SAM'S TOWN

champs Nathan Panaligan and Chris O'Connell

He did it again.

Nathan Panaligan won the first two Mojave Conference JBT events of the season for the third straight year, while rookie Chris O'Connell nabbed his first win, in exciting action at Sam's Town.

The scratch division finals opened with Forrest Holland defeating Cayson Coyle, who along with Panaligan fired 300 games during the high scoring event, by a 231-216 margin.  Holland then got by Brandon Allred 209-177, and followed with a 183-167 win over Brandon Watts to reach the title match.

Top qualifier Panaligan remained untouchable yet again in early season events.  His 246-195 win over Holland, one of the JBT's best non-titlists, gives Nathan his 9th career JBT title.

The handicap finals opened with an all Califonian battle, won 256-193 by Mike May over Drew Stern.  Another Californian, James Hawkins, came on and defeated May 197-187, ensuring him the points lead after two events.  In a thrilling semifinal, red-hot Zach Hattori finished at 243, but watch helplessly as Hawkins, needing a mark to win, left a 3-pin.  However, Hawkins missed the spare, and the result was a tie.  In the noisy rolloff that followed, Hattori survived 44-30 to reach the title match.

Top qualifier O'Connell had an awesome debut performance to grab the top seed, but would probably have rather faced anyone but Hattori, who rode a 14-match winning streak into the contest, and was already looking for his second title of the season.  In a back and forth affair, O'Connell squeaked by Hattori 198-193 to capture his first career victory.

Only 67 bowlers competed in the event, so we hope everyone who attended had a great time, and will spread the word about the great benefits of bowling JBT.   Everyone who finished in the top 5 qualifies for the 2007 JBT Mojave Invitational Tournament, the regular season's year end event, featuring a guaranteed minimum $1,000 first place scholarship in each division.  Top season-long point scorers also qualify for the 2007 JBT Touring Players' Championship, featuring a guaranteed minimum $2,000 first place scholarship per division! 

Big thanks to everyone at Sam's Town for their usual terrific job hosting our events.  Over $1,500 in scholarships were awarded.  Want in on the fun?  Come on out to the next JBT event, it's as simple as that!