Junior American Series - History was made on Sunday, Feb 4th, as we crowned the inaugural Predator Junior American Series (JAS) champions and the Virginia BEF State champion! Landon Hollingsworth is the first junior to achieve this feat! 

In the 18u Boys, Landon Hollingsworth claimed the top spot, Jas Makhani secured the runner-up position, and Hayden Ernst showed his grit by grabbing third place.

In the 20u category, Payne Mcbride continued his winning streak since being crowned the international champion. Landon Hollingsworth impressed as the runner-up, and Konnor McFayden secured a solid third place.

The 14u Boys featured an intense battle, with Hayden Ernst clinching first place, tested by Colston Harrelson and the ever-dangerous Tanner McKinney.

Franki Spain emerged triumphant as the 14u Girls champion, securing her first JAS victory. Kelli Banks took the runner-up position, and Tanvee Vallem claimed a well-deserved third place.

Ethan Do, Gavin Ray Mathew and Kiley Mullenix all won Junior State Champion titles over the weekend of January 26th – 27th at Lucky’s Pool Room in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.

Ethan Do defeated Jake Ross in the finals of the 18 & Under Division. Gavin Ray Mathew beat Landon Wiser in the finals of the 16 & Under Division, and Kiley Mullenix beat Leigha Noble in the finals of the 18 & Under Girls Division.

All six division finalists have earned free entry to the Billiard Education Foundation Junior National Championship, to be held July 8th – 13th in Quincy, Illinois.

Three state champions will be crowned in Massachusetts later this month when the Massachusetts State Junior Championships are held on February 17th at Straight Shooters in Fall River, Massachusetts.

About Billiard Education Foundation
The Billiard Education Foundation (BEF) was formed in 1993 as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit charity committed to promoting a love of pool and building the next generation of players through youth programs and academic scholarships. The BEF is managed by the Billiard Congress of America. For more information about the BEF or to learn how you can support the foundation please visit BilliardEducation.org.

The 2024 Connecticut State Junior Championships was a great success despite a treacherous snowstorm and winter advisories. We had junior players from New York, Connecticut, Massachusetts, and Maryland. A big shout out to our host Yale Billiards and to all of the families and players who traveled under difficult circumstances to compete in this event. This was the first of 5 New England State Championships hosted by the New England Junior American Championship Series (JACS), all leading to the BEF American Junior Championships scheduled for July in Quincy Illinois.

Congratulations to Aidan Wagner for winning the 2024 Connecticut State junior pool championship, Boys 18u division. In addition to his State Champion Title, Aiden has won a paid entry into the prestigious American National BEF Championships to be held in Quincy Illinois this coming July. Aiden is part of our New England training program. Congratulations also to Evan Demalo for his strong second place finish. Both boys played exceptionally well.

Congratulations to Darragh O’Connor for winning the 2024 Connecticut State junior pool championship, Girls 18u division. In addition to her State Champion Title, Darragh has won a paid entry into the prestigious American National BEF Championships to be held in Quincy Illinois this coming July. Darragh is part of our New England training program and plays at the Red Dragon in Harvard Ma. Congratulations also to Tanvee Vallemem for her strong second place finish. Tanvee is part of our New England Training program and the Break and Run online training program.

Congratulations to Rylie Gavrish for winning the 2024 Connecticut State junior pool championship, 12u division mixed boys and girls. In addition to her State Champion Title, Rylie has qualified to compete in the prestigious American National BEF Championships to be held in Quincy Illinois this coming July. Rylie was in her home room of Yale Billiards when she won this event. Her dad, David Gavrish, was on the edge of his seat the entire time. There was lots of excitement at Yale billiards. Congratulations also to Jacob Guevara for his strong second place finish.