1/30/2013

"OLD SCHOOL" Team Review

Preview: We are in our 20th week in, and still holding onto 5th place with 42.5 wins and 33.5 loss record. This week we'll be put to the test yet, again, going against the 3rd place team. They have the 2nd highest game scratch of 851 (SCRATCH!!!). All of their bowlers can easily hit 200's while we still have a hard time getting anywhere close to that number. Will we be able to go toe-to-toe against them? Or will we choke?

Summary: 4-0. Not bad...not bad at all. As a team, I am proud of the way we bowled today. Even though there's quite a bit of improvement to strive for, a win is a win.

June Wei (Avg: 106)
Scores: 122, 125, 100
Overall Grade: B
Review: I honestly would give June a higher grade, but since she scored a 100 in the 3rd game, that's totally unacceptable especially how she was able to score in the 120's for both games 1 and 2. June definitely got her spares when needed and might I add, strikes, too. She's starting to get the hang of where to throw the ball and add spin to have the ball hook (just barely) to the pocket. Impressive first two games..., but as for the 3rd game, she took her eyes of the prize. Jiyoon needs to start understanding where to stand depending on what pins she needs to hit in order to get those spares. She could have gotten a higher score if it wasn't for her missing her spares.

Russ Overton (Avg: 158)
Scores: 181, 212, 164
Overall Grade: A "freak'n" +
Review: Anytime you score 200 or more you deserve an A+, but...anytime you score 200 and help get a sweep, you dam better believe you're going to get not just good grades, but awesome grades. Russ flipped on the switch this week. Considering on how dead he looked when he first arrived, I would never have guessed Russ was going to bowl this well. Russ sure did redeem himself this week from the poor utter performance of last week's dreadful tie. Russ was able to focus and stay consistent all throughout the 3 games. Still is having slight trouble of the 10pin spares, but other than that, thumbs up. The star is back.

Henry Wei (Avg: 155)
Scores: 196, 163, 179
Overall Grade: A
Review: If Russ got an A+ then I for sure got an A. I didn't score high numbers as Russ, but I was close and consistent all throughout the match. I was able to capitalize on getting strikes when the opponent would miss their spares. This helped a lot on either keeping/holding the lead or helping us come back and win the games. I missed some really easy spares, which hurt my scores, but it did not cost the team any wins. The opponent was able to get in my head, but giving me tips, but overall I was able to overcome it and bowl the way I wanna bowl. Glad to see myself being able to average above 160; getting closer to the goal.

Roum Evangelista (Avg: 168)
Scores: 134, 147, 232 (last 2x week)
Scores: 134, 141, 223 (last week)
Scores: 167, 132, 135 (this week
Overall Grade: B-
Review: I won't lie, I wish I had last weeks scores than this weeks, which is why I kept the scores from 2 weeks ago and last weeks to show how Roum flipped his scores. None of this weeks scores were able to hit his average. NOT GOOD!!! Roum really needs to focus and start remembering his basics. Two things Roum really needs to do: 1. STOP dropping the ball and of course 2. STOP doubting himself. Confidence is key here and it'll go a long way once Roum regains his mojo. The team needs Roum's invisible swag otherwise we won't have any chance of winning games and he'll be wasting his time at Vegas. Originally I wanted to give Roum a C, but because I'm in a good mood and he did help close the 3rd game off I gave him a B- instead. And yes I am in a good mood. Still pissed on how Lakers though. <-- *shaking head* You can wipe that smile off your face, Russ.

Team's Overall Performance: A

Good job team. I mean, really, GOOD JOB!! This is for reals reals. I'm not joking, I am really happy that we beat a really good team today. If you did not notice, they really tried hard to catch up. But...don't think this sweep is something we can easily do, again, to a team like them. We bowled a total of 879, 845 and 791 to their 695, 838 and 762. On average our scratch total is 587, guess what theirs is. 718; on average. My goodness, gracious. If you haven't noticed it by now, our handicap is what helped our bee-hinds during this match. We need to do a better job on holding leads meaning we gotta increase the lead so that the opponent won't have a chance on coming back. And we need to do a better job on getting our average scratch total to at least 650. It's really not that hard. If Russ, Roum and Henry can average 180 (easily) that'll make it 540 and all you need left is a average score of 110 from June just to get it at 110.

