SAM'S TOWN

champs Kris George & Aaron Watkins

        Kris George added a win to his impressive JBT title collection, while Aaron Watkins jumped into the Bowler of the Year race with his second win, in exciting Mojave Conference action at Sam's Town Bowling Center.

        The lane condition from the adult Hi-Roller tournament was used, creating a challenging environment with a scoring pace almost 30 pins lower per game than the previous day's house pattern.  Adding even more pressure was the survivor format, with do-or-die, low bowler out matches after the five-game cut.  In the scratch divisions, sixteen survivors were whittled down to eight.  In the round of 8, top seed Brandon Allred beat Matt Robbins 243-216, Aaron Foshie ousted Zach Martinez 216-202, Devin Bidwell edged Jeff Williams 201-191, and George beat fellow Las Vegan DJ Sloan 215-168.

        In the semifinals, Allred eliminated Foshie 212-178, while Kris exploded for a 277-203 win over Bidwell.  This set up a classic title match between two veterans, as 21-time winner George and 8-time winner Allred, UNLV teammates who've combined for over $30,000 in JBT scholarship earnings, went at it yet again.  This time around, the talented Allred stood no chance as George was in a complete zone, making the tricky shot look like nothing in a 258-206 romp to title #22.  Kris' 535 for his last two, combined with an earlier 280, gave him the three highest games of the day- look out, Hi Roller!

        In the handicap division round of eight, Brian Grupe defeated Jacob Potts 209-170, Gabriella Weis beat Jack Parcell 215-159, Trevor Roberts beat Randi Speiler 230-183, and Watkins ousted James Gabour 201-176.  Down to four for semifinal action, Watkins beat Weis 225-192, and Roberts eliminated Grupe 204-188, setting up the title match.

        Roberts, with two wins this season, is already a Bowler of the Year threat, but Watkins joined that race with a 224-176 victory over Trevor for his second win of the season.  Word has it that a celebratory haircut ensued.

          Watkins won using Ebonite bowling balls, adding an extra $100 scholarship to his championship haul.   In all, almost $1,500 was awarded to bowlers of all averages- want in on all this fun?  Check out our schedule and get yourself down to the next JBT event- it's really that simple!