By TONY BELLISSIMO
Valley Stream North bowling coach Vito Genova isn't shocked but pleasantly surprised with the big scores the Spartans are posting this season as they run away with the Conference VI title.
He has been around the game for more than 40 years and knows the benefits of practice, practice and more practice.
"We've got a group of kids that bowl all the time," Genova said last week after the Spartans upped their record to 8-0 with a victory over Valley Stream Central at Rockville Centre Lanes. "They compete in outside leagues on the weekends and practice most days during the week. They've improved tremendously. I'm surprised in the sense I haven't seen these kind of scores from our team in six years."
With four regular-season matches remaining, North's average of 780 ranks it in the top 10 in county and has assured it a spot in the Nassau team championship tournament to be held Feb. 2 at Garden City Bowl. It'll be the first time since Genova's first season as coach (2000-01) that the Spartans will compete in the 16-team event. "I'm thrilled that we're making the county tournament," he said. "I think we have the potential to finish in the top five."
Junior T.J. Lucente has been sizzling from the get-go and is among the county's best with a 220 average, up considerably from 178 last season. He rolled a three-game series of 741 on Dec. 12 and came back eight days later to shoot a 280 game. "T.J. is deadly accurate," Genova said. "His swing is true and straight. He doesn't use as much of the lane as most of the other kids. Straight down the boards is his bread and butter."
Senior Michael Kearns carries a 193 average and sparks the Spartans from the leadoff position. "He's got a strong spare game that allows him to be as consistent as anyone we've got," Genova said. "We can rely on Michael to be between 180 and 215 every game."
While Kearns jump starts the lineup, senior Michael Fisch often anchors it. Fisch averages 185 and is capable of producing a big game at any time. "He's a proven pressure bowler," Genova said of Fisch, who shot a 245 on Dec. 13. "He doesn't get rattled."
The most improved bowler on the roster is junior Teddy Lucente, T.J.'s cousin. His average has skyrocketed to 187 from 128. "Teddy bowled JV last season," Genova said. "He's come a long way in a short time. He's got a smooth approach, and his release is picture-perfect."
Though only four bowlers compete in a match, the Spartans have the luxury of depth. Junior Tedd Santiago has averaged 190 over nine games and shot a 268 on Dec. 20.
"Every kid is a student of the game," Genova said. "They want to learn and succeed."
Comments about this story? tbellissimo@liherald.com or (516) 569-4000 ext. 204.
