BUTLER TWP — When it comes to high school bowling, Butler basically just reloads.

That theory holds true for the Golden Tornado boys, who return three WPIBL standouts in seniors Jordan Reges and Cole Thrash, along with junior Chris Huff.

But the girls side of things? Different story.

“During mine and (assistant) Kurt Huff's tenure, this is the first year we don't return a really strong base,” Butler coach Bob Cupp said. “When we took over as coaches, we had a state champion in Megan Paul, a region champion in Mikayla White.

“Last year's team was filled with experienced bowlers who made their mark.”

Butler's girls won the WPIBL and Western region championship last season and finished fourth in the state tourney. Nicole Nebel was section MVP and is now bowling at Mount Aloysius College.

Mercedes Belch and Abby Kyle are bowling at Saint Vincent College and Ashley McCue may soon be bowling for CCAC.

Jordyn Graham, who averaged 163 last year, is the only returning starter for the Tornado girls. She is a senior and is hoping to bowl for Youngstown State University next year.

“Jordyn averaged over 200 in tryouts this year,” Cupp said. “She's looking to have a big season and we've got some younger girls coming together behind her.”

They include sophomores Reegan Malis and Autumn Reges, who averaged 170 and 161, respectively, in tryouts. Other sophomores who may contribute are Lauren Bash and Rachael Blose.

Senior Deanna Fleeger, freshmen Katelyn Wolf and Harley Kriess are also in the mix.

“I'm confident our girls team will come together and make a run,” Cupp said.

Butler's boys finished third in the WPIBL, second in the regional and ninth in the state meet. They are primed to improve those finishes this season.

Jordan Reges averaged 203 last year, second-best in the section. Huff averaged 197 and Thrash 189.

“It wouldn't shock me if all three of those guys averaged over 200 this season,” Cupp said.

Tom Angelo, a senior who averaged 170 in the junior league, did not bowl for the high school squad a year ago. He has come back out this season.

“Tom could be the wild-card this year, somebody we weren't expecting who can make a difference,” Cupp said.

Others on the boys roster are seniors Trey Barto and Brad Shirley, freshman Brock Hepler and junior Cole Facemire.

“We could have a pretty strong top five this year,” Cupp said.

Joining the Tornado in the league's North section are Seneca Valley, Mars, North Allegheny and Shaler. NA figures to provide the stiffest competition.

Neil Morris takes over as coach at Seneca Valley, which returns sophomore Jason Hartenstein, who averaged 163 last year. Madison Ferringer, a senior, is the top female bowler for the Raiders. She averaged 149.

Rob Schell takes over as Mars coach. The Planets have a limited roster of four boys and two girls.

“I've been involved with the program, helping out, for the past eight years,” Schell said. “Our other coaches left and I didn't want to see the program go away.

“We don't have numbers right now, but I'm here for these kids who want to bowl. I want to make sure they have an enjoyable experience.”

Alex Ola, a junior, is in his third season with the Planets and averaged 128 last year. Senior James Ferrone, junior Christian Tumminello and freshman Cameron Lambert are all first-year bowlers on the team.

On the girls side, senior Alaina Nagel is in her fourth year and averaged 134 a season ago. Paige Stafford, a freshman, is the other girl on the squad.

Freeport enters its second season in the league and moves from the North section to the Northeast, competing against Armstrong, Burrell, St. Joseph's, Kiski Area and Apollo-Ridge.

Tom Livingston is the Yellowjackets' coach. His son, sophomore Mark Livingston, led the North section with a 206 average as a freshman last year.

Fellow sophomore Issaic Spencer averaged 156 a year ago. Seth Change, a junior, was at 146 while sophomore Blake Olson averaged 142.

Caitlyn Crissman, a senior, led Freeport's girls with a 119 average last year.