A GREAT competition at HiLine this week, was higher scoring than expected and it couldn't have been any closer than the ONE-PIN margin of victory at the end.  Saturday's oil pattern was the same as in our previous visits, but the warmer weather had a big effect on how those conditions played.  The typical 910 to 925 cut-line, rose to the 940's in the 1st squad and held there all day, ending up at a high 943 on the final Cash List.  Also slightly higher than normal, were the SEVEN scores that topped 1000, which included the leader after the 1st squad,  Kareem Browne, who managed to top 1000 twice Saturday.  The 9-Tap Jackpot was under attack from the 1st squad as well, when Leon Bemis came close to hitting 7-Taps in the middle and then in the 2nd squad Stu Gallagher started with the Front 5 Taps to take home the Bonus worth $250.00.  Both Pots combine to be the BIGGEST of the year, with the Progressive Pot higher than it's been since April & the 9-Tap Jackpot higher than it's been since November 2011, for the 'Best 3 of 4' at Skyway next week.

 

The ladies, for the second straight week, are represented by another 1st time Champion.  Maribel Abella continues the streak for the ladies, by exceeding her Personal Best series by 30 pins, with a fantastic 1048.  She set that PB in her 2nd year on Tour in 2009 and has come close to the Top spot several times since joining.  This time, she took the lead in the 3rd squad and held on to win by just ONE PIN, over close family friend Mike Ducay (2nd), who was bowling in the last squad with Maribel's husband Rollie (8th).  I think Rollie was more excited for Maribel's Title than he's been for any of his own FOUR Career Titles.  Maribel has also come close to hitting the 9-Tap Jackpot, especially over the last year and a half, with the Front 6 ($500) at Hooters last year and the Middle 7 ($750) at Narrows in June.  When we asked what she'd do with her $1,528.00 Winner's share ($10 Pro Pot), she said it would be, "Put away for a Rainy Day" (we have plenty of those!).  Her new Storm Frantic was her ball of choice, drilled by Norm Giannusa at Kent Bowl, where she also bowls League on Thursdays.  The quote-of-the-day came when Maribel asked us to, "Thank Mike Ducay for not getting a strike in his last frame."  In addition to working at Veteran's Hospital and bowling with (her coach) Rollie, she also enjoys movies, shopping and visiting kids in California.  CONGRATS Maribel on Win #1!

 

8 year Tour veteran and 2009 Year-End Champion, Mike Ducay, came so close to his 5th Career Title Saturday, by shooting his best series since last September.  His well earned$939.00, pushes his Career total to a healthy $18,097.00.  While a very HOT Kareem Browne was looking for his first Title, cracking 1000 twice Saturday (1027 & 1006).  A strong $526.00for 3rd Place, represents his best finish to date, for the 1st year Tour Member.  He's been working hard on his game with friend Patrick Dennis and it definitely showed this week at HiLine.  SPECIAL CONGRATULATIONS to our 4th place finisher Glen Brown!  Glen just received his Banner (and a great looking watch), that hung at this year's USBC National Tournament in Baton Rouge, for being a 2011 USBC Tournament (Reno) Singles Champion.