PP 9-Ball Tournament in Hagerstown-Update

[JAM]

There were 91 players who showed up at the Planet Pool 9-Ball Tournament yesterday for the Main Event in Hagerstown, Maryland. The pool room has 18 Gold Crowns and 7 Diamond bar boxes. When we walked in the front door, the first player I see practicing on the front table is none other than Youngstown, OH's BEST: Shawn Putnam, winner of the NAOT-Pittsburgh event and the Pro Open at the Super Billiards Expo!

Quite a few heavy hitters were in attendance, to include Ryan "Genie Man" McCreesh, PP 9-Ball Season Finale Champ Brett Stottlemyer, Young Gun Josh Brothers, UPA Touring Pro Mike Davis, recent Florida Pro Tour 10-Ball Winner Pookie, Lee Holt, BCA Instructor Doug Sharp, Virginia Veteran Jimmy Mack, just to name a few. Captain JR played in his first PP 9-Ball event and was having a grand time. Landshark77 and Timberly were also sitting railside with JAM, sweating the matches.

There are 12 (I think) players returning today at 10:30 a.m. Mike Davis and Pooky got knocked out yesterday. Josh Brothers is a player to keep an eye on. He's playing topnotch pool, and I was very impressed with his caliber of play. As luck would have it, Keith McCready pulled Josh his very first round, and I was biting my nails, 1 to 1, 2 to 2, 3 to 3, 4 to 4. Because Josh put the pressure on Keith, he managed to dig in and beat him, a little revenge over last week's Hampton Ridge Tour second-chance tournament when Josh beat Keith TWICE. However, don't count this young gun out yet. He defeated Mike Davis yesterday and is looking to win this event. He was accompanied by Pam Treadway, the young lady who won the Ladies Open at the Super Billiards Expo this year. What a dynamic duo!

Next round, Keith pulls Carl Jones. What a blast from the past seeing "Punky" from Hagerstown (a/k/a Carl Jones). He used to be a very prominent figure in the pool scene all over Maryland several decades ago, and although he recently had knee surgery, he stepped up to the plate and put on a first-class exhibition. Keith won the set, but Punky won my heart, seeing him in pain and still give it his best effort.

Third round, Shawn Putnam and Keith battled it out, with Shawn coming out the winner, 9 to 7. The fans and spectators enjoyed seeing Shawn Putnam, and he was signing autographs, having his picture taken, throughout the day. Shawn said he has been reading AzBilliards recently and intends to start posting!

I saw a sign along one of the aisleways which had the signatures from some lady players who competed in Hagerstown at the 2001 Northeast Women's Tour. Smack in the middle, I had to smile when I saw Carol Clark's signature, a/k/a "CarolNYC." Carol sure does get around! Speaking of lady pros, tomorrow the ladies event begins at 11:00. This will be a WPBA qualifier, and I was told that quite a few folks have been calling about attending this one. Should be some great matches on the horizon for today.

That's just a snippet of yesterday's activities. Check out CarolNYC's signature right in the middle, a little above the dollar sign. Kind of a small world when it comes to pool!

JAM

 

[JAM]

Here's a picture of Shawn Putnam and CaptainJR!

JAM

 

[JAM]

Carl Jones a/k/a Punky posting with Keith! Two roadsters from yesteryear, still giving it their all!

JAM

 

[JAM]

Here's the dynamic duo: Young Gun Josh Brothers and 17-year-old Pam Treadway. These are most definitely two up-and-coming players! Pam will be competing in the WPBA qualifier today, which begins at 11:00 a.m.

JAM

 

[landshark77]

Match ups

Hey JAM,

Did that ring game take place? If so what was the outcome? Also any notable match ups? I am really interested to see if Punky got action. Also who is coming back this morning? I was beat last night, thus we didn't come back. I guess I will have all of my answers here in a few hours, but why wait that long when you can get instant AZ updates?? Thanx! Hope to see you this morning.

 

[drivermaker]

Here's a picture of Shawn Putnam and CaptainJR!

