Syracuse, N.Y. — Syracuse.com’s All-CNY girls bowling team features all-stars who shone during the 2024-25 season. There are four bowler of the year finalists: Samantha Hass of Baldwinsville, Eliana Occhino of Christian Brothers Academy, Mylie Weyant of Rome Free Academy and Carmen Youngs of West Canada Valley. The winner will be revealed at syracuse.com’s | The Post Standard’s annual All-CNY Sports Awards presented by Syracuse Orthopedic Specialists. The show begins at 6 p.m., Tuesday, June 24, 2025, inside the Liverpool High School Auditorium. More details can be found here. Here are the 2024-25 All-CNY girls bowlers. Name: Sara Conover School: Liverpool Class: Senior What’s next for you? College Who inspires you? My mother What is your favorite memory from this season? Shooting my high series of a 640. If you could have any fictional character as your teammate in your sport, who would it be? I would say Diana Bishop from “Discovery of Witches” since she is resilient and brave throughout the whole movie and extremely smart. Name: Marissa Capone School: Auburn Class: Junior What’s next for you? College Who inspires you? My Dad. He got me into bowling when I was younger and it stuck with me. What is your favorite memory from this season? Going to states, and Senior Night for our team. It was my first year going to states and I’m going to miss the seniors very much. If you could have any fictional character as your teammate in your sport, who would it be? Batman because he’s a chill guy. Name: Avery Carlson School: Whitesboro Class: Senior What’s next for you? College at SUNY Oneonta Who inspires you? My dad. He has always been there for me and is the whole reason I even did this sport. What is your favorite memory from this season? Every day we had practice, game and bus ride. This sport and team never failed to make me feel loved and supported and I looked forward to every single practice and game. Also going to states and getting to bowl with girls from other schools who were the kindest and made it full of joy and support. What is your favorite quote from your favorite sports movie? “What’s the rule? The rule is, you don’t quit.” — “Million Dollar Baby.” It reminds me to keep trying and don’t give up and there is still time. If you could have any fictional character as your teammate in your sport, who would it be? I would want the Hulk as my teammate because he would just throw it down the lane and get a strike every time. Name: Sandy Ferlo School: Central Valley Academy Class: Junior What’s next for you? Senior year Who inspires you? My sister. She was a record-setter and history-maker for my school. She was the first girl to ever make it to the postseason for bowling, and in her first year she broke both school records, later breaking them again. She is one of a kind and I hope to be like her when I bowl. What is your favorite memory from this season? Making it to states and creating new friendships that continue outside of bowling. I loved bowling in that new environment and feeling a different pressure than the one I feel during the regular season. I hope I get to experience that again next year. What is your favorite quote from your favorite sports movie? “It’s OK to lose to an opponent. Must not lose to fear.” — “Karate Kid III” This is a good reminder for me. I have to do things I may not want to. I have to keep challenging myself and try new things, It’s the only way I can improve in my sports." If you could have any fictional character as your teammate in your sport, who would it be? I would love to have Mr. Miyagi as a teammate. He would bring up morale and maybe some good insight to be mindful while playing. Maybe he has some hidden talent as well. Name: Claire Gugnacki School: Vernon Verona Sherrill Class: Freshman Position: Captain What’s next for you? Soccer Who inspires you? Mr.Hyle because he has helped me a lot along the way. What is your favorite memory from this season? Getting a 705 at TVLs. Name: Grayce Harvey School: West Canada Valley Class: Senior What’s next for you? College, possibly continuing bowling. Who inspires you? My teammates. I always have something new to learn from them. What is your favorite memory from this season? Going to states with some of my closest friends and finishing in fourth. What is your favorite quote from your favorite sports movie? “Tonight, we skate with them. Tonight we stay with them. And we shut them down because we can! Tonight we are the greatest hockey team in the world.” — Herb Brooks. The quote and the whole movie exemplify determination and perseverance, which is something that I carry with me. If you could have any fictional character as your teammate in your sport, who would it be? Lenny Feder. He never takes anything too seriously, and I think we could have a fantastic time. Name: Samantha Hass School: Baldwinsville Class: Sophomore What’s next