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Whether it’s with a basketball or a bowling ball, Levi Lyons is proving to be a standout athlete.

Lyons, a junior at Hampton High School, plays basketball for his high school and competes on a bowling team in Johnson City.

“I first started getting into bowling after my mom had received a job here at Holiday Lanes in Johnson City a couple of years ago. I started getting into the sport seriously two years ago, and now we are here,” Lyons said.

“Here” includes advancing to the national stage in his first two years as a competitive bowler.

“Well, I have had the opportunity to bowl in a few competitive tournaments here at Holiday Lanes, which I performed pretty solid in. Along with that, in the two years that I have been bowling seriously, I have qualified to go to the U.S. High School Bowling National Championships,” Lyons said.

Lyons said that he doesn’t plan to stop pursuing bowling after he graduates from high school.

“I would definitely consider furthering my career in competitive bowling after I graduate high school,” Lyons said. “There are schools that have bowling programs, so I would definitely be interested in pursuing that in college as well as making a career out of this sport.”

And while Lyons’ bowling career has become one focal point of his life, the high school student also has a love for basketball, something he has competed in since a young child.

Lyons said that he began hitting the hardwood at five years old. “My dad really taught me to love the sport of basketball, as well as everything about it and everything surrounding the sport. He showed me how to play the game, and since then I have loved it.”

Lyons and the rest of his team have had a phenomenal season this year, clinching a spot in this year’s TSSAA basketball state championship tournament.

“It feels amazing to have the opportunity to compete for a state title. We are gonna go down there and try our best to win the whole thing. I am really proud of everyone on the team and what they have done as well as all of our coaches who have worked hard to get us here,” Lyons said.

“I love being able to be in a position to participate in both of these sports I love, and to have a group of supportive friends who have my back with me along the way,” Lyons said.

The high school student still finds time to enjoy the same things as those his age. “Aside from bowling and playing basketball, I enjoy spending time with my friends and family, watching funny videos on YouTube, and playing video games with my friends.”