Team Chemistry Powers Boys Bowling to Playoff Run

The Boys Bowling Team discusses their strategy before their second playoff game against Bayside. Photo: Jonathan Ulysse

By AMMAR ALI

An often overlooked factor in a team’s success, and arguably the most important piece of the puzzle, is team chemistry. It’s the trait that carried the Varsity Boys Bowling Team to an 8-2 regular season record, ending in a three-way tie for first place and a deep playoff run.

In the playoffs, the team topped Tilden 2-1 and Bayside 3-0 before meeting their match against Susan Wagner on November 12 in the third round. 

“This team — the chemistry and synergy — it’s amazing,” said Mr. Michael Moore, the team’s coach. “From the first bowler to the twelfth, everyone gets along very well and does their part, which makes it pleasurable to coach the team.”

“We even won two playoff games, which met my expectations,” said Mr. Moore. Making the quarterfinals was something the team had done only three times in the last 15 years.

Senior Jaden Tang’s 267 game was undoubtedly the highlight performance on November 12, leading all bowlers. In bowling, a 300 is a perfect score. 

“Jaden’s game was not only one of the best ways to end our season, but also shows the result of his endless and persistent effort to improve,” said senior Ethan Lin, who bowled a 178 average during the season and a 197 average in the playoffs. He called Tang’s playoff performance “remarkable” and “inspirational.” 

Tang improved from a 156 average on the season to a 232 average in the playoffs. Lin said that he considers Tang to be his “role model” now. “He surpassed me by miles, and I find that improvement very respectable and honorable,” Lin said.

B-Team anchor Ali Sher practices at Bowl 360. Photo: Ammar Ali

The level of mutual respect among team members is clear to see. Now more than ever, when the world is still struggling to adapt after nearly two years of quarantine and isolation, cooperation and connectedness are crucial.

“There were teams who had a lot of forfeits on their record because they couldn’t get enough players,” Mr. Moore said. But Midwood was fortunate enough to forge a lineup of students from various grade levels that will continue the legacy of the school’s team for years to come. Newer members learn from the more experienced players and strive to become like them.

Ali Sher, a junior who plays as an anchor for the B-Team, said that someone he looks up to is “Ace” Lin. “He’s always prepared to bring the team back on track when it lags behind,” Sher said. “That’s what makes him such a good anchor” (a player who bowls last in each game).

While the seniors serve as mentors, the newer players are equally valued. 

“I think that the new bowlers, Ali Sher, Michael Farfan, Korey Yuen, Javier Culajay, and Erik Meyer, have a ton of potential in them,” Tang said. “I have no doubt that all of them will continue to grow and improve as people and as bowlers.”

Farfan, a junior, said that top-liners such as Lin and Tang made him feel connected and “more like a family than a team.”

“They always gave me support, whether it was a game or practice,” Farfan said with a smile. His performance in the playoffs, where he improved his average from a 105 to a 141, was a bright spot for the team. He believes that a large part of this should be credited to the teammates who had essentially taught him how to play the sport. “I’d never really gone bowling before I joined the team,” he said. “Where I stand today is completely a reflection of my teammates’ guidance.”

Although these Hornets ended their journey in the quarterfinals, they ended strong, with Tang wrapping up his three years on the team with the highest-scoring game of his career.

“The biggest contribution to our team’s success was definitely our chemistry,” Tang said. “We all fit in very well together and had a ton of fun on and off the lanes. We all supported each other and we always cheered for each other.”