for you? Softball Who inspires you? My parents. My father has been my role model when it comes to bowling. He is the reason I know everything I do now. My mother has definitely been there cheering me on, no matter how badly I am doing. I will always go to my mother for support whenever I need it. What is your favorite memory from this season? All of the bus rides. There has never been a dull moment on the bus rides to and from matches. All of my teammates are there to get me hype and make sure I’m in an uplifting mood. What is your favorite quote from your favorite sports movie? “You miss 100% of the shots you don’t take.” — This quote allows me to realize I can never fail if I don’t try. If you could have any fictional character as your teammate in your sport, who would it be? Iron Man. His confidence would definitely be able to pump me up no matter what. He is strong-minded and is able to help with a lot of things. Name: Elizabeth Hildreth School: Baldwinsville Class: Senior What’s next for you? I plan on going to college to pursue a career in nursing. Who inspires you? My grandpa has inspired me the most when it comes to bowling. He not only taught me how to bowl, but also taught me how to have the right attitude within the sport, to always encourage others and help each other out. What is your favorite memory from this season? My favorite memory is winning a state title for the first time in girls history in Baldwinsville. It’s a memory and feeling that will stick forever. What is your favorite quote from your favorite sports movie? “If you put your effort and concentration into playing to your potential, to be the best that you can be, I don’t care what the scoreboard says at the end of the game. In my book, we’re going to be winners.” This shows to never give up after a loss. Always try your best and keep moving forward. Hard work will pay off if you put the effort in and push yourself to be the best you can be. If you could have any fictional character as your teammate in your sport, who would it be? I’d pick Wonder Woman because she is never scared of anything and teaches others about empathy and tolerance. Name: Sophia Iglesias-Tosti School: Rome Free Academy Class: Junior What’s next for you? Softball Who inspires you? Daria Pająk because she bounced back from her injury. What is your favorite memory from this season? Bowling in the Baker style in sectionals against Fulton. What is your favorite quote from your favorite sports movie? “Great moments are born from great opportunities” — “Miracle.” Because my parents gave me every chance to have the opportunities I’ve had. If you could have any fictional character as your teammate in your sport, who would it be? Hercules, because having a Greek God as a teammate would be sick. Name: Lorelai Leskoske School: West Genesee Class: Senior What’s next for you? I will be finishing out my senior year with high school softball. I will be attending Delaware State University in the fall to major in nursing and bowl for them. Who inspires you? My family inspired me to bowl as I grew up in bowling alleys watching them bowl. What is your favorite memory from this season? Qualifying first in D-I girls for states and being on an actual girls team as I bowl on the boys team all year. What is your favorite quote from your favorite sports movie? “There’s no crying in baseball.” This is from “A League of Their Own,” which is a movie that shows women power during WW2. If you could have any fictional character as your teammate in your sport, who would it be? Scooby-Doo. This is because we have a little emotional support pup at home named Sawyer so I believe having a dog in my corner would be nice. Name: Gianna Macrina School: West Canada Valley Class: Freshman What’s next for you? Another sport. I am involved in track and field. Who inspires you? Emma (my sister) inspires me because she always has a great attitude every time we bowl and motivates other bowlers to try their best. What is your favorite memory from this season? We went to states as a team and I got second place for high game of 245. What is your favorite quote from your favorite sports movie? “Good, better, best. Never let it rest. Until your good is better and your better is best.” I love this quote because I think it is very inspiring. If you could have any fictional character as your teammate in your sport, who would it be? Moana because she’s a problem-solver and there are always other ways. Name: Matthew Melancon School: Camden Class: Senior What’s next for you? I’m going to college at SUNY Oswego to become an art teacher, and hopefully join a bowling team there. Who inspires you? My teammate and close friend Tracey York. She was the one who got me to join bowling in the first place, and always encouraged me to do my best no matter what. What is your favorite memory from this season? Coach Luke telling us to all