Post Notes: So far the only plans I have for Vegas is practicing on Friday evening after dinner or something so we can get a feel for the lanes. And, Rio buffet. June also mentioned she would love to go to Hash House for either breakfast or lunch. I'm suggesting breakfast because the lines get CRAZY long if you don't get there early enough. So the quicker we get there, the less time you'll have to wait. Please visit the website if you never have been there or no idea what Hash House is http://www.hashhouseagogo.com/. Also, please post up comments if there are any other suggestions or comments you would like to say. Thanks.

1/23/2013

"OLD SCHOOL" Team Review

Preview: We are in our 19th week in, and surprisingly still placed 5th with 40.5 wins and 31.5 loss record. Going up against a good team whose bowlers can reach the upper echelon of 200's. Can we pull off the win?

Summary: After the game, I took a great deal of time to review and analyze our performance and still I'm not sure exactly what to say other than we did not perform the way we should be up to this point in the season. We won two and we loss two. That right there speaks for itself on how today's games went.

June Wei (Avg: 106)

Scores: 117, 100, 132
Overall Grade: B-
Review: A major improvement over last week's scores. I can not begin to tell you how proud I am to witness June starting to show effort on spinning the ball or more like throwing the ball along the correct arrows. Still though it goes without me saying how little the spin is applied to the ball when she releases it. Really needs to work on not being afraid to flick the ball. Experiment is key when practicing. Other than the 2nd game, good job and hopefully she'll be able to hit at least 120 on a consistent basis by the end of February.

Russ Overton (Avg: 158)
Scores: 188, 116, 141
Overall Grade: B?
Review: I'm having the hardest time giving Russ his grade and still I'm not sure, which is why I gave a question mark at the end (talk about being confused this week). I did Russ's review last hoping I would have a final grade by the time I got his review, but for some reason it's too difficult for me with Russ being sick and all. Great first game, hit his mark, bowled fabulous, got his strikes and hit his spares with exception to some easy ones that helped him get a score of 188. Then...the drop off happened and a big one, too; like Angel's Falls drop off. From 188 to 116, that right there is 72 points and comparing it to his average, that's a minus 46 points. *shaking head* Third game was a little bit better, but it took Russ til the 4th/5th frame to really start turning it up, again. I understand he's still little bit under the weather, but can't miss those easy spares down the line. I wouldn't say focus was his problem today, the lanes were a little bit different as each game went on, and Russ did some experimentation during those games so judging from all of that the best thing Russ can work on for next week is adaptation.

Henry Wei (Avg: 153)
Scores: 216, 162, 155
Overall Grade: B+
Review: For someone who did not feel it today, I think overall I deserve an A, but...because how competitive I am and how last weeks performance was uber (German/Deutsche) krap, I gave myself a B+ instead. Had a marvelous score of 216; can't complain. But I wasn't able to keep it up and eventually lost my strike lane. Please do take notice on me mentioning strike lane and not the lane completely. I did get my spares when I had to and eventually came back strong towards the end of the 2nd and 3rd game (minus the gutter frame at the end). Still though no excuse on several of the other frames I muffed up on. Still need to work on staying focused and not letting other things bother me.

Roum Evangelista (Avg: 168)
Scores: 134, 147, 232 (last week)
Scores: 134, 141, 223 (this week)
Overall Grade: Roum's Choice
Review: Is it me or does this look really familiar to you? In fact, last week's performance was better than this week. Yes I will give Roum lots of credit of helping us staying in the game against the opponent and allowing us to even get the chance to win the 3rd game (we did). BUT, what happened in the first two games leaves me clueless and pretty much speechless. It's like Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde Strikes Back, which leads me to allow Roum to grade himself so he can get a good visibility on how similar the scores are from last week and this week. Anyways, Roum really really and I mean REALLY needs to work on finding his lanes quick. I'm tempted to allow him to use most of the practice time so that way he can start feeling the lanes. It's all in the head!!! Haha, thats what she said.

