ZANESVILLE - Omar Scott has been a quick learner.

The Zanesville High senior has only been bowling for three years, but he's taken his game to heights few around the state can boast.

Scott was an overall medalist at the Division I district tournament last week at Sawmill Lanes, shooting a career-best 728 series. It was among the most consistent performances of his career and came just a week after setting his previous season high of 637 at the sectional.

He would love nothing more than a repeat performance on Saturday, when he squares off with the best in the big school division at the state tournament Wayne Webb's Columbus Bowl. It marks his second state trip after being part of the boys team that finished third overall last year.

"I'm a little disappointed I'm not going with my teammates. It will be different," Scott said after practice at Sunrise Strikes. "I'm just focusing on throwing good shots, honestly, and not leave myself a lot of tough spares. I understand I'm not going to strike every ball. Just keep my mind focused and keep my head on track."

Scott was recruited to the game as a sophomore by his friend Tristan Bookless. It took some time, but he steadily improved his game - his average has improved by 20 pins each year to its current 194.

He credited his rapid improvement to a passion for learning about the game and listening to his coaches, particularly Leslie Bryan, who helped develop his fundamentals from the outset. Bryan didn't coach last season, but Scott still ordered bowling balls from her business, Kay Bowling and Trophy Supply, and remained in contact with her to discuss his bowling.

"I really owe her everything," Scott said. "She was always asking me how I was doing, so even though she wasn't here, she was here."

But he had other help. He watches professional bowling each weekend on television and studies how the pros handle their business under pressure, often keeping the same demeanor regardless of success or failure.

"I watch past telecasts, and I probably know the whole schedule," Scott said. "Every opportunity I get, I watch. It's just like football and basketball. They're the pros, and you want to catch your favorite team every time they are on."

He also took to the internet.

"I've watched a lot of YouTube," Scott said. "I've probably watched every video on YouTube about bowling. Watch a lot of tips, I have a lot of bowling in my engine browser."

Bryan has been happy to see Scott develop and praised his attitude.

"He's just improved all year long," Bryan said. "You can tell he is growing into a man, just with his attitude and everything. He is very respectful. It's always 'yes ma'am' and 'thank you, ma'am.' He's always been very respectful to me. He has a love for the game always listens when you try to help him."

She didn't discount his chances of maintaining his hot streak, but she is concerned about him bowling without his teammates' support.

"If he gets locked in, I don't think he'll stop as long as he is picking up his spares," Bryan said. "That's the one thing that I preach more than anything. It's nice to strike, but you have to spare. He has to keep his head."

Scott feels last year's experience will help his cause.

"I'm going in there confident," Scott said. "I know what I can and can't do."


Twitter: @SamBlackburnTR