The Montclair High School Boys Bowling team finished the 2023-24 season with an impressive 14-4 record, as well as finishing 12-3 in conference play. The team was led by senior Tai Burns, who had another dominant season in which he bowled over 10,000 points in total with an average of 206.9 per game. After having a great season the previous year, the boys entered the season strong, winning their first matchup 5-2 against Belleville. They then continued to dominate, winning 7-0 against Bloomfield, Barringer, Irvington, and Newark Lab. The aforementioned wins brought them to 5-0 on the season heading into their match against rival Nutley. Despite beating Nutley twice last year, Montclair struggled, losing 7-0 and suffering their first loss of the season. However, Montclair recovered quickly, as they beat Eagle Academy 7-0 and Bloomfield 5-2, with junior Isaac Archer recording the highest single game score in both matches. The Mounties then faced Belleville for the second time that season, coming out on top and moving to an 8-1 record. Tai Burns bowled a 257 in one game, his highest of the season so far. Their winning streak continued as they beat Barringer convincingly, where senior Jesse Blau recorded his highest score yet, bowling a 242. The team went on to defeat Irvington and Newark Lab, both for the second time, giving them a six-game win streak to make their record 11-1.
Montclair then faced Nutley for the second time, and they once again fell 7-0 to bring their streak of success to an end. The team then dominantly bested Eagle Academy and Bloomfield, with 7-0 victories coming in both matches. Senior Tai Burns had an average of 253.67 against Bloomfield, and additionally bowled a new season high of 269. Montclair faced their next opponent, Belleville, with a 2-0 record in the series against that team. Despite a score of 235 from Isaac Archer, Montclair lost 7-0. That match moved Montclair’s record to 13-3 when they entered the first round of the NJSIAA tournament.
In the first round of the NJSIAA Tournament, Montclair faced Clifton, who they defeated 2-0, advancing them to the Quarterfinals. Their next tournament opponent was Livingston, who bested Montclair by 98 in the first match, and by only 20 points in the second to knock the Mounties out of contention and put themselves through to the State Semifinals. In The NJSIAA Tournament, Tai Burns bowled a personal and team best of 299, one point off from a perfect score. Between their first and second matches in the NJSIAA Tournament, Montclair Boys Bowling competed in the Essex County Tournament. Montclair had a strong second-place finish in this tournament, with senior Tai Burns averaging 246 per game and junior Isaac Archer averaging 215 per game.
Despite a disappointing end to the season, Montclair showed dominance throughout, and the team had a great season, finishing with their best record since 2011. Additionally, Tai Burns and Isaac Archer qualified for the Individual Essex County Tournament (ECT). Tai Burns ended up winning this tournament, tallying his second win in the Individual ECT. With his county championship, he moved on to the Individual NJSIAA State Tournament, in which he placed 44th out of 100 of the best bowlers from across The Garden State. Montclair may not have been happy with how the season ended, but there are many positives to reflect on, and despite losing seniors Tai Burns, Max Ashton, and Jesse Blau, Montclair will look to continue their winning ways next season.