WILDFIRE LANES

champs Joe Lewandowski & Justin Villa

       Joe Lewandowski and Justin Villa opened the 2012 segment of the '11-12 Mojave Conference season with big wins in exciting JBT action at Henderson's Wildfire Lanes.

        11-time JBT champ Zack Hattori opened the scratch division stepladder finals with a 254-188 win over Dallas Leong.  Hattori then got past Dan Hansen (trying to join Washington's Dan Hanson- with an 'o- in the winner's circle this month) 246-208.  Lewandowski then stopped Hattori 211-204 to advance to the title match.

        Californian top seed Mark Myers used his two-handed delivery to power his way to the top seed on a high scoring day (that was even more high scoring thanks to the 'mulligan' format which allowed bowlers a strategic re-shot in key places.)  Phoenix's Lewandowski had all the answers in the title match though, firing a big game in a 242-212 win to earn the title.  In Joe's three JBT victories, he's now beaten 7-time champ Myers, Hattori, and all-time wins leader Kyle King- now that's earning your wins!

        Justin Villa began an adventurous climb up the handicap stepladder with a 218-212 squeaker over fellow Californian Marguerite Evans.  Villa then struck in the tenth to defeat Josh Liebowitz 232-218.  Justin followed that up with a 221-203 win over former Invitational champ Jeremy Cardines to reach the title game.

        Top seed Ian Hanuscin had a big day to lead the event, but Justin was locked in as well, and getting stronger on a pattern that catered well to his a-game.  After Villa finished at 250, he could only watch as Hanuscin (also a former Invitational champ) had a chance to double in the tenth for the win.  When Ian couldn't get the second hit, Justin claimed a thrilling 250-247 win, and the second title of his JBT career.

        Chase Nadeau fired the only natural 300 game of the event, despite many other close calls, including a mulligan-aided 300 from Nick Pollak.

        Thanks to the crew at Wildfire for a great job hosting us for the first time.  Over $1,100 in scholarships were awarded to bowlers of all averages- want in on the fun?  Check out our schedule at www.bowljbt.com, and come on down, it's that simple!