Team's Overall Performance: B

In a big way, I can't complain with a 2-2. Obviously getting a 3-1 would be far more enjoyable than a 2-2, but it's still way better than getting 1-3 or the God-awful sweep. Everyone is to be blamed for the 2 wins and 2 loss, we all have a hand in it. Sorry guys, no star this week. I want to bring up something really important. Our opponent's total scratch scores were 525, 536, 545 and 553. June's were 349, Russ 445, Henry 553 and Roum 498. As you can see, our opponent is very consistent and yes they do know how to bowl and they have far more experience than we do, but the way I look at it is if we wanna do any damage coming sweeps then we need to be more like our opponent and find our consistency. I'm not asking for scratch totals like our opponents, I'm asking for better like 600. Just kidding. I actually decided to give each of you total scratch goals so it will give you some indication on what to aim for. June 450. Russ 550. Henry 550. Roum 600 cause you know you can. I think this sounds very reasonable and hopefully when we're at Vegas bowling, we'll be the team that blows everyone away even that dreadful Team 6 (you know who I'm talking about).

Post Notes: I want to say thanks everyone for getting the rooms on time at South Point. I'm starting to plan out what we can do at Vegas. So far I have practice bowling on Friday evening so we can get a feel for the lanes. AND, a dam good buffet; don't ask (it pains me explaining it every single time). If you have any suggestions on where to go and what o do, please post them on comments and we can all talk about it. Thanks.

1/16/2013

"OLD SCHOOL" Team Review

Preview: We are in our 18th week in, and placed 3rd with 39.5 wins and 28.5 loss record. I'm totally ecstatic to find out that we have a good chance to get 1st with 12 weeks (matches) remaining. This puts us in a good position to really take the lead as we're 4 games behind 1st place. With us coming in with a good victory last week, can we keep it up and have a streak of 2 wins at the end of the day?

Summary: To answer the question above, "HELL NO!!" (our streak ends at 1 game *sad face*) Let's put it this way, imagine your going up against a team who is basically dead last, down by 31 pins and your star player is out for this game. What does this entail? Simple..., two players need to bowl above average and we'll have a good shot on winning the games. Which two? Not going to say. Easy said than done? Hell yes! But no excuses. Can it be done? Hell *Beeping* yes! But o wells cause we f-ed up; simply put. The scores speak for themselves.

June Wei (Avg: 106)
Scores: 105, 118, 73
Overall Grade: C-
Review: Based on June's scores last week, this week can be summarized as hideous. First two games were decent, but that last game, it was like she just completely gave up and wanted to go home. In the beginning, June was applying spin to the ball; not a whole lot, but it was noticeable. There were a couple instances when the ball got stuck on her thumb. June admitted that she does want to dry her hands because she's afraid it'll slip out too easily. For everyone out there who is reading this, it's exactly what you want when drying your hands so that the bowling ball does not get stuck not only your hands, but also, your fingers therefore preventing severe (not dire) injuries. Trust. June really needs to start working on flicking the ball right when she releases it. It does not have to be a strong flick, but a flick that can spin the ball when applied.


Russ Overton (Avg: 158)
Scores: Absent
Overall Grade: Does not apply
Review: Just because Russ was absent does not mean I'm not going to write a review. Just kidding. Take a break, Russ, you deserve it. Just be glad your "In-Laws" were not in town. =P


Henry Wei (Avg: 153)
Scores: 185, 172, 112
Overall Grade: C+
Review: Started off great. First two games were quite consistent. Did what I wanted to work on; found the lanes quick. How ironic when I find the lanes, I eventually lose them, which the third game score shows on how poorly I played. We'll focus more on the last game for obvious reasons. In the last game, I could not hit the spares. Kept getting numerous splits; four, I believe (don't hold me to it). Instead of going back to basics and leveling my already frustrated head, I kept getting more and more aggressive and threw the ball far to the right, which helped me get some gutters. Not only did I destroy the team's chances on catching up, but as the team lead, I was not able to keep it cool and under control forcing me to throw with pride and not throwing for the team. I don't know if I just got tired, or the lack of focus, but there's just no excuse to losing the lanes when you found it in the first place. Disappointed in myself as the captain.

