After advancing all the way to the individual state finals last year, Reeths-Puffer bowler Carter Hekkema seemed set to have a big senior season.
Like the rest of his team, however, he hit a bit of a slump this winter and did not perform as well as he hoped to.
But there is obviously something about the postseason that brings out the best in Hekkema.
That was apparent on Friday, when he finished in sixth place out of 77 bowlers at a Division 2 individual regional tournament at the Westgate Bowl in Comstock Park and qualified for the individual state finals for the second year in a row.
Hekkema rolled scores of 236, 201, 191, 209, 204, and 179 for a total of 1,220.
Only the top seven bowlers at the tournament qualified for state.
State qualifier Carter Hekkema
“Carter was strong from start to finish and stayed in the top seven all day,” said R-P head coach Craig Alderink.
“Just like last season, Carter had his best day of this season at the individual regionals. He struggled with consistency throughout the season and didn't bowl quite as well as he had expected this year.
“He is one of the hardest working kids on the team, and I'm so happy he was able to have a great day and earn his second trip to the state tournament.”
R-P senior Liam Copenhaver, who also qualified for state last year, just missed the cut this time around by finishing in eight place, 12 pins out of seventh.
Senior Ryleigh Beebe finished in 14th place and rolled the high single-game score of the tournament, a 290. Sophomore Knox Estepp finished in 19th place and senior Tanner Bahr took 22nd.
The individual state finals are Saturday at the Century Bowl in Waterford.
The entire Reeths-Puffer boys squad will compete in the team state finals on Friday, at the same location, after winning the team regional championship last Thursday.