News 2019

Syosset, NY: The LIGBT has completed its 11^th season and it was one of the most successful years for this still growing club. A total of 5,309 entries were recorded in 37 events which extrapolates to 143 bowlers per tournament. The 37 event prize funds paid out $256,585 and when including all the side action a total of $469,130 was distributed.

The LIGBT hosted just 684 different bowlers in Season 11 of which 208 were first time members. There were 28 different champions of which 8 of them won multiple times. Darcy Monroe was the only 3-time winner while 7 others winning twice. The two Super Tournament Champions were Peter Libranti and Jae Yi both earning $5,000. The other major title holders, all earning $3,000, were: Dexter Sapp (Thanksgiving Major), Dwayne Redman (Winter Major), Curtis Hetmeyer (Spring Major), and Joe Scianna (Firecracker Classic.)

The leading money winner, when including prize money and side action, was Harry Park with earnings of $10,995. Just $88 behind was Sun Kim with earnings of $10,907. To make the top 10 in earnings you had to win $7,552 or more. Peter Libranti was the leading prize money winner (side action not included) with $7,360. There were 4 bowlers that earned $6,000 or more & it took $4,000 to crack the top 10.

What makes the LIGBT so successful is how many bowlers cash. A total of 10 bowlers earned more than $7,500, 20 bowlers earned more than $5,000, 35 bowlers earned more than $3,000, 55 bowlers earned more than $2,000, and an amazing 102 bowlers earned at least $1,000! Out of the 684 different bowlers that competed 426 of them earned a prize—an amazing 62%!

Consistency is key when bowling tournaments. Harry Park had the highest cashing percentage in the club with an impressive 73% (19 out of 26.) Also cashing in 19 events was James Marino who cashed at a rate of 54% (19 out of 35.) The only other bowler cashing for 70% or higher was Darryl McDuffie who cashed in 14 out of 20 tournaments. A total of 10 bowlers cashed in 13 or more tournaments.

The LIGBT’s success has a lot to do with the challenging lane patterns it puts down. Only 1 bowler out of 684 members averaged over 200; Joe Scianna with an amazing 215 (which means he bowls scratch.) The closest bowler to Joe was 17 pins behind, Scott Kampf who averaged 198 for 93 games. Only 6 bowlers averaged 190 or greater.

How tough are the scoring conditions? Just look at what the club is averaging (only includes bowlers with 30 games or more): 1 bowler is averaging 200+, 5 bowlers are averaging 190-199, 13 bowlers are averaging 180-189, 39 bowlers are averaging 170-179, 44 bowlers are averaging 160-169, 33 bowlers are averaging 150-159, 29 bowlers are averaging 140-49.  The median club average is 162!

A special thanks to all the bowlers that competed in Season 11. We look forward to seeing you at a future LIGBT tournament.

Garden City, NY:  Jae Yi, a 45-year old right-hander from Flushing, NY won the $5,000 top prize at AMF Garden City where LIGBT’s Super Tournament #6 was held. Jae, who was a Friday wildcard winner, defeated Archie Nabas, Queens Village, NY 249-238 to win his second LIGBT title. Archie, who qualified on Sunday at noon with a 661, earned $2,500 for his runner-up position. Finishing in third was Joe Scianna, Ronkonkoma, NY with a 226 worth $1,250. Fourth place went to David Chu, New York, NY with a 218 worth $1,000. Rounding out the top 5 was Jimmy Walsh, Glen Cove, NY with a 205 worth $500.

The Super Tournament final shootout was a pressure packed match with over $10,000 up for grabs. Archie started with 4 strikes in a row to take an early lead. Jae stayed close by staying clean and when he tripled starting in frame #6, and Archie missed a one pin spare in his 6^th frame, the lead switched. But when Jae missed a spare in the 9^th frame Archie still had a chance but could not double in the final frame.

