Lakers Win Science Bowl, Advance to Nationals in Washington, DC.

Author and writer - Erica Gray

On Friday, February 2, 2024, the Calloway County High School Academic Team took first place at the Department of Energy Regional Science Bowl, held at the UK Paducah School of Engineering.  The Lakers clenched the top spot amongst 18 teams from across the western Kentucky and Southern Illinois area, earning them an all-expense paid trip to compete in the National Science Bowl, held in Washington, DC April 25-29, 2024. The NSB will host 120 championship middle school and high school teams in the multi-day tournament, consisting of both team challenges and standard tournament play.

The young Laker team comprised of only 9th and 10th graders defeated several teams before winning a tie breaker to make it to the finals, where they were matched with an undefeated and experienced Owensboro team.  The Lakers took an early lead, up 44-14 at the half, and ended the day with a strong finish of 80-36, finishing the day with a championship title. The Lakers were led by captain Connor Pile, and assisted by Amber Wu, Sean Williams, Aiden Hooper, and Max Chapman.  The team is coached by Erica Gray and Dan Thompson.

Detailed match scores:

Round 1: W over Ballard, 126-12

Round 2: W over Hopkinsville 134-12

Round 3: W over McCracken Team 2 100-40

Round 4: L to Madisonville North Hopkins 86-88 (half a question; loss on a bonus)

Round 5: Bye

Tie breaker 1 to play into semifinals: W over Murray; T w/ McCracken 1

Tie breaker 2 to play into semifinals: W over McCracken 1

Round 6 (semi-finals): W over Madisonville North Hopkins 84-22

Round 7 (finals): W over Owensboro 80-36