Mike Smith
Artesia Daily Press
msmith@currentrargus.com

Artesia High School’s Bulldogs couldn’t overcome eight consecutive strikes by Albuquerque Valley High School and had to settle for second place in the state bowling championships Feb. 1 in Albuquerque.

The Bulldogs just missed in their quest for a 10th state title, rolling all the way to the final round before falling to Valley.

Artesia defeated Albuquerque East Mountain and Albuquerque Del Norte in the early stages of the tournament, and even outbowled Valley, sending the Vikings to the tournament’s consolation bracket.

“They went down and beat Espanola Valley to get back to us,” head coach Ken Clayton said.

The tournament came down to a final shootout with either Valley or Artesia needing to win two games to take home the championship trophy.

“(In the) finals Valley defeated us with eight strikes in a row to win 385 to 358 and force the final championship where they prevailed 365-342,” Clayton said.

The coach said he was proud of his team for battling to the end.

“I told the kids I’m never going to apologize for finishing in second place in a state championship,” he said. “The kids did a great job and sometimes you just get beat. … They’re still amazing bowlers and great kids. Really proud of the kids and their effort.”

Bowlers earn statewide honors

Although the Bulldogs finished second in the team standings, Clayton said Artesia bowler Brenden Depew was No. 1 in New Mexico with the state’s highest season average at 205. Teammate Ayden Gomez was second with a 203 average for the season.

Bulldogs Hagen Murph and Kambry Collins also excelled, earning spots on the All-State bowling team.

Murph, Collins and Mason Jeter are set to graduate in May, Clayton said, but seven Bulldogs will return for the 2026 bowling season.

Mike Smith can be reached at 575-308-8734 or email at msmith@currentargus.com.