The Delbarton bowling team's 2024-25 season was a journey defined by resilience, record-breaking performances, and historic accomplishments. From opening the season with dominant wins to capturing the program's first-ever North II – Group 3 Sectional Championship, the Green Wave left an undeniable mark on the lanes. Their ability to battle through one of the toughest schedules in the state, compete with ranked teams, and rise to the occasion in the biggest moments solidified their status as a premier program in New Jersey high school bowling.
Delbarton wasted no time making a statement, opening the season with two emphatic 7-0 victories over Morristown and Madison. In just their second match, the team set a new single-game school record of 1105 pins, surpassing the previous mark of 1069. Captain David Reale became Delbarton's career pinfall leader, adding to the historic night. Their impressive start carried over to the Crusader Classic, where Delbarton finished 3rd out of 32 teams. Matt Tyrone led the way with a personal-best 623 series, while Dylan Scarpati also set a new high with a 594 series. Just days later, Delbarton took part in the Blue Devil Classic, where they surged into 2nd place overall, delivering their best tournament finish of the season at the time.
Facing one of the most competitive schedules in the state, Delbarton consistently proved their ability to battle ranked teams. Despite narrow losses to top-ranked Kinnelon and Morris Hills, the Green Wave showed their determination, taking Game 3 in both matches and pushing elite teams to the limit. Reale tied the school record with a 279 game against Kinnelon, while Connor Tyrone posted a career-best 571 series against Morris Hills. The team rebounded with a commanding 7-0 win over Chatham, led by Cole Dionyssiou's 231 high game and 579 series. More ranked battles followed, including two matchups against Montville, where Delbarton put up some of their highest scoring performances of the season.
As the season progressed, Delbarton continued to shine in major tournaments. In the Brick Memorial Tournament, they set a new school record with an 1119 single-game score, finishing 2nd overall out of 23 teams. Reale's 670 series and Tyrone's personal-best 628 series highlighted the event. Their biggest team accomplishment to date came at the NJAC Tournament, where Delbarton claimed the conference championship with a score of 2917, edging out Kinnelon (2901). Tyrone bowled the highest game of the tournament (257), while Reale and Corcoran anchored the team in the Baker round to secure the title.
Delbarton delivered another landmark moment by capturing the Morris County Championship, defeating top-seeded Kinnelon and Chatham in clutch Baker matchups. After qualifying 4th, the Green Wave upset Kinnelon in the semifinals before taking down Chatham in the finals. Reale delivered six perfect frames in the Baker playoffs, while Dionyssiou posted a clean 248 game in the qualifiers.
The postseason saw Delbarton take their game to new heights. In the North II – Group 3 Quarterfinals, they swept Belleville 2-0, with Matt Tyrone rolling a clean 448 series and Reale delivering a clutch 212 game to close the win. In the Semifinals against Fort Lee, Delbarton erased a 10-pin deficit in Game 1's 10th frame, fueled by Reale's nine straight strikes for a 270 game. They completed the sweep behind Tyrone's 248 game and Corcoran's five consecutive strikes to seal Game 2. The shining moment of the season came in the North II – Group 3 Sectional Championship against Nutley. The Green Wave dominated Game 1 (978-790) before mounting an epic comeback in Game 2, where they erased a 78-pin deficit and won behind Steven Corcoran's seven consecutive strikes and one of Reale's most memorable strikes to seal the title. Delbarton's first-ever sectional championship was secured, cementing their place in school history.
Delbarton's incredible run ended in the Group 3 Semifinals against #1-ranked St. Joseph (Metuchen). Despite a competitive start, the Green Wave fell 2-0, concluding the season with a 13-11 overall record, a Sectional Championship, a Morris County title, and an NJAC Championship. While the season ended against the state's top team, Delbarton proved they belong among the best. From record-breaking performances to championship victories, this team set a new standard for Delbarton Bowling.
With a conference title, a county championship, a sectional crown, and countless individual milestones, Delbarton Bowling's 2024-25 season was one for the history books. The foundation for future success has been built, and the Green Wave will be back, ready to compete at the highest level once again.
One final time – Roll Wave!
