GOLDEN PIN LANES

champs Cortez Schenck & Celeste Valdez

        Cortez Schenck remained on a fantastic roll, while Celeste Valdez tasted JBT victory for the first time, in late-night Arizona Conference action at the venerable Golden Pin Lanes in Tucson.

        Bowlers competed in the 'rising tide' format, where more and more bowlers are eliminated game by game, and the 'tide' eventually sweeps away all but the champions.  Sven Majeske led all five games of the qualifying round, and built up enough of a lead to survive through to the title match.  Schenck had a much tougher road, coming all the way from the number 9 position, throwing big enough games to stay ahead of the 'tide', including a big 268 that jumped him into the finale.  Fortunately for Cortez, the Scandinavian Scythe slowed down in the title game, and Cortez' 208-164 score was plenty to move him past Majeske, earning him the title.  It's his 27th career title, and second in a row, and he also won the previous two JBT events prior to Main Event as well!

        Celeste Valdez led the handicap division qualifier, and continued the excellent bowling to stay at or near the lead throughout the early 'rising tide' rounds.  In round four, four bowlers were swept away by the tide, leaving three left alive for the title.  Alexis Atkin had a nearly-insurmountable 156 pin deficit to make up, though with 50 'lifesaver' bonus pins up for grabs for high game, it was still possible.  Atkin gave a good effort ,but settled for third. That left Samantha Sellers to try and catch Valdez.  Celeste struggled in the title game, giving Samantha chance to make up her deficit, but Sellers had difficulty with her spares, and when she couldn't catch up, Valdez wrapped up her first career JBT title.

        Alexis did come away with one win on the day though, beating Heather Penatzer 191-178 for the day's Women's Series title, avenging her loss to Penatzer in Kingman

        Big thanks to Gabe, Nathan, and the crew at Golden Pin for a fine job hosting our event.  Want in on the best action around for bowlers of all averages, age 21 and under?  Check out our fantastic schedule, and come on down, that's all there is to it!