ISLETA FUN CONNECTION

champs Cortez Schenck & Brooke Martinez

        Two Arizona-based JBT bowlers on big time rolls just kept on rolling, with wins in exciting NM-TX Conference action at Isleta Fun Connection.

        Another Arizonan, Derek Acuff, opened the scratch division stepladder finals with a hard-fought 201-188 win over Josh Helmick.  Acuff then got by Chris Brown 213-178.  The semifinal match against Schenck was a classic, with Cortez escaping 214-212 to move on to face top qualifier Danny Cobine.

        Cobine dominated the scratch field, starting the day with 776, then was briefly passed by Schenck in game seven, before regaining the lead to wrap up matchplay.  What looked to be a high scoring match devolved into a grind with a bizarre mid-game sequence that saw Cortez leave a light hit 6-7-10 (yep), only to be followed by Cobine's "normal" 6-7-10 and pocket 7-10!   A late game ball change by Schenck solved the problem for him, as he strung four through the tenth to shut out Danny, winning his 17th career title with the 201-190 final tally. 

        Zach Harvey began the handicap stepladder with a 214-204 win over first-time finalist Ryan Byer.  Brooke Martinez then started a Houdini act to the top, starting with a 188-181 win over Harvey when Zach threw an unfortunate gutter ball in the tenth.  She then escaped past Kyle Salazar 238-234 when Kyle, needing only a mark, threw a 4-6 split (but almost made it!) 

        Top qualifier Brad Harvey was looking to avenge his brother and win his first career title, but just like his brother, fell victim to a gutter ball, which turned the game around and keyed a 210-184 for Martinez.  It's her third career singles title, all in 2013, and fourth JBT title of her career.

        Sabrina Vargas won the day's Women's Series event, defeating Martinez in an earlier match 191-179.  Bree and sister Sara remain the runaway 1-2 bowlers in NM-TX girls points this season.

        Thanks to the crew at Isleta for an excellent job hosting our Tour for the first time.  Over $2,500 was earned over the weekend by all ages and averages- want in on the fun?  Yeah you do.  Check out our schedule and come on down, that's all there is to it!