Category: Tournaments

Tournament news

My day at the People’s Tournament, Dec. 13

Before I note how I did, it should be said that the People’s Tournament eliminated the average cap (which was 225) starting with this tournament, and it brought the sharks into the water. The top 5 in the Saturday squad (all of which were guaranteed spots in the roll-offs) were all bowlers I believe I’ve mentioned on this blog before and who bowl in NEBA tournaments on a regular basis. With the high number of entries, I was expecting the cut score to be high, so I needed to be my best.

My qualification attempt, frame-by-frame (Link to BowlSK)

I never really got it going until near the end, so I could only manage a 591 score with my handicap. However, as I said in my comment, I’ll take the three strikes in a row near the end as being as much of an accomplishment as I’ve had in these without cashing. I also had the best seat in the house for a 288 in the last game: the bowler following me had the first 10, but left it light on the 11th shot. For the record, the cut to the roll-offs was a 703, so I missed it by 112 pins.

On the “Beaten Path”

With something of an expectation that the Monday night shot (which changed to the Kegel “Beaten Path” pattern this week) should be out for the People’s Tournament this weekend, I met Rob today for practice. I struggled with the first two games in the 130s as I tried to make sense of my ball reaction on an unfamiliar pattern. I eventually got fairly good results standing around 30 and trying to go around third arrow (15 board) while coming up the back of the ball, and had a game in the 170s to end it.

However, I learned that what was out there tonight may not necessarily be what’s out for the tournament. Talking to Junior after bowling, he suggested that he might use what the Tuesday night scratch league is on, which, I believe, is currently “Boardwalk”. I’m attempting to confirm this with Sam Belton (who bowls in that league), but, in any case, those of you who are friends of mine on Facebook may want to check my status Sunday morning when I know for sure what’s out there.

November 2009 People’s Tournament results

The People’s Tournament reported that Preston Cheeks (Whitestone Lanes [NY], 174 avg.) was the winner of the event held on Nov. 14 and 15 at AMF Silver Lanes in E. Hartford, CT. Cheeks defeated James O’Driscoll (AMF Town & Country, 185 avg.) by a score of 245-223 (with handicaps) in the title match. Rob Craven (AMF Taunton Lanes, 169 avg.), Danny Khuu (Westgate Lanes, 213 avg.), and William Cabral (Westgate Lanes, 179 avg.) were the Brockton area cashers.

Cross-training #120

The PBA announced that when the PBA Tour hits Wichita, KS early next month, the opening event of the schedule will be the PBA “Bowling For Wishes” Celebrity Charity Pro-Am on Dec. 4 at Thunderbird Lanes, hosted by PBA major winner and Wichita resident Sean Rash. Scheduled to participate are Koyie Hill, Randy Wells, Ryan Dempster, and Mike Fontenot of the Chicago Cubs, New York Mets pitcher Mike Pelfrey, and PGA Tour champion Woody Austin, along with other celebrities and PBA Tour exempt pros. The event will benefit the Kansas chapter of the Make-A-Wish Foundation.

The rest of the Wichita schedule consists of a “super regional” event, the Pepsi Red White and Blue Open (the finals of which will be taped for a Jan. 10 airdate on ESPN), and the live finals of the PBA World Championship, the season’s first major.

48th annual Brockton USBC Bowling Association Championships

I received an email message from the Brockton Bowling Association today with a Word document attached containing the entry form for the 2010 Brockton USBC Bowling Association Championships, which will take place on Feb. 6 and 7 at Westgate Lanes. The customary events (4-man team, doubles, and singles, as well as all-events) will be contested, with scratch and handicap champions decided. If you’re on the BBA email list, you should also have a copy of the entry form, and they should be available at participating centers soon. Keep in mind, however, that entries will close on Jan. 24.

Oct. 2009 People’s Tournament results

(Note: The following is a recap of an event in which the author participated.)

