Captain of Becton’s Bowling Team, Alexander Pilovsky, was deemed NJIC’s Player of the Week on Jan. 6!
Pilovsky expressed extreme excitement about being named Bowler of the Week, but is looking forward to more to come for his success. While this is not his first time being named BOTW, Pilovsky always feels that it is a great feeling to be awarded as such, “I’ve been bowling since I was three years old. I’ve only progressed from what I was before and I’m getting better from my coaches. My average is 204 and my highest amount of points in a single game is 287.”
Pilovsky explained gratefully, inputting about his coaches, “They do a great job at what they do. Coach Malyack is always guiding us, and Coach Lennon is always helping the team stay positive. Mr. Malyack actually coached me when I was younger. My freshman year, when I joined the team, my mother recongnized Mr. Malyack right away!”
In preparation, Pilovsky practices on his own time and makes sure to prioritize “cooling down” between matches to avoid overworking himself. He playfully adds, “Last summer, I bowled in an individual tournament with my friends. After bowling so many games, I just passed out afterwards!” At the bowling alley, he describes his headspace as “head-empty, focused on bowling and staying happy,” in order to perform at his best.
A two-handed bowler just like Pilovsky, Pilovsky’s idol is Australian bowler Jason Belmonte. “The two-handed style is not as unique as it was when I was growing up, but my nickname used to be Mini Belmonte!”
Through all the wins, Pilovsky does recall the toughest games. “Our biggest competitor was Warren Hills. The hardest team we beat, though, was Lyndhurst in States — that was the loudest I have heard the Becton fans in my life! We also beat Dumont by one pin, which was intense.”
Pilovsky’s coaches, Mr. Joseph Malyack and Mrs. Rachel Lennon, are ecstatic for Pilovsky! Coach Malyack praises, “Alex is by far one of the most well-rounded athletes I have coached in my years as a head coach. He has had the attitude, demeanor and skills of a professional since he was a freshman starting varsity.”
Mr. Malyack informs enthusiastically, “Him gaining the accomplishment of Player of the Week as a junior is fitting for a talent such as him and I am very proud of him for accomplishing it. It is also worth noting that Alex bowled a 798 series to get Player of the Week – that’s averaging a 266 per game!” Coach Malyack additionally mentions that Pilovsky surpassed Coach Malyack’s own high series that he has bowled and he could not be prouder of the young prodigy-to-be.
Coach Lennon describes Pilovsky as a dedicated, hardworking and talented player. “Alex has a unique bowling style that impresses everyone who sees him throw,” she starts, going onto share how she perceives his position as Captain, “He always stays positive during a match and believes that we can win. He offers his advice to less experienced bowlers and he is someone the team can rely on to get pins when we need them.”
Pilovsky has proven to be a team-player on the bowling alley, with Coach Lennon attesting, “Alex always cheers on his teammates during their turns and gives them words of advice and support.” The Bowling Team players are constantly supporting each other, giving each other handshakes to practice sportsmanship.
On Feb. 27, 2025, Pilovsky took on the State Individual Tournament at Bowlero in New Brunswick– returning back to States for the first time since his freshman year. A few teammates and family members supported him as he bowled among the Top 100 in NJ.
