FAIRVIEW HEIGHTS, Ill. — Hononegah’s opening day at the 2026 IHSA Boys Bowling State Finals was defined by consistency, composure and the unmistakable feeling that the Indians are nowhere near finished.
Competing at St. Clair Bowl in Fairview Heights, Hononegah closed Friday’s six‑game block in fifth place overall, stacking a 210.3 team average that kept them firmly in the hunt heading into Saturday’s championship round. The Indians sit 150 pins behind first‑day leader Lincoln‑Way West, a margin that is significant but far from insurmountable in a tournament where momentum can swing on a single hot game.
For a program that has built its identity on depth and steady scoring, Friday’s performance reflected exactly that. Senior anchor Lucas Wheeler, juniors Jacob Dirkx, Tyson Williams, Gauge Hunter, sophomore Jaxon Greenlee, and freshman standout Ian Scharre combined to keep Hononegah inside the top five throughout the day, never drifting far from the lead pack…