JAM

Geezus....that cap really IS sewn to his head.

 

[willz21]

There were 91 players who showed up at the Planet Pool 9-Ball Tournament yesterday for the Main Event in Hagerstown, Maryland. The pool room has 18 Gold Crowns and 7 Diamond bar boxes. When we walked in the front door, the first player I see practicing on the front table is none other than Youngstown, OH's BEST: Shawn Putnam, winner of the NAOT-Pittsburgh event and the Pro Open at the Super Billiards Expo!

Quite a few heavy hitters were in attendance, to include Ryan "Genie Man" McCreesh, PP 9-Ball Season Finale Champ Brett Stottlemyer, Young Gun Josh Brothers, UPA Touring Pro Mike Davis, recent Florida Pro Tour 10-Ball Winner Pookie, Lee Holt, BCA Instructor Doug Sharp, Virginia Veteran Jimmy Mack, just to name a few. Captain JR played in his first PP 9-Ball event and was having a grand time. Landshark77 and Timberly were also sitting railside with JAM, sweating the matches.

There are 12 (I think) players returning today at 10:30 a.m. Mike Davis and Pooky got knocked out yesterday. Josh Brothers is a player to keep an eye on. He's playing topnotch pool, and I was very impressed with his caliber of play. As luck would have it, Keith McCready pulled Josh his very first round, and I was biting my nails, 1 to 1, 2 to 2, 3 to 3, 4 to 4. Because Josh put the pressure on Keith, he managed to dig in and beat him, a little revenge over last week's Hampton Ridge Tour second-chance tournament when Josh beat Keith TWICE. However, don't count this young gun out yet. He defeated Mike Davis yesterday and is looking to win this event. He was accompanied by Pam Treadway, the young lady who won the Ladies Open at the Super Billiards Expo this year. What a dynamic duo!

Next round, Keith pulls Carl Jones. What a blast from the past seeing "Punky" from Hagerstown (a/k/a Carl Jones). He used to be a very prominent figure in the pool scene all over Maryland several decades ago, and although he recently had knee surgery, he stepped up to the plate and put on a first-class exhibition. Keith won the set, but Punky won my heart, seeing him in pain and still give it his best effort.

Third round, Shawn Putnam and Keith battled it out, with Shawn coming out the winner, 9 to 7. The fans and spectators enjoyed seeing Shawn Putnam, and he was signing autographs, having his picture taken, throughout the day. Shawn said he has been reading AzBilliards recently and intends to start posting!

I saw a sign along one of the aisleways which had the signatures from some lady players who competed in Hagerstown at the 2001 Northeast Women's Tour. Smack in the middle, I had to smile when I saw Carol Clark's signature, a/k/a "CarolNYC." Carol sure does get around! Speaking of lady pros, tomorrow the ladies event begins at 11:00. This will be a WPBA qualifier, and I was told that quite a few folks have been calling about attending this one. Should be some great matches on the horizon for today.

That's just a snippet of yesterday's activities. Check out CarolNYC's signature right in the middle, a little above the dollar sign. Kind of a small world when it comes to pool!

JAM

Hi,

I saw Pookie play he has talent for ten ball. I hope he becomes a tour regular here in Florida and not just a one time shooter.

will21

 

[JAM]

In the 2-day main event (open to men and women), Shawn Putnam defeated Ryan McCreesh in an extended race to 11 in the finals. Shawn won $1,300 and some change for first place, and Ryan settled for a nice second-place purse of $900. Kevin West of Delaware played well this weekend and came in third, taking home $600.

With 29 lady players in total for the WPBA qualifier which occured on Sunday, Pam Treadway pocketed $430 cash and a paid $500 entry fee for the WPBA Cuetech tournament in Florida occurring in June (I think). Sueyen Rhee was runner-up.

JAM

 

[landshark77]

Pam Treadway pocketed $430 cash and a paid $500 entry fee for the WPBA Cuetech tournament in Florida occurring in June (I think).

