High School Sports Spotlight
January 20, 2013 7:16PM
Brandon Talley, of Romeoville
Article Extras
Updated: February 22, 2013 6:12AM
Brandon Lisak-Talley
Sr., Bowling, Romeoville
Lisak-Talley helped Romeoville claim the Southwest Prairie Tournament on Jan. 12, then set his sights on a new goal.
“We finished fifth in the state last year after ninth the year before,” he said. “We’re going in the right direction.”
Brandon is the son of Romeoville coach Tony Talley.
“My dad coached at Plainfield South and always beat Romeoville,” Brandon said. “We’re not the bottom-feeders anymore, and the guys on our team are the ones that have changed that.”
Steve Millar
Shannin Jacobazzi
Sr., Bowling, Plainfield S.
As sectionals beckon, Jacobazzi is intent on making it to state one way or another.
“My main goal isn’t just for myself, but for the whole team to make it to state,” she said. “If the team can’t make it, I hope I can individually.”
Jacobazzi, who had a 614 series Thursday in a win over rival Plainfield Central, said she owes her bowling career to a friend. “My friend Lisa got me into bowling when I was younger,” she said. “I have to thank her because I love it now.”
Steve Millar
Kenny Baldridge
Jr., Wrestling, Morris
Despite 12 years of wrestling experience, Baldridge still is looking for ways to tweak his game.
“I’m trying to work on my defense and push on (foes) a little more,” Baldridge said. “Not only that, but finishing my shots and coming around to the back instead of just from the front.”
Baldridge, a returning state medalist, has won tournaments at Buffalo Grove and Lincoln-Way East. His only loss of the season came in the finals of the Metamora Tournament to Byron’s Nelson Baker.
Logan Malloy
Melissa Helfert
Sr., Cheer, Romeoville
Helfert began cheering in high school when a friend, Katie Smith, convinced her to try out.
She’s been on varsity for two years, as the Spartans went from a coed team back to an all-girls squad.
“The varsity was so amazing and I couldn’t wait to experience that,” Helfert said. “And now that I’m here, it’s still amazing. I’ve learned so much about discipline and hard work and to never, ever give up. I can’t imagine my life without it.”
Jeff Vorva
