Sophomore Star Shines in Individual Finals (Image Credits: Pixabay)
Las Vegas – The Palo Verde girls bowling team arrived at the Class 5A state tournament Tuesday with strong momentum and a key leader in sophomore Jessica Read.[1]
Sophomore Star Shines in Individual Finals
Jessica Read entered last week’s individual state tournament as the seventh seed but advanced all the way to the championship match. She fell short against Liberty’s Peyton Manning by a score of 434-382. Read upset defending state champion Calee Berry of Coronado in the opening round.[1]
The sophomore credited her focus for the deep run. “I think I was just zoning in on the pins, focusing on taking breaths. And hoping for the best,” she said. That performance positioned her as one of Nevada’s top young bowlers.[1]
Read first took up bowling in elementary school, tagging along with her father to team events. Now she serves as the Panthers’ on-lane leader.
Coach Read’s Pride and Strategy
John Read, the team’s coach, watched his daughter’s tournament with intense emotion. “I was an emotional wreck. I tried not to show her. But now I just feel pure pride. She just bowled lights out,” he said.[1]
He highlighted the team’s current form as a major asset. The Panthers enter as the fourth seed after a series of strong showings. “She’s in the right frame of mind right now. It’s going to take all four girls, but she’s going to lead them,” the coach noted.[1]
Jessica agreed the finals loss would motivate her. “I think it will affect me for the better. It’s going to lift my spirits,” she said. Her leadership will prove crucial in team baker-style competition.
Quarterfinal Clash Sets the Stage
Palo Verde faced fifth-seeded Coronado in Tuesday’s 2:30 p.m. quarterfinal at the Orleans Bowling Center. Top-seeded Shadow Ridge opened against No. 8 Silverado. Liberty held the No. 2 spot, with Desert Oasis at No. 3.[1]
- 1. Shadow Ridge
- 2. Liberty
- 3. Desert Oasis
- 4. Palo Verde
- 5. Coronado (defending champion)
Shadow Ridge coach Jeremiah Baron emphasized balance. “A lot of teams have one or two really, really good bowlers. But I think our team has four really strong bowlers. We’re not counting anyone out because it’s going to come down to which teams perform under the bright lights,” he said.[1]
Defending Champs Rely on Depth
Coronado, last year’s winners, struggled in individuals but remained dangerous. Coach Nicholas Elefantis praised Berry’s role. “Calee has been a significant factor in this team’s success over the last four years. She’s been a stabilizing factor, and last year she helped us put it all together,” he said.[1]
The underdog label could benefit the Cougars. Elefantis stressed supporting cast performance. “It’s all going to come down to depth. You know your leaders are going to show up. It’s what the supporting pieces do.”[1]
All 5A matches continued through Friday’s finals at 2:30 p.m. Class 4A action ran parallel, with regional openers already underway.
Key Takeaways
- Palo Verde’s hot streak and Jessica Read’s finals appearance make them title favorites.
- Team success hinges on all four bowlers performing in baker format.
- Shadow Ridge and defending Coronado pose stiff quarterfinal challenges.
As the pins fall at the Orleans, Palo Verde’s blend of family drive and recent form offers a real shot at the crown. The outcome will cap a season of standout prep bowling in Southern Nevada. What do you think of the Panthers’ chances? Tell us in the comments.
