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JOHNSON CLAIMS 7TH NEBA TITLE AT LIA CARS SINGLES OPEN

Lia Cars Open Singles
Spare Time Northampton – March 21–22, 2026
Event #1058
144 Entries | 32 Match Play Finalists | Pattern: 2024 PBA Scorpion (42’, 35.05 mL, 2.78:1)

The Lia Cars Open Singles brought another strong field of competitors to Spare Time Northampton, as 144 bowlers took on the demanding 42-foot PBA Scorpion pattern — a condition known for requiring precision, control, and the ability to manage transition as the lanes break down.

With a flatter ratio and higher volume, scoring required patience and execution, rewarding players who could control the pocket while limiting mistakes. As the weekend progressed into match play, the scoring pace increased, but the margin for error remained extremely small.

When the dust settled, it was NEBA President Jay Johnson who stood above the field, capturing his seventh career NEBA title with a dominant performance throughout match play.

This event also served as a qualifying round for the $10,000 Vincent Hall Memorial Cup Series, with the top eight finishers earning advancement into the Survivor Rounds later this season.

Match Play Breakdown

Thirty-two bowlers advanced into the single-elimination match play bracket, setting up a competitive path to the title.

Jay Johnson’s Road to the Championship

Round of 32: Jay Johnson 247, Bruce Hall 180
Round of 16: Jay Johnson 248, Kevin Thibeault 199
Quarterfinals: Jay Johnson 255, Thomas Coco 190
Semifinals: Jay Johnson 256, Aaron Major 182
Championship Match: Jay Johnson 235, Evan Thro 196

Johnson was nothing short of dominant throughout match play, averaging an incredible 248.2 across five matches. His ability to control ball motion, stay ahead of transition, and consistently fill frames separated him from the field and put constant pressure on his opponents.

Other standout performances included Evan Thro’s strong run to the championship match, Bill Webb’s semifinal appearance, and Aaron Major’s continued success in deep match play runs.

Championship Match Recap – Johnson vs. Thro

The title match featured Jay Johnson taking on a red-hot Evan Thro, with both players showing early they had the look dialed in on a demanding Scorpion pattern. Notably, both competitors relied on the Storm Concept throughout match play, a testament to the versatility of the ball from Storm Bowling, NEBA’s 2026 season sponsor. Strikes came early from both sides, but it was Johnson who settled in first, controlling the pocket with precision and keeping constant pressure on his opponent.

Thro showed flashes of brilliance throughout the match, stringing together key strikes and even closing the gap to just a single pin midway through the game. However, an early open frame and a series of stubborn corner pins proved costly, forcing him to play catch-up the rest of the way.

Meanwhile, Johnson’s approach was clinical. While not every shot resulted in a strike, he consistently filled frames, avoided mistakes, and capitalized when opportunities arose. His ability to stay ahead, paired with timely doubles, kept momentum firmly on his side as the match progressed.

The turning point came late, as Thro was unable to carry in a must-strike situation in the 10th frame, effectively sealing the outcome. Johnson stepped up needing only to stay clean, finishing off the match and securing the victory in dominant fashion, 235-196.

In the end, it was a composed and controlled performance from Johnson, who managed the transition, executed under pressure, and once again proved why he remains one of the most formidable competitors in NEBA competition, capturing his seventh career title.

Top Payouts

1st – Jay Johnson: $1,250 + $125 TOC Entry
2nd – Evan Thro: $800
T-3rd – Bill Webb and Aaron Major: $550 each

High Scores and Notables

High Qualifier: Tommy Kumlin – 1184
High Side Cut Out of the Money: Chris Sole – 1027

Storm / Roto Grip / 900 Global Ball Winners:
Mike Fecteau – 1038
Zachery DeMello – Raffle

Hall of Fame Competitors in the Field

Several NEBA Hall of Fame members competed in this year’s Lia Cars Open Singles, continuing to showcase the depth of talent across the field.

Notable Hall of Fame competitors included:
Bill Webb
Joey Transue
John Kirker

Vincent Hall Memorial Cup Series Update

The Lia Cars Open Singles served as a qualifying event for the $10,000 Vincent Hall Memorial Cup Series.

The top eight finishers earned advancement into the Survivor Rounds later this season:
Jay Johnson
Evan Thro
Bill Webb
Aaron Major
Thomas Coco
Jayme Silva Jr.
Tyler Sudell
Malik Grove

NEBA would like to thank the Hall family for their continued support and generous contribution to this premier season-long series.

Thanks to Our Partners

NEBA would like to extend a sincere thank you to title sponsor Lia Cars for their continued support of NEBA and their $500 added contribution to this event’s prize fund.

A special thank you goes to Nancy Cote and the entire staff at Spare Time Northampton for hosting a fantastic weekend of competition and providing a top-tier environment for our competitors.

We also thank Storm, Roto Grip, and 900 Global for their continued support as NEBA’s official season sponsors.

Finally, thank you to all NEBA members and competitors whose passion and commitment continue to drive the success of NEBA events.

Watch the Full Coverage

The full championship match and the live champions interview are available on our YouTube channel:
YouTube.com/BowlNEBA

On Deck: Dual Event Weekend at Bowlero Worcester

JoPo Grips Special Cuts Event
Saturday, April 11th – 11:00 AM
Open to Seniors, Super Seniors, and Women

KR Strikeforce Non-Champions Event
April 11th – 6:00 PM
April 12th – 9:00 AM and 12:30 PM
Open to all non-champions

Bowlero Worcester
101 Southbridge St
Auburn, MA 01501

Keep Up With NEBA

Full Calendar: BowlNEBA.com/Tournaments
Stats and Records: BowlNEBA.com/Stats
Hall of Fame: BowlNEBA.com/Hall-of-Fame
Champions History: BowlNEBA.com/History/Champions

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