Week 4: Recap and Standings

Ladies and Gentlemen, let me tell you, Week 4 of BSL was—let’s be honest—tough, very tough. We had some bumps in the road, folks. We saw a bit of a decline in broom sales for the first time this year; and as for the performance across the league? Well, let’s just say it was a little bit less than tremendous. But, let me be perfectly clear: for many of us, this is not the end of the road. Not by a long shot!

You know, they said we couldn’t do it. They said we’d hit a rough patch and fold like a cheap suit. But did we let that stop us? No! Absolutely not! BSL is about winning, it’s about coming back stronger than ever, and that’s exactly what we’re going to do!

Some teams didn’t hit the marks they wanted this week, but they gave it their all. And let me tell you, folks, this is a league of winners. We have the best bowlers, the best coaches, and the best fans. We’re in it to win it, and we’re not backing down. We didn’t see any brooms on the lanes this week—so what? We’re going to turn that around. Just wait and see!

So here’s what we’re going to do: We’re going to come back for Week 5 with more fire, more passion, and more determination than ever before. We’re going to hit those strikes, we’re going to make those spares, and we’re going to show everyone that the TSL is the greatest league in the history of sports—better than BSL, even better than the PBA!

We have the best players, the best energy, and the best spirit. Let’s get out there and show them what we’re made of! Let’s pick those brooms back up, get back to practice, and get ready to bring our A-game!

Remember, folks, it’s not about how many times you fall—it’s about how many times you get up. And we’re always getting it up! So, gear up for Week 5. It’s going to be huge, it’s going to be fantastic, and it’s going to be our best week yet. Believe me!

Tony Le’s Bowler of the Week: 

Andrew Dai, who in similar fashion to current amazing commissioner, threw other people’s balls to a #1 spot this week! 

Shy Guys vs. Starcraft (5 - 2)

Two of the most compelling teams we’ve had in recent years finally face off in week 4. The polarizing Shy Guys take on the undefeated Starcraft in a match-up that is also dubbed, Operation Desert Storm. This match was highly anticipated heading into the week and with 4 players in the top 5, boy did it not disappoint!  

In game 1, attention deficient rookie, Thinh Nguyen threw the best single game he has had all season, a 254 game with handicap. Out of 160 games so far this season, only 12 games have exceeded his 254 performance. Unfortunately for the Shy Guys, Starcraft players, Carson (3), Andy (1), and Shelby (1) account for 5 of those games. Oddly, mammoth rookie Carson Chan was nowhere to be found that night. However,  the rest of the Starcraft team bunkered down and was able to hold the fort to win game 1. In similar fashion to the James Cameron epic 3 hour, 2 VHS tape, cinematic masterpiece, Titanic, where Jack simply could not fit on the giant door that would save his life when disaster struck. Thinh was also unable to save his team in their defeat, despite having a frame that obviously displays the capabilities to do so. There was clearly enough room on that door Rose! The result of game 1 was equivalently tragic to the film as the Shy Guys went on to lose the game by a mere 4 pins. 

Now mourning the loss of their Leonardo DiCaprio, the Shy Guys, took on game 2 with fervor. Van Nguyen, Anny Vien, and Tiff Le started the game with blistering heat, hot enough to melt icebergs, and never stopped. The 3 Shy Guys each had their best single game all season to take game 2 from the clutches of team Starcraft. 

The matchup was now tied 1-1 heading into game 3. Momentum was now favoring the Shy Guys with Van Nguyen seemingly hitting his stride. Van Nguyen finally showed glimpses of why he was selected #2 overall in the 2024 draft by having his best performance of the season and handed Starcraft their first defeat.

In a week where most teams staggered, the Shy Guys may have found their rhythm as all 4 members found themselves in the top 10 this week.  It was unfortunate for Starcraft, who had 3 of their own in the top 10,  to face the Shy Guys this week as they were far and away the only team that was capable of taking them out in week 4. 

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X-men vs. P.C. ONIX (2 - 5)

Sometimes, sports stories just fall into place, and this matchup had all of the pieces needed. The X-Men were flying into week 4 on their broom typhoon after sweeping their last two opponents. The ONIX team were just handed their first loss the week before and were now looking to seek revenge on their next opponent. 

Other times in sports, you’ll have moments that are so bad they’re almost impressive. Although expectations on both teams were high coming into the match, as both teams are 2-1 and are potentially fighting for a spot in the playoffs. This match-up  was simply just a rollercoaster of disappointments, and that rollercoaster only went in one direction, down. ONIX was able to win the first 2 games but were unable to complete the sweep. In reality, if anyone were watching the game, this was a match where neither team won. With a total score of 2310 - 2351, this match was an absolute slapfest, and I’m not talking about those professional slap fights either. Not much to speak on with this matchup as every single player ended up in the bottom half of rankings this week. That’s right, no winners here, only losers, just one team lost more. 

