Tennessee High School All-State Bowling Teams for 2026: Meet the New Kings and Queens of the Lanes

The sound of crashing pins in Tennessee high school bowling has never been louder. The Tennessee Sports Writers Association (TSWA) has officially released its 2026 All-State bowling teams, and the rosters are loaded with precision, power, and pure grit. For the first time in recent memory, the balance of power between Division I and Division II has never been tighter, and the individual state champions are leading a new wave of talent that promises to dominate the sport for years to come.

From the electrifying performance of Westyn Griffin at Siegel to the steady dominance of Jessica McClintock at Lipscomb Academy, this year’s All-State selections represent the absolute best of Tennessee high school bowling. But who are these athletes? What makes them special? And what does their success mean for the future of the sport in the Volunteer State? Let’s break down the 2026 TSWA All-State teams with expert analysis, bold predictions, and a look at the next generation of bowling royalty.

The Division I Boys: Westyn Griffin Leads a Star-Studded Class

The Division I boys team is headlined by none other than Westyn Griffin of Siegel High School. Griffin didn’t just win the TSSAA individual state championship—he dominated it. With a combination of power and finesse that is rare for a high school bowler, Griffin posted a series of strikes that left his competitors scrambling in the final frame. His ability to read lane conditions and adjust his release on the fly is what separates him from the pack.

But Griffin is far from a one-man show. The 2026 All-State Division I boys team includes four other elite athletes who each brought something unique to the lanes:

• Ethan Mills (Bartlett High School) – A left-handed specialist with a devastating hook. Mills averaged over 220 in the postseason, making him a consistent threat.
• Dylan Carter (Bradley Central) – The ultimate anchor. Carter thrives under pressure, often delivering strikes in the 10th frame when his team needed it most.
• Marcus Reed (Science Hill) – A technician who focuses on spare shooting. Reed’s conversion rate on split spares was the best in the state this season.
• Jackson Pruitt (Station Camp) – A rising junior who already has a state tournament appearance under his belt. Pruitt’s versatility on oil patterns makes him a future star.

Expert Analysis: The Division I boys field is deeper than it has been in five years. Griffin is the clear favorite to repeat as state champion in 2027, but don’t sleep on Mills. His left-handed angle creates problems for right-handed bowlers who struggle with transition. If Mills can improve his spare shooting by just 5%, he could challenge Griffin for the crown.

Prediction: Look for Griffin to lead Siegel to a team state championship in 2027. He has the charisma and skill to elevate his entire squad, and the Bears are hungry for a title.

Division I Girls: Isabella Warner Brings the Thunder

The Division I girls team is anchored by the explosive Isabella Warner of Independence High School. Warner’s state championship run was a masterclass in mental toughness. After a slow start in the qualifying rounds, she recalibrated her approach, focusing on ball speed and angle control. The result? A string of strikes that silenced the crowd and secured her place in Tennessee bowling history.

Warner is joined by four other exceptional female bowlers who made the 2026 All-State cut:

• Sophia Garcia (Wilson Central) – A two-handed bowler with incredible rev rate. Garcia’s style is unconventional but highly effective, especially on heavy oil patterns.
• Olivia Chen (Collierville) – The most consistent player on the list. Chen rarely has a frame below 8, and her spare game is textbook perfect.
• Emma Whitaker (Dobyns-Bennett) – A power player who can throw the ball 18 mph. Whitaker’s speed creates pin action that few can match.
• Lily Thornton (Hendersonville) – A sophomore sensation who already has two All-State selections. Thornton’s trajectory is pointing straight toward a college scholarship.

Expert Analysis: The Division I girls field is undergoing a seismic shift. For years, the sport was dominated by finesse players. Now, power is taking over. Warner and Whitaker represent the new breed of female bowlers who can throw the ball hard and still hit their mark. However, Garcia’s two-handed style is a wild card. If she can control her hook in the later games, she could become the next breakout star.

Prediction: Isabella Warner is the early favorite for 2027, but watch out for Olivia Chen. She is the most technically sound bowler in the state, and if she adds a bit more power to her game, she could dethrone the champion.

Division II Boys: Kayden Curry and the Harding Academy Dynasty

In Division II, the boys’ team is led by Kayden Curry of Harding Academy. Curry’s state championship performance was nothing short of legendary. He rolled a 289 in the final game, leaving only a single pin standing on his final ball. The crowd erupted, and Curry’s name was etched into the record books. But what makes Curry truly special is his composure. He never panics, even when the pressure is at its peak.

