-team all-state team.

Vann Lessig, sr., and Byron Christianson, so., Vinton-Shellsburg — Lessig (209.39) and Christianson (207.56) ranked 11th and 14th in scoring last season in 1A, respectively. Lessig was second-team all-state.

Louis Shontz, sr., West Delaware — Shontz had a tremendous junior season finishing fourth at state. He was a second-team all-stater and had the 12th highest per game average in 1A.

Aiden Mitts, sr., Cedar Rapids Jefferson — Any time a former state champion returns, they’re going to be someone to watch. Mitts was 3A’s 2022 state champion. He averaged 210.8 per game last season, good for 22nd in 3A.