CANYON LANES

champs Harley Sweigart & Eric Torrence

        On an historically high scoring day, Harley Sweigart and Eric Torrence outpaced their fields en route to JBT titles in exciting So Cal Conference action at Morongo Casino's Canyon Lanes.

        Cortez Schenck began the scratch division finals with a 245-195 win over Austin Thompson.  Schenck then beat KJ Martinez, who had beaten him for a title in Tucson the week before, 235-211.  Martinez continued his hot bowling of late, though, by firing a 300 game in matchplay, the only of the day despite the scoring pace.  Ben Canfield, teh previous day's champion, then stopped Schenck 268-213 to go for the weekend sweep.

        Harley Sweigart topped a field that produced the second highest cut in JBT history, +117, with the second-highest 8-game total in JBT history, a blistering +515 that included a 299 in qualifying.  The talented lefty has been knocking on the door of JBT scratch victory for quite a while now, but he blew the door down here, beating Canfield 248-195 in the title match, and finally earning his first scratch win and fourth career overall JBT title.

        Eric Torrence's +352 eight-game total, an amount usually good enough to lap the field, was only enough to qualify fourth for the handicap stepladder, but he made a great climb up the ladder for the win.  He began with a 243-184 win over Tayor Berry, who had an excellent weekend.  Eric then beat Trevor Thompson 213-188, and followed with a 255-223 win over Kyle Ponzo to reach the title match. 

        Top seed Matthew Green scorched the lanes all day long for the 7th-highest 8-game handicap total ever (+432), but found himself in a tough battle with Torrence in the finale.  Matt's JBT titles prove he can win, but he has also suffered a number of painful second place finishes, and unfortunately it was destined to be more of the same here, as Torrence squeaked out a 216-211 win, good for the 2nd title of his JBT career.

        Renee Gentry won her second JBT women's series title with a 202-190 win over top seed Randi Speiler.   

        Thanks to everyone at Canyon for always doing a great job hosting our events.   Want in on all teh excitement?  Head on over to our schedule page and make your plans to come on down soon!