Green Hornet
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Lazaro Martinez put on the most entertaining match that occurred during the recently completed BCAPL/USAPL Nationals.
There was a Juniors event as well. I believe it was also a Junior National qualifier. Which as I write that BEF Junior Nationals is probably coming to conclusion.
The Final for the 14 and under was for the ages! The match pitted an incredibly talented 14yr. old Ricky Evans, who last November went to Shanghai, China to play in the WPBA World Junior Championships, vs. an 8yr. old Lazaro "Little L" Martinez from around San Antonio, TX.
Just prior to this I witnessed a match between Lazaro and his brother Gabriel Martinez III. Both are I believe 8yrs old. Watching them play took me back to first seeing Landon Shuffet play as an 8yr. old at the Derby City Classic. The brothers may have went Hill/Hill. During that match, Lazaro broke and ran a rack to impress me. I want his brother, Gabriel, to know that he is an exceptional player as well. I bet he wins his share of games versus his brother at home. As a III myself, I only wish I could have made my dad and grandpa as proud as you made yours. Keep playing Bro's.
Back to Finals, Laz was dazzling the crowd with his steely nerves. When a runout wasn't possible, I witnessed "Little L" exhibit at least two incredible safeties that got him to that Hill/Hill Finale. Both players you know love running out as they are literally very capable. But Lazaro's decision to play safe twice was mind boggling. On the final rack, Lazaro Martinez saved his best for last. When faced with a back-cut bank on the one-ball, he displayed the confidence of a champion. He made the shot and then went on to run the rack out for the title. Nerves? Not a problem, he probably doesn't even know what nerves are. The crowd,myself included went absolutely nuts. I couldn't help shouting out "Yeah Laz" and clapping as loud as I could. The crowd response was phenomenal. Sorry Toasty and Dennis.
Another shout out to the losing player. Ricky Evans will no doubt be playing in the Atlantic Cup Challenge before it's said and done. He might even be playing a rematch right now against "Lil L" for the BEF Nationals Title. Ricky gave nothing but kudos to Lazaro after the match. He said Laz ran the the last rack like an A player. Some pros should watch how Ricky dealt with loss during his interview after the match. This kid has more class at 14 than most. Also of note is that Ricky had to win 5 games to 3 due to age difference. Keep playing, please.
I highly recommend everyone checking the match out when CSI releases it on their You Tube channel.
For everyone criticizing Robert "Cotton" LeBlanc and Jay Helfert, listen to their commentary during that match and tell me these are not men who love the game of pool. Both are a treasure trove to the pool world. Jay Helfert also donated $100 to the winner to help with expenses. Not many people have done that.
Share the link to this match when it becomes available. I want to see this match become the most watched of all the CSI videos.
Lazaro and his brother Gabriel, as well as Ricky Evans could have a bright future in our sport. We need to come together and have more events for the Juniors.
The legend of "Little L" will never be forgotten. It has officially been burned into the minds of all who have seen and will soon see. Lazaro and his brother seemed to have big group of supporters. What a great example to the world of how great this game of pool really can be.
Thanks to everyone at CSI for putting on one of the greatest pool tournaments in the world. I'll be a lifelong supporter.
Another correction of note. The B.E.F. Junior Nationals starts today(8/4/2105). Tune in for free and watch for Ricky, Lazaro, and many more.
John H. Baker III
There was a Juniors event as well. I believe it was also a Junior National qualifier. Which as I write that BEF Junior Nationals is probably coming to conclusion.
The Final for the 14 and under was for the ages! The match pitted an incredibly talented 14yr. old Ricky Evans, who last November went to Shanghai, China to play in the WPBA World Junior Championships, vs. an 8yr. old Lazaro "Little L" Martinez from around San Antonio, TX.
Just prior to this I witnessed a match between Lazaro and his brother Gabriel Martinez III. Both are I believe 8yrs old. Watching them play took me back to first seeing Landon Shuffet play as an 8yr. old at the Derby City Classic. The brothers may have went Hill/Hill. During that match, Lazaro broke and ran a rack to impress me. I want his brother, Gabriel, to know that he is an exceptional player as well. I bet he wins his share of games versus his brother at home. As a III myself, I only wish I could have made my dad and grandpa as proud as you made yours. Keep playing Bro's.
Back to Finals, Laz was dazzling the crowd with his steely nerves. When a runout wasn't possible, I witnessed "Little L" exhibit at least two incredible safeties that got him to that Hill/Hill Finale. Both players you know love running out as they are literally very capable. But Lazaro's decision to play safe twice was mind boggling. On the final rack, Lazaro Martinez saved his best for last. When faced with a back-cut bank on the one-ball, he displayed the confidence of a champion. He made the shot and then went on to run the rack out for the title. Nerves? Not a problem, he probably doesn't even know what nerves are. The crowd,myself included went absolutely nuts. I couldn't help shouting out "Yeah Laz" and clapping as loud as I could. The crowd response was phenomenal. Sorry Toasty and Dennis.
Another shout out to the losing player. Ricky Evans will no doubt be playing in the Atlantic Cup Challenge before it's said and done. He might even be playing a rematch right now against "Lil L" for the BEF Nationals Title. Ricky gave nothing but kudos to Lazaro after the match. He said Laz ran the the last rack like an A player. Some pros should watch how Ricky dealt with loss during his interview after the match. This kid has more class at 14 than most. Also of note is that Ricky had to win 5 games to 3 due to age difference. Keep playing, please.
I highly recommend everyone checking the match out when CSI releases it on their You Tube channel.
For everyone criticizing Robert "Cotton" LeBlanc and Jay Helfert, listen to their commentary during that match and tell me these are not men who love the game of pool. Both are a treasure trove to the pool world. Jay Helfert also donated $100 to the winner to help with expenses. Not many people have done that.
Share the link to this match when it becomes available. I want to see this match become the most watched of all the CSI videos.
Lazaro and his brother Gabriel, as well as Ricky Evans could have a bright future in our sport. We need to come together and have more events for the Juniors.
The legend of "Little L" will never be forgotten. It has officially been burned into the minds of all who have seen and will soon see. Lazaro and his brother seemed to have big group of supporters. What a great example to the world of how great this game of pool really can be.
Thanks to everyone at CSI for putting on one of the greatest pool tournaments in the world. I'll be a lifelong supporter.
Another correction of note. The B.E.F. Junior Nationals starts today(8/4/2105). Tune in for free and watch for Ricky, Lazaro, and many more.
John H. Baker III
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