Josh Finley Country Financial / WMIX Sports Ram of the Week
Mt. Vernon Rams Bowling
The Mt. Vernon Rams Bowling team has again been named the Josh Finley Country Financial / WMIX Sports Ram of the Week after making program history by capturing the school’s first-ever IHSA State trophy with a third-place finish at the state finals held at St. Clair Bowl in Fairview Heights on Friday, January 30 and Saturday, January 31.
Under the leadership of Head Coach Brandon “B Mac” McPherson, the Rams showcased resilience and determination throughout the two-day competition. Mt. Vernon barely survived the Day 1 qualifying cut, sneaking into the final qualifying position by just six pins over Breese Central to finish 12th and advance to championship Saturday.
Once they reached Day 2, the Rams caught fire — climbing nine spots in the standings to secure third place overall with 12,517 total pins, finishing just behind Lockport and state champion Rockton (Hononegah).
The state trophy caps an outstanding season for the Rams, who also claimed the South Seven Conference Championship. Their postseason run began with a third-place finish at the Effingham Regional, hosted by North Clay, before finishing runner-up at the Mt. Vernon Sectional. Senior Travin Elliott led the sectional charge by earning Individual Champion honors with 1,414 pins.
Mt. Vernon’s success at state was fueled by a strong senior core, led by Raymond Andrews, who placed ninth individually with 2,634 pins. The Rams showcased impressive depth throughout the tournament with contributions from:
-
Raymond Andrews (Senior) – 2,634 pins
-
Brody Elliott (Senior) – 2,511 pins
-
Travin Elliott (Senior) – 2,422 pins
-
Trace Elliott (Senior) – 2,421 pins
-
Korbyn Breeze (Junior) – 1,729 pins
-
Cooper Bradley (Sophomore) – 640 pins
-
Sam Klimek (Junior) – 160 pins
The historic finish marks a milestone achievement for Mt. Vernon Bowling and solidifies this senior class as one of the most accomplished groups in program history. Congratulations, Rams Bowling!
<