2024 Morris Anderson Memorial Shootout
January 27-28, 2024
North Hill Bowl | Minot, ND | 701-852-4108
POSTER
Schedule:
Thursday – Storm Matchmaker Demo from 5 to 7:30pm at North Hill Bowl
Friday – Practice on tournament pattern available all day
Saturday – 8 Game qualifying block starting at 11 am
Sunday – Match Play starting at 9 am – Finals on NDBowlTV
Storylines
Lane Pattern Analysis
The 2024 Morris Anderson Memorial Shootout will be contested on the same pattern that was used in 2023. The 42 foot pattern features over 30 mls of oil and has a ratio of 2.63-1. Players will find a look near the track early on allowing for multiple angles to the pocket. The key will be to manage the carry down across the 40-lane center. Fill frames in the middle of the block and you will find yourself in the mix to bowl on Sunday. While this pattern looks fairly difficult on paper, the talent level in the building will push the cut into plus territory once again this season. I expect the cut to be in the +15 to +45 range. (+32 in 2023) PATTERN
300 Game Pot
Much like the last few years, one of the biggest storylines will once again be the Farmers Union Insurance 300 game pot. The pot has grown by another $300 to $3600 for the first 300 game bowled in the qualifying round on Saturday. Will it finally go out this season? Couple more years and the 300 game pot will be worth more than winning the tournament.
Separating From the Field
It is no secret that the Morris Anderson Memorial Shootout produces one of the strongest tournament fields in the high plains. With over $20,000 in total prize money, the Shootout attracts bowlers from all over the US and Canada. In the past 10 years, Nick Heilman has separated himself from the talented field having made 8 of the last 10 NDBowlTV Finals, including a win in 2017.
While Nick’s resume at the Shootout is quite impressive, another bowler has entered the discussion. Defending champion Brady Stearns will return to Minot with his eyes on a record 3rd Shootout title. Stearns has made the NDBowlTV Finals in 5 of his last 6 appearances, claiming the title in both 2019 and 2023. Stearns has finished 12th or better each year since 2017. Can Stearns successfully defend his title and become the first 3-time winner at the Shootout? Look for both Heilman and Stearns to be in the mix once again on Sunday.
Bold Predictions
Based on the current roster (1/22), here are my bold predictions for the final 5 on NDBowlTV.
-Cameron Foster
-Josh Kennedy
-Russ Oviatt
-Brady Stearns
-Nick Heilman