The People’s Tournament reported Robert Dickens (yes, my buddy Rob) as the winner of the event held on Oct. 24 and 25 at Westgate Lanes (Rob carried a 146 average into the event.). Rob defeated Anthony Bennett Jr. (AMF Auburn Lanes, 215 avg.) by a score of 251-220 (with handicaps) in the title match. The Brockton area was well-represented among the cashers, but I’d also like to mention Anthony Green (198 avg.), who finished third, as well as Reynard Epps (151 avg.) and Buddy Wilt (Kingston Ten Pin, 197 avg.), who were also in the final eight.

Congrats again, Rob! 😀

Oct. 17-18 NEBA results

This is a bit late…

NEBA reported Bill Webb as the winner of the singles event held on Oct. 17 & 18 at AMF Airway Lanes in Springfield, MA. Webb defeated Mike Cordeiro by a score of 267-228 in the title match. For bowlers familiar to us at Westgate Lanes, Alex Aguiar finished third, and Ed Roberts and Jon Van Hees were two of the other cashers.

Oct. 28 league night recap

My Week 8 bowling, frame-by-frame (Link to BowlSK)

Tonight was more like it! 😀

However, it should be said that I had both one of my best pieces of clutch bowling of the season and one of my worst. The good clutch came in the second game, where I capped off 7 in a row with a double in the 10th frame in a situation where I had to match the other team’s anchor to ensure the point; he could only spare in the frame. The bad clutch game was me missing a 10 pin in the 10th frame when I needed a mark and good count to win or tie. Still, the 620 series is my best one to date this season, and served as a balm to the ego after last week.

Result: 171-237-212=620
Average (24 games): 181
Average for last 9 games: 180
Next week’s AVG+1 score: 557

The team lost the last game not really because I blew it in the 10th, but because Ed Godino threw a stellar 265 to pretty much save his average. It was a team effort for 3 of 4 tonight, though, as all five of us were over average on the night.

Some of my readers already know, but there will be good news in connection with my league coming out of the People’s Tournament last weekend, which I’m saving until the recap of the tournament is posted online.

My day in the Oct. 2009 People’s Tournament

My qualifying performance, frame-by-frame (Link to BowlSK)

I really wish I had lined up sooner in the first game, and, if not for the three “Brooklyn” strikes in a row, I would’ve had one of my worst tournament games. I had somewhat found a groove the rest of the way, however, and especially in the second game; except for a washout biting me in the 10th frame (and on the lane I was getting my strikes on), I was clean, with a “Dutch 200” (alternating strikes and spares for a full game) possibility. I ended with a 528 scratch, 594 handicap, with the cut at 650 (missed by 56 pins).

My buddy Rob made the roll-offs, but I didn’t stick around to watch him, instead wanting to come home and get everything posted. As always, I’ll recap the tournament when the results are posted on the tournament website.

Sept. 2009 People’s Tournament results

The People’s Tournament reported that Angel Hernandez (Super Bowl {CT}, 205 avg.) won the event held on September 26 and 27 at Town Line Lanes. Hernandez defeated John Hayes Jr. (Westgate Lanes, 195 avg.) by a score (with handicaps) of 274-213 in the title match. A number of bowlers from Brockton Bowling Association territory cashed, but I wanted to mention one in particular: Rob Dickens, a member of my winter league and one of my teammates this past summer. 😀

October 2009 NEBA doubles results

NEBA reported that the team of Anthony Pepe and Alex Cavagnaro were the winners of the doubles event held on Oct. 3 and 4 at East Providence Lanes. Pepe and Cavagnaro defeated the team of Matt O’Grady and Alex Aguiar by a score of 530-476 (with both bowlers of a team bowling a complete game in each match play round) in the title match, and was the first NEBA title for both Pepe and Cavagnaro. Jon Van Hees and Brian Gaskill (on separate teams) were also involved in the match play portion of the event (link points to the full match play results).

