The 2025-26 high school bowling season has come and gone, and the GHS girls and boys had a highly successful campaign, each posting a .750 winning percentage (6-2) during the regular season, qualifying for the postseason, then a fifth and sixth place finish in the 5A state tournament. Six GHS bowlers earned All-Conference honors and two Lady Bulldogs made the All-State team for Head Coach Austin Moreton and longtime volunteer assistant Barbara Brown.
Of the recently completed season, Coach Moreton said, “We went 6-2 [with] both the guys and girls in the regular season. Our only two losses for both [teams] were [to] Russellville and [Fort Smith] Southside.” The regular season began in December and concluded with the postseason state tournament the second week of February.
To reach their respective state tournaments, the two GHS bowling teams had to finish in the top four in the 5A West tournament held at Strikers Bowling Center in Russellville on Tuesday, February 3rd. Other conference teams participating included Arkansas High School from Texarkana, Greenbrier, Harrison, Hot Springs, Lake Hamilton, Hot Springs Lakeside, Mountain Home, Russellville, Siloam Springs, Van Buren, and Vilonia. The Vilonia girls and boys took top honors at the conference tournament, and the Vilonia boys went on to finish #2 in the state in Class 5A.
“At the conference tournament our girls placed third and our guys placed fourth, and both qualified for state,” said Coach Moreton. At their state tournaments the girls placed fifth and the guys placed sixth.” The Lady Bulldogs competed at Jonesboro’s Hijinx bowling alley while the Bulldogs battled at Jonesboro Bowling Center in Northeast Arkansas on February 11th.
Greenwood’s six All-Conference performers included Lorleai Graham, Raylee Wagoner, and Camryn Coston for the ladies and Dylan Nicholson (2nd place overall), Parker Pierce (5th place overall), and Peyton Doss. Two of those Lady Bulldogs were also named to the Class 5A All-State team, Raylee Wagoneer, who finished in 7th place overall, and teammate Lorleai Graham.
Coach Moreton provided the individual averages for each of his bowlers. For the Lady Bulldogs, six seniors comprised most of the team. They included Raylee Wagoner (145), Lorelai Graham (153), Lily Johnson (128), Julia Witherington (123), Camryn Coston (118), and Janie Witherington (110). There were also three juniors on the squad, including Aubrey Castleberry (116), and Madison Sanders (108), and Ellie White (95). Losing six seniors to graduation, Coach Moreton will have to recruit more younger bowlers to restock his girls’ roster for next season.
For the Bulldogs, there were two seniors, three juniors, and one sophomore. The seniors were Parker Pierce (210) and Dylan Nicholson (206). The juniors were Peyton Doss (202), Thomas Veatch (158), and Noah Brown (148). The two sophomores are Sean Hsu-Haddock (165) and Trevor Marsh (130).
Coach Moreton added these final thoughts about the just concluded campaign. “It was a good overall season,” said the coach. “I’m proud of both teams and the season we put together. It's the first time since I've been here, and maybe the first time ever that both guys and girls have made the state [tournament] together. I know we have at least one team make it every year, but I was thrilled that both worked their tails off and made it to state. Not too many teams get to say that.
“The young ladies had a great season,” he continued. “Senior heavy and senior lead, they have left the culture and trajectory of the team in an amazing place for the next group to take over. Seniors Lorelai Graham and Raylee Wagoneer both earned All-State honors. They also earned All-Conference honors along with Camryn Coston. The best thing about the ladies team is that they truly love each other and want the best for one another. There’s no selfishness at all, just constant encouragement and positivity. It was fun to watch. We have six senior ladies leaving us that will be greatly missed. Lorelai Graham, Raylee Wagoneer, and Julia Witherington have all been with us since they were sophomores. Julia actually earned 5A West All-Conference honors for us last year. Lily Johnson joined us as a junior last year and made an immediate impact for us, then Camryn Coston joined us this year as a senior and was amazing for us, earning All-Conference honors. It was a tremendous group of senior ladies.
“The guys also had a good season. Seniors Dylan Nicholoson and Parker Pierce have changed the culture on this team 100%. They are two no-nonsense focused bowlers that lead by example. Both earned multiple honors over their career. This season Dylan, Parker, and Peyton Doss all earned 5A west All-Conference honors. They have left the team better than they found it and really laid a foundation for years to [come].
“Coach Barbara Brown and I have really enjoyed both groups this season. I can't thank Barbara enough for the time and effort she puts in to help our teams. We have a great support system with the parents and community that back our program [as well],” the coach concluded.