Congrats Pam! Does anyone know if this will be Pam's first WPBA event?

 

[JAM]

Congrats Pam! Does anyone know if this will be Pam's first WPBA event?

I'm not sure, Landshark77, if this will be her first WPBA event.

BTW, a big round of applause and thanks go out to Landshark77 and her husband for sponsoring this WPBA qualifier that was won by Pam Treadway last night.

They donated a BEAUTIFUL Barnhart custom-made cue stick which was won by a very happy Bill Elliott, a regular on the Planet Pool 9-Ball Tour. The proceeds of a raffle for this cue this past weekend is what is going to pay for the $500 entry fee into the WPBA tournament that Pam Treadway will compete in this coming June.

Thanks, Landshark77! With folks like you all supporting the players in this way, it's a win-win situation for all, to include the PP 9-Ball Tour!

JAM

 

[CaptainJR]

BTW, a big round of applause and thanks go out to Landshark77 and her husband for sponsoring this WPBA qualifier that was won by Pam Treadway last night.

They donated a BEAUTIFUL Barnhart custom-made cue stick which was won by a very happy Bill Elliott, a regular on the Planet Pool 9-Ball Tour. The proceeds of a raffle for this cue this past weekend is what is going to pay for the $500 entry fee into the WPBA tournament that Pam Treadway will compete in this coming June.

Thanks, Landshark77! With folks like you all supporting the players in this way, it's a win-win situation for all, to include the PP 9-Ball Tour!

JAM

Tap Tap Tap

 

[Skess]

Hey there!

It was great getting to meet a couple more AZBer's (Landshark77, CaptJR) and see so many good players in action.

My tourny ended with a 7-4 loss to Josh Brothers in the last match Sat. night. That was good enough for 25th. So far my best showing in the few events I've played in. Ironically, my last match was probably the best I played all day. Josh just had too much game. Maybe next time.

I wanted to ask about the raffle cue. What kind of wood was it made of? The cue was really sharp and I would've been proud to own it.

Another good job by Nick, CeCe and Andy. They run good tournaments and handle things very professionally.

I'm looking forward to the next one.

Scott

 

[beetle]

Hey there!

It was great getting to meet a couple more AZBer's (Landshark77, CaptJR) and see so many good players in action.

My tourny ended with a 7-4 loss to Josh Brothers in the last match Sat. night. That was good enough for 25th. So far my best showing in the few events I've played in. Ironically, my last match was probably the best I played all day. Josh just had too much game. Maybe next time.

Another good job by Nick, CeCe and Andy. They run good tournaments and handle things very professionally.

I'm looking forward to the next one.

Scott

I also had my best showing so far, just getting into the money! I think I played every damned match right in front of the rail! I guess I'm weathered now to playing in front of a crowd! It takes a lot of focus to put the crowd out of your mind after a bad shot, but it sure is nice to have witnesses to some good shots! Captain JR, I didn't mention it, but I'm the one who played you Sat. night going hill-hill! It went my way that time, but one shot and the game would have been yours! Anyway, you're a gentleman and hope to see you at other PP events.

JAM, I'm sorry I didn't introduce myself, there was some tension in the air, and never felt like it was a good time to say "hi".

See you all again soon!

 

[JAM]

About that Barnhart cue, after Billy Elliott won the raffle, he ran up to the front of the pool room and excitedly held up his prize very proudly. He is a regular on the PP 9-Ball Tour, and he buys tickets at every raffle. It was kind of nice to see him win it.

A few players were checking out the cue in the back of the room, and every single one of them were quite impressed with the way it hit. Keith was really digging the forward balance. He has this thing about forward balance and "feels," and if it a stick doesn't have these qualities, he doesn't waste any time in stating his opinion. The Barnhart cue, according to a couple of the players, is right on the money when it comes to a solid "hit," and before Bill Elliott left, there were a couple of people wanting to buy his newly prized possesssion!

