Athlete of the Year: Morgan Flaherty, Bowling Sensation

After Patch readers , it was time for me to hold up my end of the bargain and make the editor's pick.

With six more incredibly talented nominations to choose from, I decided to go with Morgan Flaherty, the state bowling champion from . 

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Flaherty, a junior this past season, averaged an incredible 230.3 at the state bowling tournament, winning the championship to become Lincoln-Way West's first state champion. 

She averaged a 198 on the season, according to bowling coach Scott Jablonski, who nominated Flaherty. Other accomplishments included: 

• Helping West win the new Lincoln-Way Cup.
• Winning the high game award at the Joliet West Grind Fest.
• Finishing in first place at the Reavis Cup.

"She continues to push her bowling to the highest limits in and out of school, which shows a great example of what is needed to succeed in this sport," Jablonski said. "She helps me help the other bowlers all year long, which helps the whole team achieve greatness." 

Outside of high school bowling, Flaherty continues to shine in the sport. During her league bowling, and all the USBC tournaments, she won the coveted honor of being Princess of the court for her age group. Jablonski said that is a combination of points from every league game, through every tournament bowled. She ended up with the most points within her age group, through the whole Joliet Bowling Assoication.