BRC KYRENE LANES

Champs Miguel Lopez & Jared Billman

    Miguel Lopez ended a long victory drought, while Jared Billman tasted victory for the first time, in exciting JBT Arizona Conference action at BRC Kyrene.

    Lopez qualified fourth, then ran the stepladder for his 2nd career JBT title.  He began with a 204-186 win over first time finalist Andy Holick.  He then beat California's Foster Phandanouvong 201-179, and followed with a 205-169 win over all-conference points leader Kyle King to reach the title match.

   Top seed Kris George had again dominated on a difficult lane condition, rolling 700+ in the semifinals to gain the top seed.  However, he had trouble with the left lane in the title match- but Lopez was unable to take advantage, cooling down himself.  Miguel still had the opportunity to shutout Kris with a tenth frame mark, but left a 6-7-10 split on his first shot.  Lopez then calmly picked up the big split to a huge roar from the crowd, shutting out George and earning Miguel his first title since Ft Huachuca two seasons ago.

   Rane Lacona looked to match Lopez' ladder-climbing theatrics in the handicap division, but would have to go through the daunting 8-person ladder to do so.  He began with a 232 game that beat first time finalists Nick Wade (203) and Kyle Holder (205).  Lacona's 219 round 2 effort was good enough to beat Daniel Cotten (195) and Karissa Tafoya (177).  Rane's semifinal opponents struggled a bit, allowing his 205 to advance over Derek Iozzio (176) and Taylor King (163) to the title match.

    Top seed Jared Billman was enjoying his best JBT event ever, and capped it off witha  218-183 win over Lacona for his first career JBT title.

   James Hawkins and Jenni Cahn picked up bonus $50 scholarships as winners of the Impact Challenge, spnsored by Impact Pro Shop- visit them at 99th and Bell if you're in the area!  Overall, over $2,200 in scholarships were awarded to the 99 bowler field.  Want in on the fun?  Come on down to the next JBT event, it's as simple as that!