Roum Evangelista (Avg: 168)

Scores: 134, 147, 232
Overall Grade: C-
Review: Kobe "Bean" Bryant. Today reminded of Kobe when he plays really krappy in the first 3 quarters and then all of a sudden turns it up in the fourth, but by then it's too late and there's no hope of winning the game even with the heroics of Kobe nailing down shots like no other. So that's pretty much what happened. First two games were an average of 140.5. By the tenth frame of the second game, Roum decided to find his lanes (Kobe's strokes) and get his turkey (gobble gobble). In the third game, Roum started to get his strikes (Kobe knocking down his shots), 6 in a row in fact; this lead to him getting a whopping score of 232. I wouldn't be surprised if he got the mystery number based off of that score. Anyways, it took Roum nearly 1.9 games to find his lanes and be consistent. Tenth frame to be precise. Tenth. Let's think that one over and hopefully the next game we'll improve on that. Oh, and one more thing, STOP DROPPING THE BALL. You're ruining the rev on the ball and how you want the ball to react. Here's a good find on dropping balls: http://www.bowl4fun.com/ron/tip39.htm. Read it (you too, June).


Team's Overall Performance: C
Some of you might think I'm being too harsh in my review. Well, originally I was a whole lot more rigid; for instance, I was going to give Roum a D+, but to give him credit for the amazing 3rd game that he had, I gave him a C- instead. I was going to give all of us D's because let's face it, we bowled as if there was something stuck in our behinds. Sure I bowled 3 pins above my average, but all of that doesn't mean anything if we don't win or at least, be close to winning. Unacceptable. I'm sorry to say all of this, but it is what it is, and it helped me shed some light on, on how much we depend on Russ's scores. This should not be the case whatsoever. This week we were down 31 pins, but it's not like it was the end of the world. If each player bowled ten pins above their avg, we would have had a great shot at winning all 4 games. But based Russ's scores as of recent, if anything, we should make Russ our anchor, but I have full and complete faith that Roum will turn it around and he'll be the bowler that we all know he can be. I also strongly believe June will be able to spin the ball the way we want her to (more like envision). And, rest assured, I feel good about our chances on winning this dam league. So let's go and stay consistent and we'll be fine.

Post Notes: In case if you haven't noticed, Roum bowled 9 strikes in a row (previous record (officially) is 6 consecutive strikes). Take the turkey he bowled at the end of the 2nd game and add that to the 6 strikes in a row he bowled in the 3rd and there you have it, 9 consecutive strikes (unofficially). But who cares?! Congratulations Roum!!

Next week we will be going against the O'Hagans. We need to be careful, just because they have far less HC than we do doesn't translate to us not finding our lanes quick and staying consistent. If we do that, I see either a sweep or a 3-1 victory.

Update*: I almost forgot to mention about the hotel fees. I was told that South Point Casino is offering a room sale for $85 a night plus tax, which comes out to a total of $190.40 PER room. That makes it $95 per person for 2 rooms. Not bad for Vegas, but Jiyoon is asking for something cheaper. Mr Vegas (Roum) is there any other place you would know around South Point that we can go for; otherwise we have til Friday noon to purchase these rooms with this deal. So we need to make a decision no later than Thursday (evening). The quicker we decide on this, the better. Please comment below to give your inputs, thanks.

1/9/2013

"OLD SCHOOL" Team Review

Preview: We are in our 17th week in, and we're placed 5th with 36.5 wins and 26.5 loss record. As of now we are 4.5 games back from the 1st place team. Note that I made a mistake last week stating it was our 17th week, but it was actually our 16th week therefore this week is our 17th. Also, last week we lost 3 games to a tough team, which leads to the big question, "can we rebound?"

