TEXAS STAR LANES

champs Dallas Leong, Abby Franklin, and Krystal Amico

        Dallas Leong continued his unprecedented winning streak, while Krystal Amico once again proved it's any age and any average that can do well in JBT, winning their divisions in exciting JBT Mojave Conference action at Texas Station.

        In sharp contrast to the previous day's event, the Mexico City lane pattern proved to be an extreme challenge, resulting in one of the lowest scoring events in quite a while.  Youngster Andrew Guba had no trouble in qualifying though, earning the #1 seed as the only bowler to average over 200.  Matchplay was a different story however, as #9 Joe Gerencser eliminated him in the round of 8.  Joe couldn't keep up the momentum, losing 207-178 to Leong in the one game semifinal.  Another Joe, Mr. Grondin of California, also met his demise in the semis, as Cortez Schenck grinded out a 203-146 win in a first arrow vs. seventh arrow battle to move on to set up a dream title match.

        Dallas has long since shed his 'one trick pony' knock.  He has won high scoring events and grindouts, playing literally every arrow on the lane from first to seventh.  Against the talented Schenck on a pair where marks were a challenge, Dallas had a just slightly better look, and despite a close final score, was in control most of the match in a 167-156 win, earning not just the 15th title of his JBT career, but an incredible sixth consecutive win, extending his record in this most amazing category.  In twenty years against the very best competition, nobody has come close to this streak, and we will all be watching what happens next!

        Justin Freeman had a brilliant qualifying round to gain the handicap division's top seed, but matchplay was unkind to him as well, as he bowed out in the quarterfinals.  Devyn Patalina was able to roll on though, surviving through tough early round matches and then beating the "queen of Texas" Amanda Atkin 219-190 in the semifinals.  In the other semi, 10 year-old Krsytal Amico outlasted Jarred Starr-Moncayo 179-163 to advance to her first career title match.

        Any age and any average can and does do well at JBT events, and Krystal's solid late frames sealed a 187-179 win and her first career JBT title with the final game win.

        Atkin had more work to do though, as she was the top seed for the day's girls' event.  She again faced Abby Franklin, and this time Abby had her revenge, escaping with a well-bowled 195-194 win to split the weekend's Women's Series events with each other. 

        Big thanks as always to the team at Texas for another wonderful job hosting us.  Want in on all this fun for all ages and averages?  Just check out our schedule and come on down, that's all you have to do!