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Jay Johnson Wins iAM Bowling by Logo Infusion Open – Becomes Hall-of-Fame Eligible!

158 entries packed Nutmeg Bowl for the 2025 iAM Bowling by Logo Infusion Open Singles, August 23–24, 2025. This NEBA stop, sponsored by Buddies Pro Shop, featured the 48’ Sport pattern (26.65 mL, 1.63:1 ratio), demanding versatility and precision from all competitors.

High qualifier Dennis Bissonnette led the field with a strong 1264 series, but it was Jay Johnson, steady throughout single elimination match play, who powered through the bracket to secure his 6th career NEBA title — and in doing so, became Hall-of-Fame eligible!

Match Play Breakdown

32 bowlers advanced into head-to-head, single elimination. Johnson steadily built momentum each round, climbing past talented opponents on his way to the championship:

Round of 32 – 225 def. Joey Transue(HoF) (206)

Round of 16 – 232 def. Nick Varano (192)

Quarterfinal – 247 def. Chris Forry(HoF) (235)

Semifinal – 269 def. Taylon Bernier(Youth) (255)

Championship – 237 def. Nate Clarke (188)

Other standout performances:

-Nathaniel J. Clarke finished runner-up and averaged 253 in matchplay before falling to Jay Johnson in the championship match.

-Taylon Bernier (youth bowler) made a breakthrough run to the semi-finals before falling just short against Johnson despite a huge 255 game.

-Jay Mathieu joined Bernier in 3rd/4th place after an excellent bracket performance.

Championship Match Recap – Johnson vs. Clarke

The final match pitted seasoned NEBA veteran and 2022 Bowler of the Year, Jay Johnson against rising star Nate Clarke. A win for Johnson would result in his 6th NEBA title, making him Hall-of-Fame eligible while Nate would become a multi-time titlest.

The match began with both competitors showing the superior shot making that led them to the championship match. After a 10-pin leave for each in the beginning frame, Nate and Jay would turn the strikes on with Jay catching the first string and a 4-bagger. Clarke found struggle getting the right lane to cooperate, leaving a solid 9-pin and pocket 7-10 breaking up his momentum. Nate’s spare shooting continued to get tested with a 2-10 spare. Despite this fill, Jay Johnson took a commanding lead through the first half of the match and showed little sign of letting up. A pair of single pin leaves from Jay did give a breathe of life to Clarke who stepped up to his troublesome right lane. Nate proceeded to get all 10 to fall for the first time on that lane only to be halted by a 4-pin on the left lane.

Johnson would get up in the 8th and 9th frames with a chance to close the match early. Back-to-back shots slapped the 10-pin to secure title number 6!

Final Score:

Jay Johnson – 237

Nate Clarke - 188

This victory places Jay in elite company as he becomes eligible for the NEBA Hall of Fame — another milestone in a remarkable career.

Champions Message

"This was a really special title. I'm so grateful to be able to compete against the best in New England, and occasionally have some success. NEBA is such a difficult tournament to win (talent, format, etc...) that when it does happen, you cherish it. Thank you so much to everyone that supports me, stayed and cheered me on, and has reached out with kind words. It means everything.

Thank you to Debbie, Justin and Dan for making the magic happen at each event. NEBA couldn't succeed without your dedication. Thank you to Storm Bowling for continuing to believe in me, and allow me to represent the best brands in bowling. Thank you to Chris and Jesse at Buddies for always working with me on my arsenal and my game. Thank you to the entire staff at Nutmeg Bowl; the tournament ran flawlessly, and it's always a fantastic stop on the schedule.

Thank you to iAM Bowling and BuddiesProShop.com for the tournament sponsorships for this event. Continued partnerships like these, as well as all of our other sponsors allow NEBA to be the best scratch amateur tournament in the country.

Thanks to my son Evan for joining me at the occasional event and suffering thru my weekend bowling. A huge win with a good lunch made it worth it this time... I think.

Title #6 and now eligible for the Hall of Fame is something that I would have never imagined possible. It's been a heck of a journey... and hopefully more to come." - Jay Johnson

Top Payouts:

1st – Jay Johnson: $2,000 + $125 TOC Entry

2nd – Nathaniel J. Clarke: $1,350

T-3rd/4th – Taylon Bernier & Jay Mathieu: $800 each

High Scores & Notables

High Qualifier: Dennis Bissonnette – 1264

Storm / Roto Grip / 900 Global Ball Winner: Kiernan Carney – 1098

High Senior out of the money: Bill Webb – $50

Thanks to Our Partners

Special thanks to iAM Bowling by Logo Infusion as well as Buddies Pro Shop for sponsoring this event with $1,500 added to the prize fund. Gratitude also goes to Storm, Roto Grip, and 900 Global for their continued support of NEBA competition. We would also like to thank the staff at Nutmeg Bowl for their hospitality and a smooth running event.

NEBA thrives thanks to its bowlers, sponsors, and volunteers. Thank you for being part of one of the longest-running and most respected tournament series in the country.