Summary: This week was not easy at all. In fact I would have to go as far as saying we came from behind and finished strong while holding the lead, winning it 3 games to 1. Not bad at all.

June Wei (Avg: 107)
Scores: 75, 114, 109
Overall Grade: B-
Review: Best way to summarize June's performance: Hands-me-down of Roum's. Because last week's performance was June's best thus far, she has a lot to work on and her inconsistencies show, which is why she got a "-" and not a B. Towards the end of game 3, she started to add little spin to her throw as seen below's vid (sorry about the bad quality, might use Russ's phone next time if he has the slow motion feature). Overall, lots of potential, high-ceiling, which helps because once she has it all down, let's just say she can definitely enter the women's sweeps with a high chance of winning especially with her HC.

Russ Overton (Avg: 157)

Scores: 179, 159, 194
Overall Grade: A+
Review: What can I say about the star of the week? Albeit, there were a few spots Russ can really work on like hitting those easy spares in the second game; other than that, amazing performance and something we should all imitate, embody, mock, etc (you get the picture) as much as we can. The only and I'm really stressing "only" part Russ could really work on for his game is doing better during the middle of the games that is best put, mediocre.

Henry Wei (Avg: 153)
Scores: 137, 148, 181
Overall Grade: B-
Review: Terrible start, mediocre 2nd but strong 3rd. Again, I had a hard time finding the lanes, but once I found it, I was able to hit my strikes (5 in a row in the 3rd). For some reason, I was not able to focus in the 1st game and needed buckle down and really try hard in order for me to finish anywhere close to my average (minus 16 pins). Focus is key to helping me either reach or better my average, which is something I'll be working on next week. I gave myself a B- instead of a B (even though I got 2 pins above my average) due to the fact I under-performed compared to last week.

Roum Evangelista (Avg: 168)
Scores: 136, 181, 169
Overall Grade: B
Review: "Rocky" Part III. Scores might not reflect it exactly; however, just like in the movie, Rocky was down in the beginning, but he came back and won it. Roum took a beating in the 1st game with a 136 score, but he came back with 2 great games, and must I add, helped hold the lead at the end of the 3rd game to fight off Jumanji's comeback. STILL, the first game hurt his average, which leads me to give him a B and not an A. Needs to really work on finishing off the 2,4 spares and the 6,10 spares. STOP dropping the ball! Much better performance this week than last, 2 thumbs-up Rocky!

Team's Overall Performance: Between B+ and B
I'm having a hard time deciphering what grade to give either a B+ or a B so I decided to give between there. I'm definitely proud of the way we bowled; in fact, I'll be honest as saying I thought we were going to lose all our games based on how we bowled our first. But, we stood our ground, bowled decent in the 2nd with the help of the opponent not getting their spares and strikes. It's really our 3rd game I'm most proud of; we held off not one but 2 (!!) bowlers who happened to score above 200. In our history, we were never able to do that, and for us to do that today, better now than later. Still though, we all need to find our lanes and stick with it. Can't lose focus otherwise we'll be in a deep rut and that's something I don't want us to be in. It's easier and puts less pressure on us trying to hold a lead than coming back let's say 100 pins down. Can't say enough on how proud I am of our team, great effort guys.

Post Notes: I like the lineup change, I think it was long overdue, but for some reason I really thought the first lineup could pull through (gave way too many chances, just way too many). Russ and I will continue to be aggressive while Jiyoon will keep learning to spin the ball. As for Roum, he needs to be a better anchor; in game 1, Russ was our anchor more than anything =P. Next week, we will be going against the last-place team. They only have 3 bowlers with a total HC of 247 (not including this week's scores). Based on our avg of last week, our HC is a combined total of 215 so right there we are 32 pins down if both teams HCs stay the same. So be prepared and let's go kick some @$$ (mind the swearing but I'm pumped).

1/2/2013

"OLD SCHOOL" Team Review

Preview: We are in our 17th week in, and placed 5th with 35.5 wins and 24.5 loss record. Since this is my first post, I would like to say how proud I am of our team at this point to be in a situation where we can actually be able to contend for first place.

