The Philadelphia bowling teams are working on improving their averages as they look to compete in this year's Central Class 1 District tournament.

Coach David Frey has taken over the program which is in its second year of existence.

"If we can continue to improve our scores, we can compete with both the boys and girls team," Frey said. "We have a busy January. We have several matches left and we are looking to get better."

The Tornadoes are in the same district with Choctaw Central, Itawamba, Lafayette, Nanih Waiya, Nettleton, New Albany, North Pontotoc, Noxapater, Pontotoc and West Lowndes. Philadelphia bowls out of Depot Lanes.

The Philadelphia girls team is led by seniors Ashley Carter, Annalese Burton, Brownisha Clark, Mariah Jones and junior Olivia Moore.

Other members of the team include Shanagia Sims, Blanca Graham, Raniya Jones, Hannah Bennett, Jamai Boler and Clarissa Taylor.

The Philadelphia boys are paced by seniors Trey Hunt, Tecoy Bingham, Jaylon Davis, Greg Eiland, Jonathon Hall and sophomore Demonta Moore.

Other members of the team include Gaines Gilmer, Cooper Smith, Aquil Hickman, Malik Hickman, Paris Griffin, Jariq Stribling, Dominic Eiland, Josten Baxstrum and TK Bingham.

The Tornadoes bowled three matches before Christmas and have one victory and one second place finish. They are scheduled to bowl each Tuesday through January as they prepare for the district tournament.