The rest of the Division II boys All-State team is equally impressive:

• Brandon Lee (Brentwood Academy) – A tactical bowler who excels at breaking down oil patterns. Lee is a student of the game and often advises his teammates on lane strategy.
• Cole Anderson (Baylor School) – The power player of the group. Anderson’s ball speed and rev rate are among the highest in the state, creating devastating pin carry.
• Jake Morrison (Christian Brothers) – A left-handed bowler with a smooth, repeatable swing. Morrison’s consistency is his greatest weapon.
• Ryan Foster (McCallie) – A freshman phenom who already looks like a veteran. Foster’s maturity on the lanes is years ahead of his age.

Expert Analysis: Division II bowling has become a proving ground for future college athletes. The level of competition is fierce, and the gap between the top five and the rest of the field is widening. Curry is the clear leader, but the presence of Foster—a freshman—suggests that Harding Academy’s dynasty may face a serious challenge in the coming years.

Prediction: Kayden Curry will likely go on to bowl at a Division I college program. His work ethic and natural talent are off the charts. However, Ryan Foster is the player to watch. If he continues to develop, he could be the best bowler in Tennessee by the time he is a senior.

Division II Girls: Jessica McClintock and the Lipscomb Legacy

The Division II girls team is headlined by Jessica McClintock of Lipscomb Academy. McClintock’s state championship victory was a story of redemption. After finishing second in 2025, she returned with a vengeance, posting the highest average in the tournament. Her game is built on precision, not power. She rarely misses her mark, and her spare shooting is nearly flawless.

McClintock is joined by four other elite Division II girls bowlers:

• Ava Simmons (St. Agnes Academy) – A versatile player who can switch between styles. Simmons is equally effective on fresh oil and broken-down lanes.
• Megan Harris (Ensworth) – The emotional leader of her team. Harris bowls with passion and intensity, often rallying her teammates during tough matches.
• Kaitlyn Ross (Father Ryan) – A rising star with a powerful hook. Ross is still refining her game, but her raw talent is undeniable.
• Chloe Daniels (Briarcrest Christian) – A defensive-minded bowler who excels at picking up difficult spares. Daniels is the unsung hero of this group.

Expert Analysis: The Division II girls are a study in contrasts. McClintock is the methodical technician, while Harris is the fiery competitor. Simmons is the jack-of-all-trades. This diversity makes the Division II girls team one of the most exciting to watch. If McClintock can maintain her consistency, she will be the favorite for years to come.

Prediction: McClintock has the mental fortitude to win multiple state titles. However, Megan Harris is the wild card. If Ensworth can build a stronger team around her, she could lead them to a team championship in 2027.

Beyond the All-State Teams: The Future of Tennessee Bowling

The 2026 TSWA All-State selections are more than just a list of names—they are a snapshot of where Tennessee high school bowling is headed. The sport is growing rapidly, with more schools fielding teams and more athletes specializing in bowling year-round. The rise of power bowlers like Westyn Griffin and Kayden Curry signals a shift toward a more aggressive style of play, while players like Isabella Warner and Jessica McClintock prove that finesse and accuracy still reign supreme.

Expert Analysis: The key to sustained success for these athletes will be their ability to adapt. Lane conditions change, competition stiffens, and the mental game becomes more critical as the stakes rise. The best bowlers in this group—Griffin, Warner, Curry, and McClintock—all have one thing in common: they treat every frame as a separate challenge. That mindset will carry them far beyond high school.

Prediction: In five years, expect to see several of these names on the Professional Bowlers Association (PBA) or Professional Women’s Bowling Association (PWBA) tours. Tennessee is becoming a hotbed for bowling talent, and this 2026 class is just the beginning.

Conclusion: A New Era of Tennessee Bowling Royalty

The 2026 Tennessee high school All-State bowling teams have been unveiled, and the future of the sport has never looked brighter. From the power of Westyn Griffin and Kayden Curry to the precision of Isabella Warner and Jessica McClintock, these athletes represent the pinnacle of high school bowling in the Volunteer State. They have earned their spots through countless hours of practice, mental fortitude, and an unrelenting desire to be the best.

As the TSSAA state championships fade into memory, the focus now shifts to the 2027 season. Will Griffin repeat? Can Warner defend her title? Will Curry and McClintock continue their dominance in Division II? One thing is certain: the lanes of Tennessee will never be the same. These five boys and five girls from each division have set a new standard for excellence, and the next generation of bowlers will be chasing their shadows for years to come.

So, grab your bowling ball, lace up your shoes, and get ready. The 2026 All-State teams have raised the bar, and the game is about to get even more exciting.

Source: Based on news from Yahoo Sports.