n Tupelo, Itawamba AHS in the field at Rebelanes; the state's smaller schools roll in Jackson.

By Gene Phelps

Daily Journal

Using the regional scores as an indicator, Tupelo looks to be a solid favorite to capture its third consecutive MHSAA Class II state bowling championship today at Rebelanes.

The Golden Wave boys team won the regional title two weeks ago in Jackson by 195 pins over its nearest competitor, Northeast Mississippi rival Itawamba AHS.

But Tupelo coach Susan Dudley insists she's taking nothing for granted.

"We want to win that third year, but we know we have to bowl well," she said.

MHSAA state bowling official Kevin Hartigan - whose son, Tim, bowls for the Golden Wave - knows from past matches that Tupelo's road to the title is not an easy one.

"We lost to Itawamba at the end of the regular season," he said. "It was ugly. We lost our mental edge. If you were to equate that loss to a football game, it would have been a 48-3 score.

"Of course, we returned that 48-3 whipping" in the regionals.

Tim Hartigan, whose 207 season average is rated No. 8 in the nation, and Cullen McBride, who sports a 200 average, lead Tupelo as freshmen.

Itawamba AHS is led by senior T.J. Senter, whose 227.8 average is ranked No. 3 nationally.

Also competing today for the Class II boys state championship will be teams from Clinton, Madison Central, Meridian and Northwest Rankin.

The teams will bowl four qualifying matches beginning at 9 a.m. The top two from the qualifying round will then bowl a Baker style (best-of-seven game) format for the state title.

In the girls Class II tournament, also at Rebelanes, Tupelo hosts IAHS, Clinton, Madison Central, Northwest Rankin and Ridgeland.

IAHS is the pre-tournament favorite based on its win in the regionals. The Lady Indians rolled to a 209-pin win over the Lady Wave and the rest of the field.

In the Class I state tournament today at Paradise Lanes in Jackson, West Union's boys and girls teams are the favorites. The Lady Eagles are defending state champions.

The remainder of the boys Class I field features East Union, East Webster, Pontotoc, Cleveland and Pisgah. The remainder of the girls Class I field features East Union, Pontotoc, Cleveland, Pisgah and St. Andrew's.

n Team rosters, Page 2B