lock in. What is your favorite quote from your favorite sports movie? “We all lead two lives, Roy, the life we learn with and the life we lead after that.” — “The Natural.” If you could have any fictional character as your teammate in your sport, who would it be? Todd Chavez. He looks like he would be good at bowling. Name: Addison Nichols School: Fulton Class: Senior Name: Eliana Occhino School: Christian Brothers Academy Class: Senior What’s next for you? I will be attending Jacksonville State University in the fall and will be competing in the SYC in Rhode Island, Pepsi Championship Tournament, the Junior Gold Tournament over the summer and will be attending the Jr. Team USA training camp before I start college. Who inspires you? I have been most inspired by the people that I am surrounded by at Lakeview Lanes. That is my home center and it is the most welcoming place with the most supportive group of people always pushing me to do better. What is your favorite memory from this season? At sectionals when my team experienced the Baker format. We had so much fun cheering each other on and it was something new and exciting that most of them had never experienced before. What is your favorite quote from your favorite sports movie? “I play for the United States of America” from “Miracle” because that’s always been a goal for me. If you could have any fictional character as your teammate in your sport, who would it be? Happy Gilmore because he is a very likable person and he has a lot of enthusiasm, which can make him a fun and motivating teammate. Name: Sophia Parker School: Rome Free Academy Class: Eighth grade What’s next for you? I play softball in the spring for my school and also play on a travel softball team that runs through summer. Who inspires you? I would say all of my teammates and coaches. They have all tremendously helped in my success this year. What is your favorite memory from this season? I would say sectionals. It was so much fun and a great experience. It was so full of energy and a good bonding experience with my team. What is your favorite quote from your favorite sports movie? “Ducks fly together” from “D2: The Mighty Ducks.” It’s my favorite quote because to me, it means you always stick together no matter what, and that is what a team is." If you could have any fictional character as your teammate in your sport, who would it be? Bugs Bunny. I think he would be a funny teammate. Name: Hailey Payment School: Fulton Class: Senior Who inspires you? My uncle. He pushes me to be the best version of myself. What is your favorite memory from this season? Winning sectionals two years in a row and bowling in states twice in one year. If you could have any fictional character as your teammate in your sport, who would it be? Lexie Grey from ”Grey’s Anatomy." Name: Kaylen Schantz School: Holland Patent Class: Junior What’s next for you? Another sport Who inspires you? My father and grandfather. They have taught me everything I know about bowling. I started at age 3 and am still planning to continue. They have taught me so much. What is your favorite memory from this season? Practicing with the girls from shootouts. It made me feel like I was a part of a real team for once. Name: Molly Smith School: Fulton Class: Eighth grade What’s next for you? College Who inspires you? The sport itself is just amazing and fun, but mostly the people encourage me to keep going and it helps. What is your favorite memory from this season? The times when we all just have fun together. Name: Olivia Stockman School: Lowville Class: Freshman What’s next for you? Softball Who inspires you? My dad because he was the one who got me jnto bowling and he helps me when I can’t quite get it and he gets me my gear for it. What is your favorite memory from this season? When I placed third in the Section III individual shootout. Name: Mylie Weyant School: Rome Free Academy Class: Junior What’s next for you? I still have another year of high school left, so in the offseason, I just participate in other leagues to practice more to stay consistent and in tune with my game. Who inspires you? My older sister, Marykate, and my older brother, Mason. They’ve been there since the start of my career and have taught me everything I know and are always encouraging me to keep going and help me improve every chance they can. Growing up, they had a lot more experience in bowling than I did and were much better than I was. That inspired me to continue honing my game so I could be on par with them. What is your favorite memory from this season? Sectionals this year were definitely an experience I’ll never forget. Everybody was in such good spirits and had high hopes that we would go to states this year. I can’t remember a time that day when my team was in a bad mood. Everybody was just so hype and glad to be there, regardless of how we were playing. My