East Islip eighth-grader Matthew Sundberg delivered an outstanding performance at the 2022 U.S. High School Bowling National Championship, hosted by the U.S. High School Bowling Foundation in Louisville, Ky., from June 18-20.

A three-day competition featuring both singles and team events, this was the sixth U.S. High School Bowling National Championship event to showcase the best boys and girls high school bowlers from across the country. Athletes from more than 25 states were in attendance. Sundberg, one of the youngest competitors in a field of 354 varsity boys, finished the tournament in the top 15 percent of athletes, ranked at No. 49.

On Sunday, he bowled a four-game set and averaged 215.75 for the day, enough to move him to the first cut where the field went to 180. He was ranked in 36th place. On Monday, survivor rounds commenced. Each round was cumulative total pin fall and after the first round, Sundberg made the cut to top 90 and was ranked in 24th place. During the next round, lane conditions changed, but he managed to cover all his makeable spares. He was eliminated at the end of the round after a few splits, falling just seven pins short. Over the course of two days, Sundberg missed only one makeable spare. He is currently competing in the under-20 category at the 2022 Junior Gold Championships, held from July 11-15 in Grand Rapids, Mich.

Sundberg, who recently graduated from East Islip Middle School and will attend East Islip High School as a freshman in September, finished second in Suffolk County this year with a 233 average, earning him All-Star honors as well as All-League and All-County recognition.

“Matt has a really super future ahead of him, and represents East Islip with pride and outstanding sportsmanship whenever he is on the lanes,” coach Judy Fischer said. “This was a wonderful opportunity for this young man.”