Brandon Harris of Akron, Ohio, captured the sixth annual Michael 'Mickey" Michalojko Memorial Scratch tournament held last week at Colonial Lanes in New Castle.

Harris bested 122 other entries, winning $1,800 for his efforts. Brian Murphy of New Castle finished second, Todd Hadden, a former Butler radio tournament finalist, finished third, and Joe Bailey of Doylestown finished fourth.

Harris notched the win despite trailing Murphy by 39 pins heading into the final game. He rolled a 233 game for the victory.

This bowling tournament is one of the very best non-handicap events remaining in the area, and it benefits New Castle junior bowlers, who will receive $2,000 in scholarship money.

More than $7,200 worth of scholarships have been distributed throughout the life of the tournament.

Congratulations to Bob Michalojko for running a great tournament.

It's not too late to enter the Bowl With Butler's Best handicap scholarship tournament to be held at Sherwood Lanes on March 4.All sanctioned youth bowlers will be paired with an outstanding adult bowler, with combined scores determining the winners.Walk-in entries will be accepted. Entry fee is $12.50, and squad times are at 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. For information, call 724-287-7593.

The professional bowlers in West Virginia this week are bowling on the Cheetah oil pattern. What is the Cheetah pattern?It is one of five lane conditioning patterns that the PBA uses and it is the least favorite of the pros. The lane oil is placed on the lane to 35 feet, the shortest distance of the patterns.Most players will play at or near the gutter, and scoring is generally on the high side.The short distance of lane oil means plenty of dry "back end," meaning the bowling ball will grab and hook hard.

The USBC National Bowling Tournament is under way in Reno, Nev. Plenty of area bowlers will be venturing out between now and June 30 to try to tame the National Bowling Stadium lanes.Here are the top scores, as of Friday. Regular singles: 712; doubles: 1386; team: 2988; all-events: 1961. classified singles: 607; doubles: 1186; team: 2675; all-events: 1762.

• Congratulations to Carl Ealy, who rolled a 300 game and a 715 series recently in Fruit Loops League play• Ron Henry was lined up last Tuesday night in the Butler City Tenpin League at Sherwood Lanes and rolled a 300-803.• <B>Automotive League:</B> David Fair 269-712, Kevin Richardson 277-709, Jeff Suchonic 267-707, Jim McCune 246-690, Jim Frye, 257 game.

If you are a female bowler and would like your top score posted on the mirrored wall at the Lyndora Hotel, please e-mail me with the information at wiseguyrondo@zoominternet.net. Single game scores of 225-plus and triples of 600-plus will be accepted.