After First 300, Sandburg HS Senior Bowls Another For Back-To-Back Perfect Games

ORLAND PARK, IL — When it came down to the 7th or 8th shot, Edmand Banks knew if he just stuck to his routine and focused, he'd get it.

On Nov. 30, he locked in his first 300—a feat that, on its own, would make him the envy of most bowlers. Then he went and one-upped himself the next day, with another one. Back-to-back perfect games.

It was something his coach at Carl Sandburg High School had never seen.

"I've been the coach here since we started this program in the early 2000s," said Jeff Kwilose, bowling head coach at the Orland Park school. "Over these years, I've had the pleasure of coaching a State champion, a State runner-up who is now on the PBA Tour, numerous top-10 State finishing teams and dozens of guys who shot 300. Eddy Banks did something I've never seen or heard of a high schooler doing before. ... just an awesome feat!"

Banks seems pretty modest about it.

"It was pretty cool," he said.

His first 300 had eluded him, “Eddy” Banks admitted, adding that when he'd been close in the past, he'd almost always get in his own head.

"I'd get nervous or something," he told Patch.

And then, finally, he got it.

The 17-year-old first picked up a bowling ball at 8 years old, at Lakewood Bowl in Matteson. His father—also a proficient bowler—dangled a $100 incentive for Banks to bowl his first 200, and he did on the first attempt.

"The love for it is passed down through my family," Banks told Patch. He chuckled. "Most everyone who bowls, is pretty good, too."

That early win was enough to ignite his passion for bowling, leading him to practice tirelessly at home—and everywhere he could—always honing his skills and routines. His sister and brother also set out on their bowling journey alongside him, creating a friendly competition to determine who would be crowned the best bowler in the family.

In the days before Christmas, the family faces off in a bowling tournament at Hillside Bowl, he said. Aunts, uncles, cousins—30-40 family members in all—fight for bragging rights and a family trophy. The trash-talking reigns supreme, said his mother Marie Jean-Francois, and the chatter has ramped up since his consecutive perfect games.

"Everyone is now scrambling to the bowling alley to practice, and Banks looks poised to take home the coveted number one trophy," his mother wrote.

Banks joined the Carl Sandburg High School boys' bowling team in his freshman year, making an immediate impact by starting on the varsity lineup. The team made it to state finals that season, stoking his passion and commitment to the sport.

"I sometimes bowl outside of team practices," Banks said, of his commitment, "and I’m at the bowling alley 4–5 days a week."

The sport's social aspect appeals to him, and the challenge to keep building on his skill set. He also works at Tinley Bowl, immersing himself fully in the sport and its environment.

"... wanting to be the best I can," he said. "Bowling with teammates and friends is pretty cool, just to see how you can match up, compete against them. I just want to be the best that I can be."

Banks said the unwavering support from his teammates has significantly shaped his growing love for the game. Over the past summer, he actively sought them out for practices, spirited bowling discussions, and, the inevitable quick runs to Chick-fil-A, including interactions with alumni from both Sandburg and Andrew high schools.

In a significant shift in technique during his sophomore year, Banks switched from a one-handed to a two-handed bowling style, taking inspiration from his favorite professional bowler, Jason Belmonte. The change has only contributed to his growing success, evident in his recent record of 28 consecutive strikes and those two perfect games.

"From 8 years old until freshman year, I was one-handed," Banks told Patch. "Freshman year, I averaged 190. The summer after freshman year, my thumb was killing me."

He realized he needed to change something.

"If I were to bowl a season, I wouldn’t be good at all—my thumb would just give out on me."

Switching to a two-handed style gave his dominant hand more support in the approach, he realized.

"The release is the same on the last step," he said. "The left hand is kind of supporting the ball, supporting the weight, so it feels lighter. When you’re getting ready to release the ball, it's the same motion."

Banks plans to continue bowling at the collegiate level; he does not yet have a college in mind.

His mother said she admires his commitment to the sport.

"As a proud parent, I find immense joy in watching Edmand’s dedication and growth as a bowler," she said. "His achievements reflect not only his raw talent but also the hard work and unwavering support from his family and friends. We are excited to see how far he will go in his bowling career and look forward to cheering him on every step of the way!"