NELLIS AFB LANES

champs Matt Pentz and Andrew Gottlieb

PENTZ AND GOTTLIEB WRAP UP THE SEASON WITH JBT SW WINS

The last regular season event of the Mojave Conference of the Junior Bowlers Tour Southwest was held on May 1 at Nellis 300 Bowl.  For many of the juniors and their parents it was the first time visiting the 16 lane center at the Air Force Base.  Thanks to Barbara Holt, manager of the center, for hosting our event. 

In what turned out to be a low scoring championship duel, Matt Pentz made the most of his first Mojave Conference finals, earning his first scratch title by narrowly defeating 7-time winner Philip Schwartz 163-160.  The match provided plenty of drama, with Pentz leaving back to back splits in the middle of his match while Schwartz would leave two opens of his own along the way.  Needing only a spare to lock up another victory, Schwartz's ball sailed high on the head pin leaving a huge split and giving the stunned Pentz his second career JBTSW title.

In earlier action, two Brandons battled it out in the opening match with Donnelly defeating Allred 212-201.  Allred's day was highlighted by a big 297 game to end the qualifying round.  In match number two, third seeded Pentz strung a late triple to shut out Donnelly 204-168.  Pentz became stronger in the semifinal match against DJ Sloan, throwing a clean game at the Las Vegas Crew leader for a 215-171 decision.

A mix of veteran and new bowlers made up the handicap division finals.  Andrew Gottlieb ended up winning the last two matches, pulling off his first career victory over newcomer  Jimmy Wickman 203-179.  Beginning the finals, Shane Peck, who has a talent for creating memorable moments, fouled on his spare attempt early in his opening match against Sam Frey.  As usual, however, he quickly overcame the setback for a 190-166 victory.  Peck continued with a dominant performance against third seeded Nick Lamek, throwing a six-pack of strikes in a 245-163 win.  Lamek, easily holding the hottest hand in the conference, was appearing in the top 5 for the fifth time in the past seven events, attempting to nail down Bowler of the Year honors.  In the semifinal match, Peck lost his thunder to second seeded Gottlieb, the high revving lefty winning 209-165 to set himself up for the title match.

The field is now set for the Mojave Invitational, which will award at least $6,500 in scholarships to bowlers from all throughout the Southwest- don't miss it!

  3 year-old Marcus Mullins (68 average!) became our youngest bowler ever