Jae joins a prestigious list of $5,000 LIGBT Super Tournament champions; Tommy Grunwald, Astoria, NY was the first Super champion at Farmingdale Lanes (February, 2016), Cynthia Cooke, Patchogue, NY won the second Super Tournament at AMF Plainview (May 2017) and Pak Wong, New York, NY won the 3^rd Super Tournament also at AMF Plainview (August, 2017.) Hector Diaz Jr., Bronx, NY was the 4^th Super Tournament winner at Levittown Lanes (June, 2018.) The 5^th Super Champion was Peter Libranti, Wantagh, NY at AMF Babylon (May 2019.) the 7^th Super Tournament champion will be crowned in May, 2020 on Memorial Day weekend.

The Super Tournament drew an amazing crowd of 380 entries plus 55 desperado entries. There were 59 finalists plus another 46 cashers (105 total-better than a 1 in 2 ratio) all sharing in a $23,330 prize fund. Cut scores were low on the custom pattern ranging from 618-667. In fact there were 18 games under 100 in the 7 squads! High series was shot by Joe Evers, Islip Terrace, NY 746 (Friday 8pm.) There were 50 women entries with 8 advancing to the finals. There were 5 wildcard winners: Jae Yi (1266), Darryl Freeman (1258), Peter Libranti (1296), Julio Arnold (1271), and Hari Soedarmasto (1270.)  Total payout for the weekend exceeded $50,000!

LIGBT’s next tournament is a 2-squad sport shot event at Herrill Lanes on Sunday, September 22nd. For complete results of Super Tournament #6 please visit www.ligbtour.com. The LIGBT is sponsored by Randi Siegle Law,  Kegel,  Torch Bowling, Vietri Associates, Billvee Electric, Knockout Ball Cleaner, and CLS Custom Upholsterers.

Levittown, NY:  Jack Kampf, a senior bowler from Levittown, NY won the $1,500 top prize at LIGBT’s Beat-The-Board Tournament hosted at Levittown Lanes. Jack earned his third LIGBT title by defeating Robert Cantine Jr., Yonkers, NY 258-228 in the final shootout. While Robert earned $750 for second, finishing in third was Kevin Miller, New York, NY with a 204 worth $500. Rounding out the top 4 was James Marino, Lindenhurst, NY with a 177 worth $250.

Jack considers Levittown Lanes his second home and he certainly looked comfortable during the final shootout. Jack started the match with 5 strikes in his first 6 frames and never looked back. Robert kept the pressure on early but opens in the 6^th and 7^th frame gave Jack a 30 pin commanding lead which he never relinquished. Kevin and James had too many early opens, and despite strong finishes, settled for 3^rd and 4^th place.

The Beat the Board Tournament drew a great crowd of 131 entries, advanced 24 bowlers to the finals and paid out $6,040. It took a 676 to advance on the Kegel Tower of Pisa pattern. High series of the tournament was shot by 2^nd place finisher Robert Cantine Jr. with a 777 in the 5pm squad. The wildcard winners were Ken Simpson, Shirley, NY (1375) and Cary Fishman, New York, NY (1392.)  Three women advanced to the finals; Emily Collazo, Monique Compton, and Lisa Giglia.     

LIGBT’s next tournament is our big Super Tournament at AMF Garden City Labor Day Weekend. Top prizes are guaranteed to pay; $5,000-$2,500-$1,250-$1,000 with 1 in 4 bowlers cashing and 1 in 8 advancing each squad. To view the final results of the Levittown event please visit www.ligbtour.com. The LIGBT is sponsored by Kegel, Knockout Ball Cleaner, Torch Bowling, Billvee Electric, & Vietri Associates, and ManyStylesOfBowling.com.