Brockton USBC Bowling Association Bowler of the Year results

The Brockton Bowling Associaton reported Ryan Yelle as the winner of the 2009 Bowler of the Year Tournament, defeating Jason Sherwood 198-188 in the title match. It was in the round of 8 where Yelle made the most news, however, as he posted a 566 two-game score which included a 300 in the second game. Click the link above for a more detailed recap.

August 2009 People’s Tournament results

Note: The following is a recap of an event that the author participated in.

The People’s Tournament reported Paris Cook (Westgate Lanes, 193 avg.) as the winner of the August event at AMF Cranston Lanes. Cook defeated Daniel Stanley (AMF Cranston Lanes, 183 avg.) by a score of 250-224 (with handicaps) in the championship match. Also for Westgate Lanes, Mike Major (203 avg.) and William Cabral (179 avg.) were among the final eight.

The first road trip

The plan in the morning was to meet Sally Toppan and Debbie Dion at Westgate Lanes, get my gear loaded into Sally’s trunk, and leave at around 10:30. They were running a bit behind schedule, but we arrived at AMF Cranston Lanes with enough time to get a couple of warm-up games in. When I asked the desk clerk what shot was out there, I was informed that it was the Scorpion, the same shot they used last time The People’s Tournament was there.

During my two games of warm-up, I was first trying to play the track area (around the 10 board at the arrows), but thought later that I got a better look playing outside straight up 5. I informed my Facebook friends of this plan by a text message status update, but that plan was scotched when I started practice before the start of scoring for my squad. The BowlSK link below should show you what I ended up doing when it counted:

My 12:30 PM squad performance, frame-by-frame (BowlSK)

I didn’t think I did that badly for not only my first time in this house, but my first time on a PBA shot in any house. I learned that my key was to stay under the ball (which is usually the case on even the house shot at Westgate Lanes). However, it turned out it was easier said than done, as the back plate of my wrist brace gave out during the tournament. Having gone through two of those in one winter league and nearly two full summer leagues, I think it’s time to invest in something sturdier, and will talk to Ray about it next time I see him in the pro shop.

Although I missed the cut, I couldn’t head home until Sally and Debbie were finished, and they both cashed, with Sally making it into the second round of roll-offs. I told them on the ride home that I still enjoyed the experience, and was looking forward to doing it again.

July 2009 People’s Tournament results

Note: These are results from a tournament that the author of this blog participated in.

The People’s Tournament reported William Webb (AMF Silver Lanes {CT}, 207 avg.) as the winner of the July event at Westgate Lanes. Webb defeated Ray Swagerty (Lanes & Games, 190 avg.) by a score of 195-176 (with handicaps) in the final match. Representing Westgate Lanes, Sean Richard (198 avg.) made the semifinals, while Chris Gunn (191 avg.) was also in the top eight.

July 29 league night

Last night’s bowling, frame-by-frame (BowlSK)

I went into last night with some circumstances that might’ve given me a down mood (there was a death in my high school graduating class), but, as the above link shows, I didn’t really let it affect my bowling. This was the best night I’ve had in a while overall, with only a couple of missed single pins possibly preventing me from getting a 600 series. I’m happy with this, however, as when I did strike, it was in bunches, with the hambone in the middle of the first game and six in a row bridging the second and third games.

Result: 202-188-198=588
Average (33 games): 179 Last 9 games average: 167
Next week’s AVG+1 score: 571

Team only took two points, largely because we had 2 absent members: Bill had just had surgery, and Rob will be in Virginia for two weeks. Because of Rob’s absence, the make-up third game from last week will be bowled on Aug. 12 instead, so the averages and average-plus-one scores I give the rest of the way will be skewed.

