Bellmore-Merrick Boys Bowling Sweeps Aside MacArthur

The Bellmore-Merrick boys bowling team swept MacArthur on Monday afternoon in its final match before heading into an extended break leading up to a highly anticipated rematch with Levittown Division.

A number of bowlers contributed to the solid win as Bellmore-Merrick picked up two crucial 800 games en route to winning in total pins 2,374-2,117.

"We got the sweep, everyone got an opportunity to bowl and they all did well," head coach Joe Bianca said. "We got a couple nice series from everyone throughout."  

Mepham senior C.J. Marino shot the team-high score in the opening game with a 231 followed by Calhoun junior Joe Cucinella posting a 205. Mepham senior Ricky Hough followed right behind Cucinella with a 196, and lastly Calhoun senior Scott Castellano with a 174. Bellmore-Merrick took the first game easily 806-694.  

Calhoun junior Tom Bianco was substituted into the second game and led the team with a solid 221. Cucinella bowled a strong score of 199, followed by Hough and Marino with a 176 and 170. Bellmore-Merrick slipped in total pins in the middle game but pulled out the win again 766-679.  

Castellano came back in to made his mark in the third game with a high score of 219. Hough broke the 200 barrier with a strong score of 205. Bianco and Mepham senior Eric Schildt wrapped up the scoring with scores of 199 and 179. Bellmore-Merrick moved on to collect all 11 points by winning the final game 802-744.  

"The first game was a little bit of a struggle for me, so I practiced in between to come back in the third game and bowl better," Castellano said. "I just got some good breaks today. We shot well, got behind each other and just didn't look back."  

Bellmore-Merrick has been hanging around a .500 winning percentage so far this season, advancing to 4-3 with the sweep of MacArthur. With individuals such as Bianco stepping up when needed, it may be the push this team is looking for.  

"Tom [Bianco] is a junior coming off of the bench and is just a consistent bowler," Bianca said. "He is carrying a 205 average right now in just six games."  

Bellmore-Merrick will match up against Levittown Division on Jan. 3 at 4:15 p.m. at Levittown South Lanes to try to seek revenge against the team that handed it a tough loss in early December.