teammates and I are very close with one another, and we all just focused on having fun and doing the best we could at the event. I remember at the end of the tournament how excited and proud everybody was to be given the opportunity to go to states. To go to such a huge event with a team you love very much is one of the greatest feelings in the world. What is your favorite quote from your favorite sports movie? “Great moments are born from great opportunity,” from “Miracle.” I love this quote because a lot of my growth has come from the opportunities I have been given throughout my career. Whether it’s big tournaments, leagues, and school matches, without those opportunities, I would’ve never learned from my mistakes and become a better bowler overall. All those opportunities have led me and my team to winning sectional titles, TVL titles, and ultimately going to states, along with me winning an individual state champion title. If you could have any fictional character as your teammate in your sport, who would it be? Darwin Watterson from “The Amazing World of Gumball.” Darwin is very optimistic and can always see the good in every person and every situation, which is very crucial during matches to keep everybody in a good headspace. Name: Alex Wilcox School: Fulton Class: Sophomore What’s next for you? Trade school Who inspires you? Definitely my brother. He started bowling about a year before I did and watching him have so much fun with it drove me to want to try, and before I knew it I was on varsity working to make an impact for my team. What is your favorite memory from this season? Sectionals without a doubt. Sectionals were a huge win for us this season, especially going into it undefeated and with very high hopes. No matter how hard it was for us, we got through it and ended up at the top. What is your favorite quote from your favorite sports movie? “Obsession is going to beat talent every time. You’ve got all the talent in the world, but are you obsessed? Let’s face it. It’s you against you out there.” — “Hustle,” Adam Sandler. If you could have any fictional character as your teammate in your sport, who would it be? Spider-Man, because his character has always been interesting to me and definitely has said quotes and done things that I look up to. Name: Carmen Youngs School: West Canada Valley Class: Junior What’s next for you? Trying to qualify for Junior Gold. Who inspires you? One of my teammates from the state composite team, Sandy, because she likes to have fun while still being competitive. What is your favorite memory from this season? Falling through the gutter cap when trying to remove dead wood from the lane. What is your favorite quote from your favorite sports movie? “There is no crying in baseball.” Just like there should be no crying in bowling. If you could have any fictional character as your teammate in your sport, who would it be? I would like Flash to be on my team. That way, if I leave a ringing 10-pin, he could run down and knock it over without anyone noticing. Coach of the year Name: Corey Youngs School: West Canada Valley Years coaching: 17 Who inspires you to coach? I receive inspiration from my daughter Carmen. I have been coaching her for approximately 13 years and while coaching your own child has its own challenges, spending the hours on end practicing and watching her develop has been a true pleasure. I hope that I can see the day that the bowler she currently is, meets the bowler she will eventually become. It will be an awesome sight to see. What is your favorite sports memory from this season? Just before the state finals, I handed out awards (Cartoon Character portraits) to all the ladies. I received a “Miyagi do” headband and a shirt that said “Whatever Miyagi do.....Coach Youngs do” with my picture on the back. This showed me that I was not only coaching bowling, but providing life lessons as well. If you could have any historical figure on your team, who would it be? Isaac Newton - pretty sure he would comprehend the math involved in bowling. Not only keeping score, but entry angles and axis/tilt. What is your favorite quote from your favorite sports movie? “The world ain’t all sunshine and rainbows. It’s a very mean and nasty place and I don’t care how tough you are, it will beat you to your knees and keep you there permanently if you let it. You, me, or nobody is gonna hit as hard as life. But it ain’t about how hard you hit, it’s about how hard you get hit and keep movin’ forward. How much you can take, and keep movin’ forward. That’s how winning is done! Now, if you know what you’re worth, go out and get what you’re worth – but you gotta be willing to take the hits. And not pointin’ fingers sayin’ you ain’t where you want to be because of him or her or anybody. Cowards do that and that ain’t you! You’re better than that." Contact Lindsay Kramer anytime: Email | Twitter