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Alliance vs. RedSuns (2 - 5)

The RedSuns continue to fly by competitors this season and were the only team that remained undefeated going into week 4. With the Dynamic Duo Huy and Stephen anchoring the team and exciting rookie Andrew Dai improving every week at an exponential rate, they seemed untouchable up until this point. This match was going to be a tough one for Alliance, who are coming into week 4 after two straight losses, one of which was against BallisLife who had yet to win a game at that point. 

Game 1 was an unexpected one, as the RedSuns dynamic duo were seemingly unable to figure out the lanes. The racing team needed much more out of their wild cards, Andrew and Tracy. Although they were able to step up and had some of their best games so far, it was just not enough to take over the game. With their Dynamic Duo stalling, the RedSuns were unable to keep pace with Ado who was having the best game he has had all season. 

With the Dynamic Duo still plagued by engine issues heading into the 2nd lap, the RedSuns once again had to lean heavily on Andrew Dai and Tracy Nguyen. Luckily for the RedSuns, the 100 shot of NOS Ado used in game 1 blew the welds off on his intake manifold and could not maintain the same momentum. Alliance ultimately were not able to do enough to get by Andrew and Tracy who have been bowling well above their average. The RedSuns took game 2 by just 4 pins.

The game was now 1-1 heading into game 3. Steve Chiu and Huy were getting a better feel of the lanes but were still performing well below their capabilities. Andrew Dai once again took control of the wheel and threw for 265 pins (with handicap), which is his season as well as his personal best. With Andrew Dai driving out of his mind, there was little the Alliance team could do but watch as he absolutely gapped them in game 3. The RedSuns needed their wild cards this game and they showed up, which is why Andrew Dai is Tony Le’s bowler of the week. His game that night was very reminiscent of a bowler that I’m very familiar with, myself. Andrew’s ball was damaged by Bowlero just days before the match and had to use all of his teammate’s balls and had the best game of his career so far!

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Puzzle Fighters vs. Shadow (2 - 5)

This season has been a tough one for both teams this year. Both Shadow and the Puzzle Fighters have been consistently performing well, but have tragically been victims of a tough schedule. Both teams headed into week 4 with some of the highest pins against them. Shadow has fortunately been able to sweep 1 team which is keeping them in contention for a playoff spot. The Puzzle Fighters on the other hand have not been so lucky and have yet to win a single match up.

Shadow did not have to exert themselves too much this week to secure the victory as misfortune continues to haunt the Puzzle Fighters. Contrary to their namesake, The Puzzle Fighters did not put much of a fight in this match up. They had 2 players in the cellar this week, and their scores reflected that. Their total scores in game 1 (723) and game 2 (728) were two of the lowest totals we have had in the league this season. The Puzzle Fighters managed to steal game 3 from their match on the heels of Diego Nunez, who has been boom-or-bust all season. Looking at the numbers, Diego seems to do his best on game 3, could it be from the lack of pressure having already lost the match, or maybe from drinking more as the night progresses? Who can really say, but the team needs to figure out something quick.

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GTA: SA vs. BallisLife (2 - 5)

We’re now halfway through the season and the playoff picture is clearing up at the top. The bottom half of the playoffs is still up for grabs and both GTA: SA and BallisLife are fighting for a spot. GTA’s Christina Lam has been their 2nd best bowling this season, continues to nurse an injury and is out for a 2nd consecutive week. They were able to get the win the previous week, but it’s always tough to get into a good rhythm when you’re missing a key player.

As previously discussed, the lanes this week proved to be difficult for many players as we saw low scores posted throughout the league. It was no different for this matchup that hosted some of the best players we have in BSL. Luckily for BallisLife, Duck and Angelique were both able to put together a solid game and help the team win game 1. 

GTA’s Jimmy Tran has previously shown that he can dominate games. When he’s locked in, his aura looms over his lanes, bringing up his team while quelling his opponents. Last week, he threw for a league season high of 293 pins (with handicap). In similar fashion, Jimmy took over game 2 in this matchup and shot 287 pins (with handicap). A monstrous performance by the veteran bowler secured game 2 for GTA: SA. Jimmy Tran now holds the #1 and #2 highest single game scores this year.

The pressure was high leading into game 3 with the match-up tied 1-1. JayT continues to build on the momentum he has gathered the last two weeks finally looks like the JayT that we all know. In game 3, JayT had the best game he has had all season, shooting for 214 raw. Despite an amazing game 2, GTA: SA was unable to keep up with JayT while he was in peak form.