Babylon, NY: Darcy Monroe, a 57-year old right-hander from E. Meadow, NY won the $1,000 top prize at LIGBT’s sport shot event hosted at AMF Babylon. Darcy won his second title of the summer, and third overall, by defeating second place finisher Antonio Fonseca, Bronx, NY 268-246. Antonio, who was making his first LIGBT shootout, earned $500 as the runner-up. Also competing in the final shootout was 3^rd place finisher James Marino, Lindenhurst, NY who shot a 235 worth $300. Rounding out the top 4 was Michael Reed, Boston, MA with a 223 earning him $250.

The final shootout was high scoring on the “Broadway” pattern. There were plenty of strikes thrown with Darcy starting with 6 in a row which gave him the lead that he never relinquished. Antonio threw the only clean game in the finals and could have forced Darcy to mark in the 10^th if he doubled. James bowled well but couldn’t throw a string of strikes and had to settle for 3^rd. Michael started out slow and could never catch up despite a strong finish.

The AMF Babylon event drew a nice summer crowd of 96 entries, advanced 14 bowlers to the finals and paid out $4,650 with all finalists earning at least $150. The cut to the finals were 697 & 723 while the cashing score was 677 & 691. High series of the tournament was shot by John Petrizzi, N. Babylon, NY with a 781 in the 1pm squad. The wildcard winner was Joe Kingston, Ronkonkoma, NY (1374.) Paige Sztabnik, Cold Spring Harbor, NY was added to the finals as the high woman with a 674 series.     

LIGBT’s next event is a Beat-The-Board Tournament at Levittown Lanes on Sunday, August 18^th 1pm-3pm-5pm. Top prizes are guaranteed to pay; $1,500-$750-$500-$250 with 24 guaranteed finalists. To view the final results of the AMF Babylon event please visit www.ligbtour.com. The LIGBT is sponsored by Kegel, Knockout Ball Cleaner, Torch Bowling, Billvee Electric, & Vietri Associates, and ManyStylesOfBowling.com.

New Hyde Park, NY:  Denis Mendelson, a senior left-hander from Levittown, NY won his first LIGBT title at Herrill Lanes on Sunday. Denis earned $1,500 by defeating Darryl Freeman, Forest Hills, NY 247-237 in the final shootout. While Darryl earned $750, finishing in third was Jay Yi, Flushing, NY with a 229 worth $500. Rounding out the top 4 was Ken Simpson, Shirley, NY with a 190 worth $300.

The final shootout was competitive with the champion not decided until the final frame. Denis took a quick lead by throwing 4 strikes in his first 5 frames. But when Denis threw a split in his 7^th frame and Darryl and Jay threw late doubles the match got very close. Both Jay and Darryl could have forced Dennis to double in his final frame if they struck out. Jay opened in his 10^th and Darryl got the first strike but failed to double. Dennis still needed a spare to clinch the title and when he converted the 4-7 the title was his.

The Beat the Board Tournament drew a great crowd of 148 entries, advanced 24 bowlers to the finals and paid out $6,850 with all finalists earning at least $150. It took a 664 to advance on the Kegel Autobahn pattern. High series of the tournament was shot by Steve Chiu, Little Neck, NY with a 721 in the 1pm squad. The wildcard winners were Ken Simpson (1322) and Guy Sereno, W. Hempstead, NY (1406.) Monique Compton, Bronx, NY was the only women to advance.     

LIGBT’s next tournament is a sport shot event at AMF Babylon on Sunday, August 11^th- 1pm & 3pm. Top prizes are guaranteed to pay; $1,000-$500-$300-$250 with 1 in 4 bowlers cashing and 1 in 8 advancing each squad. To view the final results of the Herrill Lanes event please visit www.ligbtour.com. The LIGBT is sponsored by Kegel, Knockout Ball Cleaner, Torch Bowling, Billvee Electric, & Vietri Associates, and ManyStylesOfBowling.com.

SPECIAL NOTE: Congratulations to Denis for joining your crew as a champion. Denis joins his bowling partners; Frank Lunghi, Gary Paulsen, and Ed Passaro all who have an LIGBT title.