There were MANY spectators and fans who were mesmerized by Pam Treadway's demeanor at the table. One BCA instructor and I were sitting railside during the finals, and this was the first time he had seen Pam play. He kept saying over and over again, "This girl is a champion. She's on fire, and she's only 17 years of age."

The other lady in the finals, Sueyen Rhee, is a strong player in her own right, but she didn't get too many opportunities to strut her stuff at the table in the finals yesterday in Hagerstown. Treadway was dominating. Many observers have stated that this young lady has the concentration of a seasoned pro. Keith told me on our way home last night that he believes Pam Treadway right now is a stronger player than Jean Balukas was at the age of 17.

Interesting little tidbit. Pam and Sueyen had played earlier in the tournament, and Pam knocked Sueyen to the B side in a race to 7. The two of them are very deliberate and mechanical players, and NEVER shoot a shot before they have it fully analyzed and within their sights. However, it did seem like the matches were longer in duration because of the slowness of both players earlier in the day. It wan't like a Danny Basavich slowness, but it was slow all the same.

In the finals, the Planet Pool 9-Ball Tour staff decided, mainly because the pool room closed at midnight and it was 10:30 p.m., that in the extended race to 9 for the finals between Sueyen Rhee and Pam Treadway, there would be a 45-second shot clock rule enforced. I think both players may have been somewhat nervous because of it ticking away, not being accustomed to one, but Pam's dominating play didn't give Sueyen many opportunities at the table. I really felt for Sueyen, knowing what a bummer it is to be benched while an opponent is running out and not providing any window of opportunity to score.

I know that we are all going to be reading about Pam Treadway's accomplishments in times up ahead, and I might add, in a very big way. She's dedicated and has one goal in mind that is paramount to her being: to be the BEST that she can possibly be. A clean-cut kid with no bad habits, she's one to watch on the horizon (IMO). Watch out, WPBA, there's a NEW kid on the block!

JAM

 

[PrinsNick]

There were MANY spectators and fans who were mesmerized by Pam Treadway's demeanor at the table. One BCA instructor and I were sitting railside during the finals, and this was the first time he had seen Pam play. He kept saying over and over again, "This girl is a champion. She's on fire, and she's only 17 years of age."

...Keith told me on our way home last night that he believes Pam Treadway right now is a stronger player than Jean Balukas was at the age of 17.

Pam Treadway, IMO, is America's future answer to the British Invasion. Besides having one hell of a game, she has the most amazing composure and focus I have seen in ANYONE in a long time. She got upset last night and banged her cue on the floor when she missed a "rushed" 9-ball, but unlike most of us, it didn't seem to faze her in the least in the games that followed. If all this sudden attention and immediate success do not go to her head (like it does with a lot of up-and-coming young players), she is going to make huge waves on the Women's pro circuit--very soon.

BTW Landshark, this will be Pam's first WPBA appearance. In fact, if I have it right, this past weekend's Planet Pool event is only Pam's third big tournament that she has played in. If that is correct, it makes her three for three--she won her first event (PP event) in Salisbury in March, then the Women's bar table event at Valley Forge, and last night's qualifier in Hagerstown. And that at 17. This is the stuff that legends are made of.

 

[Timberly]

I had a great time!

Nick, Cece, Daniel, Andy, & Celeste, thank you so much for a great weekend! We had a ton of laughs and I'm certainly looking forward to doing it all over again! This was my first PP tourney and I've got to say that you guys run a jam up tournament. Not only are you guys very professional when it comes to running the tournament but you also know how to have fun while doing so. It was a pleasure getting to know all of you. Jennie, Keith, "CJ", LS, Wendy, Eddie, captain, Ryan, Pooky, Pam, & Josh it was a pleasure meeting all of you too. It's no secret that when Keith is in da house there's gonna be plenty of laughs but I gotta tell ya, Pooky, and Ryan McCreesh are quite the "entertainers" also! If I said it once, I said it 100 times this wkend... I'm horrible with names so if I got one wrong or have failed to mention someone that I met this wkend, please forgive me! For those of you on here that were there but I didn't get to meet, please feel free to come introduce yourself the next time we're at the same place. I always enjoy meeting new people and making new friends...one can never have too many friends!

