SO CAL DOUBLES

champs Jacob Camacho, Tanner Long, Brandon Kraye, and Scott Kraye

        The Kraye family defended their doubles dominance, while a Murrieta duo teamed up for victory, in exciting JBT action at the So Cal Doubles classic, hosted by BRC Premier.

        After seven games of team matches, the stepladder finals were conducted Baker-style, with both bowlers teaming up to form one game.  The scratch division finals opened up with a pair of former and current JBT stars, as 14-time winner Cameron Smith and 15-time champ Theo Douthit teamed up for a 204-194 win over the hard-charging team of Jordan Ferrer and Foster Phandanouvong, who had averaged over 235 on a very tough pattern in the semifinals to reach the ladder.

        In round two, Smith and Douthit got by a duo of two of the top current superstars in JBT, Zack Hattori and Devin Bidwell, 214-208.  Defending So Cal Doubles champs Brandon and Scott Kraye then beat Smith and Douthit 225-169 to reach the title match.

        Top seeds Kyle King and Kris George were yet another extremely formidable team on paper.  Combined, these two extraordinary bowlers have amassed 56 career JBT titles, and over $60,000- yes, sixty THOUSAND- dollars in career JBT earnings.  However, the father/son Kraye duo have proved their mettle as well, especially in this format, and their 217-173 title match victory earned Branson a $400 scholarship, plus another $100 for throwing our title sponsor Ebonite's equipment.  It was the third win of Brandon's JBT career.

        Jake Francisco and Mike Hatfield opened up the handicap division stepladder finals with a 212-197 victory over Elias Torres and the omnipresent Kirk Chui.  The next match was a bit of a struggle for both teams, but it was Vincent Nolan and Eric Torrence escaping with a 174-163 win to advance.  In the semifinals, Camacho and Long got past Nolan and Torrence 202-187, to reach the championship game.

        The top seeded father/son team of Loren and Steven Kampley had roared to the #1 position primarily on the shoulders of Steven; the little guy came up huge all day, including a 203 scratch game to wrap up the semifinals.  However, the title match proved to be a different story, as  the Kampleys unfortunately struggled, and Camacho and Long took advantage for a 182-133 win and the title.  It was a long-awaited first JBT title for Camacho, and the second for Long, who Jacob introduced to JBT a few seasons back.

        Thanks to BRC Premier for a fine job hosting our event, which awarded a whopping $3,291 to bowlers of all ages and averages.  Want in on the best action in under-22 bowling?  Come on out to the next JBT event, it's as simple as that!