Syosset, NY:  Jimmy Walsh, Glen Cove, NY won his second LIGBT title this season, and fourth overall with a 70-pin victory at AMF Syosset. Jim earned the $1,000 top prize by defeating second place finisher Archie Nabas, Queens Village, NY 293-223. While Archie earned $500 for second, finishing in third was Abel David, Franklin Square, NY with a 214 worth $300. Rounding out the top 4 was James Dickerson, Norwalk, CT with a 182 worth $250.

The final shootout was quickly a fight for second place as Jim started with 6 perfect strikes and coasted to victory. Archie and Abel fought it out for second with Archie sealing the runner-up spot with a spare in the 10^th frame. James, who was giving everyone pins, couldn’t string strikes and settled for 4^th place.

The AMF Syosset event drew a nice crowd of 96 entries, advanced 13 bowlers to the finals and cashed another 12 bowlers for $75 (better than 1 in 3.) Total prize fund paid out was $4,450. The cut scores on the Boardwalk pattern were low; 642 & 624. High series of the tournament was shot by James Dickerson, with a 708 in the 3pm squad. The wildcard winner was Hector Diaz Jr., Bronx, NY with a six-game series of 1260.   

LIGBT’s next tournament is a Beat-The-Board event at Herrill Lanes on Sunday, July 28th. Top prizes are guaranteed to pay; $1,500 & $750 with 24 bowlers guaranteed to advance. To view the final results of the AMF Syosset event please visit www.ligbtour.com. The LIGBT is sponsored by Kegel, Knockout Ball Cleaner, Torch Bowling, Billvee Electric, & Vietri Associates, and ManyStylesOfBowling.com.

Garden City, NY:  Joe Scianna, a 51 year old right hander from Bay Shore, NY, won the $3,000 top prize at LIGBT’s Firecracker Classic at AMF Garden City. Joe won his third LIGBT title by defeating Peter Libranti, Wantagh, NY 258-210 in the final shootout. Peter earned $1,500 for second place. Rounding out the top 4 was third place finisher Gary Paulsen, Massapequa, NY with a 202 earning $750 and fourth was Harry Park, Flushing, NY with a 195 worth $500.

Joe’s performance in the shootout was amazing. Joe bowls scratch and receives no handicap which put him at a 30 plus pin disadvantage at the start of the match. But Joe calmly threw 10 balls in the pocket to finish with a 258 and a 48 pin victory.

The real competition was for second place as the 3 bowlers vied for the runner-up position, worth $1,500. Going into the final frame Gary held a 4 pin lead over Harry and a 12 pin lead over Peter. Both Gary and Harry opened in the 10^th and Peter tripled which moved him from 4^th to 2^nd place worth an additional $1,000.

The AMF Garden City event drew an incredible crowd of 301 entries (including the desperado) an increase of over 25% from last year. A total of 39 bowlers advanced to the finals and another 33 cashed for $80. The prize fund paid out $14,940. The cut scores on the “Alcatraz” pattern ranged from 655 to 680 to make the finals and 637 to 654 to cash. High series of the tournament was shot by Gregory Welch, Brooklyn, NY with a 793 in the Friday, 8pm squad. There were 2 wildcard bonuses: The Friday night wildcard was won by Rafael Ongjoco, Brooklyn, NY with a 1304 six-game series and the Sunday wildcard was won by Audrey Rodrigues, Otisville, NY with a 1285. A total of 6 women, out of 46 women entries, advanced to the finals.

LIGBT’s next event is a 2-squad (1pm & 3pm) sport shot tournament, Sunday, July 21^st at AMF Syosset. Top prizes are guaranteed to pay $1,000 & $500 and 1 in 4 each squad will cash. To view the final results of the AMF Garden City Firecracker Classic please visit www.ligbtour.com. The LIGBT is sponsored by Kegel, Randi Siegel Law Offices, Knockout Ball Cleaner, Torch Bowling, Billvee Electric, Vietri Associates, and CLS Custom Upholsterers.