SUNCOAST BOWLING CENTER

champs Theo Douthit & Eric Hatchett

Theo Douthit and Eric Hatchett captured victories in exciting JBT Mojave Conference action at a packed Suncoast Bowling Center.

Prior to the title match, the stepladder finals was all about Arizona’s Miguel Lopez.  He had already had an awesome day, as he rolled all 5 games of the qualifying round clean (no opens), capturing the $402 prize in our “50 Clean Jackpot”- way to go Miguel!

He hung on for the 5^th spot entering the stepladder, and then began his climb with a 257-225 win over Jeff Spiesman.  Miguel then rolled on with a 244-224 victory over the consistent Brandon Watts, and followed with a 246-203 win over the previous day’s champ in So Cal, Mark Franch, to reach the title match.

Top seed Theo Douthit was making his third straight title match appearance in the Mojave Conference, continuing a big resurgence since wrist surgery last season.  The two also drove to this tournament together, so it was a battle for the bed or the floor in the title match as well!  In a tough but fun contest, Douthit emerged victorious, 225-217, for the 12^th title of his outstanding JBT career.

Sportswriters, get out all your cheesy “axe” and “chopped” jokes, because the handicap division stepladder finals was all about one young man- Eric Hatchett, who won four matches to capture his first career title.

Qualifying in the #6 spot, he won round one with a 245 game that beat Arizonans Bethany Baker (241) and Josh Shoup (184).  Hatchett then exploded for 296 (with pins) in round two, eliminating fellow “Dingbat” Aaron Watkins (I didn’t just insult him, that’s their team name when they bowl together Staurday mornings) and Kaitlin Mayall (210).  Eric backed that up with an equally intimidating 281, ousting Kristin Raz (255) and Cory Keraly (206) to reach his first ever title match.

Top seed Brian Grupe had enjoyed his best JBT event by far in grabbing the top seed for the finals, but ran into an absolute buzzsaw in Hatchett, who didn’t slow down at all in the finals.  Brian made a terrific ball change mid-match to make a game of it and finish with an impressive 260, but Eric’s 284 final total was more than enough to win the match and capture his first career title.

Thanks to everyone at Suncoast for hosting our Tour again.  A nearly sold-out 97 bowler field shared in over $2,800 in scholarships awarded at the event.  Nobody else offers the fun, excitement, and professional-style competition for all ages and averages that JBT does- want in on the fun?  Come on down to our next event, it’s as simple as that!