Hartley-Melvin-Sanborn hosted a Class 1A Girls State Qualifying Meet February 17. The Hawks were unable to qualify as the top team or as one of the top four individuals.
“The HMS girls were ready for the district/state qualifying meet at our home location, Locomotion Lanes of Sanborn,” said Hawk coach Julia Meyer. The other three teams competing were Forest City, Independence and MMCRU. The total of the 15 baker games would determine the winner.
“The girls kicked off the day with an impressive 202 baker game, marking their first 200 game of the season in bakers,” noted Meyer. “This strong start had them only 59 pins behind the eventual winner, Independence, after the first five games. Although they posted some good scores and were hitting well, they faced challenges with consistent spare shooting, preventing them from reaching the high scores needed to secure first place.”
Girls Team Scores (top team qualifies): Independence 2646, MMCRU 2479, HMS 2305, Forest City 1863.
15 HMS baker games: 202, 158, 177, 151, 157, 132, 150, 168, 141, 170, 144, 126, 167, 136, 126.
The individual games were in the afternoon and each player bowled three games to determine which top four girls would qualify to go to State. “Again, the girls had good games, but just could not compete with the more seasoned girls from Independence and MMCRU in this event,” said Meyer. “The HMS girls were just short a few strikes and spares and gave it a valiant effort to make it to the top four.
Junior Jordan Lux and freshman Kaidence Shaffer made the top eight in the event. Lux was sixth with a 528 and Shaffer eighth with a 498. Next were junior Lillian Van Loon at 431, followed by freshmen Addison Huffman at 426, Kaeley Benson at 413 and Mason VerHelst at 404.

The four individuals to qualify for State were Breanna Staab of MMCRU, Carlie Hanson of Independence, Callie Arens of MMCRU and Lexi Higdon of Independence.
“Overall, the girls had a successful season, finishing with a 7-1 record and showcasing their talent, which we eagerly anticipate for next year,” said Meyer. “This year’s team was young, consisting of two juniors and six freshmen, and we are fortunate not to be losing any players. The experiences gained this season will serve as a strong foundation for the upcoming seasons. I am proud of them all and their efforts.”
HMS Girls Individual Results: Jordan Lux 180-180-168 – 528, Kaidence Shaffer 144-162-192 – 498, Lillian Van Loon 113-149-169 – 431, Addison Huffman 156-134-136 – 426, Kaeley Benson 109-181-123 – 413, Mason VerHelst 142-107-155 – 404.
Top Eight Individuals (top four qualify): Breanna Staab, MMCRU, 641; Carlie Hanson, Independence, 598; Callie Arens, MMCRU, 579; Lexi Higdon, Independence, 541; Addison Lamphier, Independence, 530; Jordan Lux, HMS, 528; Brooklyn Tudor, Independence, 512; Kaidence Shaffer, HMS, 498.