Bellmore-Merrick Boys Bowling Sweep Aside Island Trees

The Bellmore-Merrick boys bowling team defeated Island Trees on Monday afternoon by a score of 11-0. The team also took total wood on the day by a count of 2,346-2,077.

With the win, Bellmore-Merrick improves their record to 6-4 on the season following a close 6-5 loss to Wantagh last Thursday afternoon.

“The team is really stepping up right now late in the season,” head coach Joe Bianca said. “With five bowlers in the counties, if they all bowl their average, anywhere from a 196 to a 202, we will be in good shape to compete.”

Calhoun senior Scott Castellano, one of the teams’ individual county qualifier hopefuls, led the team in the opening game with a 196. Calhoun senior Dan Mueller, who stands in the same position as Castellano late in the season, bowled a 180. Mepham senior Ricky Hough shot a 167, followed by Calhoun junior Joe Cucinella with a 150. Despite the early struggles, Bellmore-Merrick pulled out a narrow win, 693-671.

The middle game was a different story for the team, led by Mueller with a game-high 256. Castellano followed behind with a 225. Hough bowled a strong score of 205 and Cucinella bowled an even 200 to have every bowler break the 200-score barrier. Bellmore-Merrick easily took the game by a score of 886-757.

Mepham senior C.J. Marino came into the third game and bowled an impressive score of 231. Castellano, the lone bowler to play all three games, matched his first score with a 196. Mepham senior Eric Schildt shot a 176 followed by Calhoun junior Tom Bianco with a 164. Bellmore-Merrick completed the sweep with the win in the final game, 767-649.

“Hopefully we can keep doing this and I think we are pretty much there,” Mueller said. “Scott, Joe and I are also trying to get to individual counties along with Ricky, so throwing these high games is important and that is what is keeping us motivated.”

Marino will be one of the bowlers who figures to play a significant role once the county tournament comes around in February.

“I think our chances are going to be really good,” Marino said. “You go into each game thinking you’ll win and perform well, so I have high expectations.”

Bellmore-Merrick will wrap up their regular season against Plainedge, followed by the positional round on Thursday, Jan. 20,  at the Levittown South Lanes. The team county tournament will take place on Saturday, Feb. 5 at 9 a.m. in Garden City.