Last season, the Dobyns-Bennett boys bowling team came up just short of ultimate glory: a state championship.
That only lit a fire underneath the players and with practically everyone returning, the Tribe will make the return trip to Smyrna this week in search of the program’s first state title.
“When I started bowling in middle school, I never would’ve dreamed that his program has gone as far as it has,” D-B senior Peyton Keesee said. “Considering that was the only time that we had gotten that far and we came up just short, all it did was put a burn in our butt, really.
“When we look at other teams and the averages from other regions, we’ve got a pretty stacked team over here in little ol’ Kingsport.”
D-B (11-1) has lost just a single match all season and just two conference matches in four years, and the Indians have won four straight district, regional and sectional championships.
That’s a pretty impressive résumé, but the big prize is still out there.
They’ll start the state tournament on Thursday against the host school, Smyrna (16-2).
“Being a senior and we’ve only lost two conference matches in four years, it’s always an exciting time and we’re basically a family. It was heartbreaking, just like in any sport,” D-B senior Blake McReynolds said, referring to last season near miss. “Just like in basketball when someone hits a game-winning shot, it’s heartbreaking. It also adds fuel to the fire and gives us that want-to to get back to that spot.”
The Indians dropped last season’s title match against Hardin County 16-7. It was the highest finish in program history, but it definitely left Keesee, McReynolds and fellow seniors Alex Nelson and Seth Mullins — who actually attends West Ridge — wanting more.
“Blake has been on top of the leaderboard for the last four years and he’s been bowling since he came out of the womb, pretty much,” Keesee said. “Whenever all of us get together, that chemistry on its own is so powerful. Having all of these guys with high averages on one team is awesome because whenever someone isn’t doing so hot, you’re always going to have someone to pick you up.”
The anticipation of the big stage had to wait an additional week when the state tournament was pushed back because of the recent wintry weather. No big deal for the Indians, though, because they still have a boatload of experienced talent with four bowlers carrying a 220 average.
“I feel like we’re prepared and we’re ready to get back to the state,” McReynolds said. “This week has been circled on our calendar ever since last year when we lost. We’ve added some pieces and we’re ready to get back and rock and roll.”
The D-B bowlers also want to put on one final show for longtime head coach Debbie Knott, who has more than 500 wins for the boys and girls combined.
Keesee said Knott is the perfect fit for the sport because she pushes everyone just enough but is also incredibly encouraging.
“It’s definitely different having (Knott) lead us, but it’s really nice,” Keesee said. “It’s not like that stereotypical aggressive coach that can either be on or off your side. She’s super sweet, but she can also get onto you like a stereotypical coach would. She’s been the best and we couldn’t have asked for a better coach for this team, honestly.”
Pins start to fall on Wednesday with the individual state tournament. McReynolds had the second-highest individual score statewide from the regional qualifier (1,373).
Mullins also qualified (1,281) along with junior Abby Jay Jardines in the girls’ tournament.
Science Hill’s Peyton Abel (1,187) also qualified for the boys’ individual event.
“We have really high hopes,” Keesee said. “We’ve seen a bunch of the teams and what their advantages and disadvantages are. We’ve prepared a lot during practice shooting the 7 and 10 pins. We’re looking forward to bringing home a championship.”