Summary: Overall today, we had an above average performance. Any other night, we sure would have won if not 4 then at least 3 games; however, we ended up losing 3 and only winning one measly game. To summarize how I feel: not happy in the slightest.

Russ Overton (Avg: 156)
Scores: 170, 179, 192
Overall Grade: A
Review: Nothing really to complain about. Bowled very consistent and got the strikes when needed. Great starts and finished quite strong; however, still lacked focus during the middle of the games. Also, needs to work on getting the 7-8 spare and the 9-10 spare. Other than that, great game and should be able to continue to bowl strong especially how there are no bye weeks.

Roum Evangelista (Avg: 169)
Scores: 209, 172, 109
Overall Grade: C+
Review: "Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde". Fabulous bowling the first two games; however, noticed during the middle of the second game, Roum started to struggle but was able to pick himself back up and finished strong. The third game, the score speaks for itself. I gave him a "+" because of how well he was able to bowl the first two otherwise I would have given him a plain C so credit was given there, but when we needed him the most (third game), Roum was not able to pick himself back up; therefore bowling 60 pins below his avg. Roum needs to work on not over thinking things too much and try not to force the ball to get his strikes; two face.

June Wei (Avg: 105)
Scores: 126, 113, 156
Overall Grade: A+
Review: The only person to bowl better than Russ, not due to the scratch total, but mainly due to her best performance up to date, and how she was able to overcome her bowling woes and become consistent all throughout. She still is not spinning the ball, but she is starting to get the idea of hitting the pocket or getting brooklyns. Also, June tends to over think that makes her let go the ball either too early or too late which is why the ball either goes too far to the left or the right. One thing she can do is try flinging the ball in the air and flick the wrist a little harder to apply the spin; something to consider about. Other than that, great performance and couldn't have asked more out of her.

Henry Wei (Avg: 152)
Scores: 194, 142, 157
Overall Grade: B
Review: Although I was able to start off strong, I was not able to find the lanes all throughout the second and third game. Some of the strikes I'll even go as far as saying I got lucky on them. Need to really work on getting the 3-6-10 spare as I keep knocking down the 6-10 pins, but leaving the 3 pin standing. I tend to really over commit to the right side and when I'm not feeling confident hitting the pocket I consistently release the ball more towards the left, which leads me praying for brooklyns than the pocket. Need to find the lane quick in order to have good games = not very good and something to really work on.

Team's Overall Performance: B-
Again, as a team we bowled one of our finest games in our team's history so we shouldn't feel too bad about the 1-3 loss (I'm still pissed). BUT, could it have been better? Definitely! It goes without saying, we all have things to work on and in time, we'll be able to overcome those mistakes and I feel confident we will end up in tip-top shape ready for sweeps when Vegas comes rolling along. Russ made an excellent point on us needing to show more urgency on adapting to the lane conditions. As a team, we just simply suck when it comes to us trying to figuring out the lanes as the games goes on. In fact, one thing I noticed is we take an avg a game and a half to start bowling consistently when we have trouble finding our lanes from the get-go. That just does not cut it, and it puts us in the position to come from behind when it becomes clear it's too late; it's definitely something we all need to work on. One last time, thanks for a good game and yes, we did lose 3 games, but seeing how we are starting to bowl better as a team is definitely something to build on.

Post Notes: As you are already aware, I have changed the lineup. My explanation is quite simple, in the beginning I wanted Roum and Russ to be the aggressors for our team and help us get a substantial lead so that June would not have to feel the pressure to bowl great every single night. That has not happened thus far and out of the 17 games we have played thus far, only a handful of times when we did not need her scores to win matches. So I've decided to switch the lineup having Roum go back to the anchor position and apply the pressure on him to bowl consistently every night. Jiyoon will bowl first and hopefully she'll set the tone early and help us get the lead. Russ will bowl second and I'm sure he'll excel in that spot. I will move to third and be more aggressive while Roum will back all of us up to make sure where we fail as a team, he will help pick those pieces up. Sorry, Roum ;P.