This was my first time meeting Pam and all I can say is WOW. Her maturity and level of play at the mere age of 17 is astounding! You can bet Mr. West' chicken farm ( ) on the fact that she will go far in the pool world if she desires to do so.

Thanks again to all for a great wkend!

 

[PrinsNick]

Another good job by Nick, CeCe and Andy. They run good tournaments and handle things very professionally.

Thanks, Scott! Thanks also to you and everyone else who played, watched, and supported. And a special thanks to Cory Barnhart for the cue.

 

[landshark77]

BTW Landshark, this will be Pam's first WPBA appearance. In fact, if I have it right, this past weekend's Planet Pool event is only Pam's third big tournament that she has played in. If that is correct, it makes her three for three--she won her first event (PP event) in Salisbury in March, then the Women's bar table event at Valley Forge, and last night's qualifier in Hagerstown. And that at 17. This is the stuff that legends are made of.

If that is the case Nick, I sure hope Pam had her WPBA Amateur membership...if not I don't believe she can play and the spot goes to the next eligible player. I don't know if that is Sueyen or not...is she a touring pro?

Amateur Members
Amateurs can join the WPBA directly (by paying $35 to the WPBA) or be granted membership through their current affiliation with a WPBA-sanctioned Regional Tour (by paying the Regional Tour's membership fee). By joining the WPBA directly, you are entitled to receive the WPBA monthly newsletter; however, you are not entitled to play in a WPBA-sanctioned Regional Tour or in WPBA pro tournaments. To be eligible to play in a Regional Tour, you must join that Regional Tour directly. The WPBA currently sanctions eight (8) Regional Tours located in several areas of the country. Regional Tours are eligible to hold local qualifying tournaments for WPBA pro tournaments, or to send their top players in their own season's qualifying format to WPBA pro tournaments. Amateur players may also earn Semi-Pro status by playing in Regional Tour events or winning WPBA qualifiers.

 

[PrinsNick]

If that is the case Nick, I sure hope Pam had her WPBA Amateur membership...if not I don't believe she can play and the spot goes to the next eligible player. I don't know if that is Sueyen or not...is she a touring pro?

How do you figure? The only way she can NOT earn the spot, is if she is already a WPBA member (touring pro status).

By joining the WPBA directly, you are entitled to receive the WPBA monthly newsletter; however, you are not entitled to play in a WPBA-sanctioned Regional Tour or in WPBA pro tournaments. To be eligible to play in a Regional Tour, you must join that Regional Tour directly.

We are a WPBA-sanctioned regional tour. We have already sent two qualifiers to WPBA pro events in the past. Amanda Pasko made it last year, and I don't believe she was an amateur member of the WPBA.

I knew I should have brought you some of that Austrian Rum this weekend!

 

[landshark77]

How do you figure? The only way she can NOT play, is if she is already a WPBA member (touring pro status, I think).



We are a WPBA-sanctioned regional tour. We have already sent two qualifiers to WPBA pro events in the past. Amanda Pasko made it last year, and I don't believe she was an amateur member of the WPBA.

I knew I should have brought you some of that Austrian Rum this weekend!

I guess this is what I was trying to ask you on Saturday...this is how it was explained to me, by a TD of another regional tour that I played in. I must buy their tour card to become a tour member....which Pam did to play in your events. BUT...if I won the Q'er, in order to get the spot...I also needed to be an amateur member of the WPBA. I could not get the spot unless I was...I could win the tourney (yeah right...LMAO!) but I needed that WPBA membership to be eligible for the q spot. They even sell the WPBA memberships at the WPBA regional tours. So either Pam needs to have that membership OR I was ripped off some chump change. I hope, if Pam doesn't have that membership, that it is the latter.

Like I said this was the way it was explained to me and a few of the girls that I spoke with on Sunday said the same thing.