North Bend’s boys bowling team finished first in the high school portion of the PBA Earl Anthony Classic at Medford on Sunday.

The tournament, held in conjunction with the professional event, drew 40 teams, including most of the best ones in the state.

“The team is starting to gel at the right time,” said North Bend Lanes Manager Mark Mattecheck, who helps coach the boys team.

The Bulldogs have had a slow start to the bowling season, which winds down with the district tournament next month at North Bend.

In the Earl Anthony Shootout, each team drew a professional, and North Bend got Pete Weber, a popular player on tour.

After 10 baker games in qualifying, North Bend finished third with 1,996 pins, an average just below 200. Grants Pass had 2,160 pins and North Medford 2,080.

In the semifinals, the Bulldogs beat North Medford 194-187. In the championship, the Bulldogs won over Grants Pass 221-199. The match was close until Weber, who bowled No. 5 in the lineup, had two strikes and a nine in the final frame.

“They did fantastic,” Mattecheck said. “It was amazing.”

He added that getting to bowl with Weber was a highlight.

“That’s a pretty good deal,” he said.

North Bend received $500, which will go into the prep bowling fund, as well as the PBA Earl Anthony Shootout trophy.

Team members included Kyle Rose, Jason Tai, Taylor Strand, Craig Chambers and Ryan Sanne. Coaches were Randy Sanne and Ron Chambers.

They were among a group of about 40 Bay Area residents who took part in the event.

In the professional portion of the tournament, the 2008 Lumber Liquidators Earl Anthony Medford Classic, Wes Malott beat Rhino Page 255-193 in the final, capturing his third PBA title. He had finished second in his previous three tournaments and four of his last five.