Exposure to PBA pattern a possibility next month: I am considering bowling in next month’s People’s Tournament at AMF Cranston Lanes, and Sally Toppan, who’s a People’s Tournament regular, told me that the shot they had out for the last People’s Tournament there was the Scorpion, one of the regular PBA patterns. I was told there were a lot of complaints about the shot, but, as for me, I’m much more willing to get a good test on a tough shot, so I’m looking forward to having a PBA shot possibly out there, no matter what it is. I will shoot Sherm Cowan an email message asking if he knows what will be out there.

Showing improvement

I got to the lanes for the People’s Tournament today around 10:30 in the morning because I wanted to roll a couple of games to see how my new Hy-Road would react on the tournament shot. My execution during my practice session was quite spotty, but when I could execute, I found a line that I liked, so I then had an idea of what I wanted to do during qualifying.

My qualifying performance, frame-by-frame (BowlSK)

As this performance was much better than my People’s Tournament debut last August, I must say that I’m pleased with my performance overall. However, as I only missed the cut by 22 pins, my missed spares, and especially the two 3 pins I whiffed on, really hurt. I am really encouraged, though, so I will probably be bowling tournaments more frequently from this point on. 😀

As usual, I’ll wrap up the tournament at a later date, when the results are posted online.

June 2009 People’s Tournament results

The People’s Tournament reported Otis Hunt (Boston Bowl, 182 avg.) as the winner of the June event at Town Line Lanes in Malden. Hunt defeated Paris Cook (Westgate Lanes, 188 avg.) by a score of 222-175 (with handicaps) in the title match. In addition to Paris Cook, Sean Richard (198 avg.) represented Westgate Lanes in the final 8, while Louis Lam (176 avg.) and Leonard Coyer (179 avg.) were in the top 16.

June 27-28 NEBA results

NEBA reported Tony Reynaud as the winner of the June 27 and 28 singles tournament at Bowl-O-Rama in Newington, CT. Reynaud, winning for the second time this year, defeated John Bedard by a score of 215-204 in the title match. There weren’t any names among the cashers that I know as Westgate Lanes bowlers (feel free to post corrective comments), however, a familiar name, Jon Van Hees, was one of them.

300 lightning strikes twice for Brendan Litchfield

This bit of news I received by way of his aunt on Facebook…

Brendan Litchfield has shot 2 300 games in less than a two month span. The first one occurred in the state youth tournament on May 3 at AMF Holiday Lanes in Somerset, and he would then add another one on Friday night at Westgate Lanes in the Friday night summer youth league.

Congrats again, Brendan! 😀 (I’ve congratulated him on Facebook before posting this.)

2009 Massachusetts State USBC Bowling Association Championships results

The Mass. Tri-County Bowling Association has posted the official results of this year’s state championship tournament. The full prize list can be found at the link above, but I’ll recognize the state champions here (with local association represented in parentheses):

Team

Scratch: Sundowners #6 (Mass. Tri-County) 3,588
Handicap: The Hopeful’s (Mass. Tri-County) 3,850

Doubles

Scratch: David T. Juzba, Jr/Todd W. Jordan (Southeastern Mass.) 1,436
Handicap: Eric A. Morin/William D. Sorell (Southeastern Mass.) 1,621

Singles

Scratch: Jeffrey L. Bennett (Mass. Tri-County) 777
Handicap: Dale Hill (Brockton) 863

All-Events

Scratch: Jonathan J. Van Hees (Southeastern Mass.) 2,263
Handicap: Jorge D. Fernandes (Southeastern Mass.) 2,570

Congratulations to all of this year’s state champions, and to all that cashed in the tournament. 😀

June 2009 NEBA doubles results

NEBA reported that Jay Mahon and Tom Durand were the winners of the June doubles tournament at AMF Cranston Lanes. Mahon and Durand defeated Frank Pawlus III and RJ Broge by a score of 414-363 (both bowlers on a team bowling a complete game) in the title match. For Westgate Lanes, Alex Aguiar teamed with Matt O’Grady to reach the semifinals, and Tim Healey cashed with Matt Janas.