Special to the Sun
Las Vegas High senior Jamal Richards, right, is pictured with coach Steve Gaspar after bowling a perfect game in the Sunrise Regional quarterfinals at the Orleans.
Wednesday, Jan. 28, 2015 | 7:11 p.m.
Jamal Richards has been a recreational bowler since he was a toddler, when his grandparents would take him to lanes near their home in Northern California.
Richards, a senior on the Las Vegas High bowling team, made sure his grandfather was one of the first people he called today after accomplishing bowling’s greatest feat.
Richards bowled a perfect 300 game today for the Wildcats in their Sunrise Regional quarterfinal victory against Eldorado at the Orleans. His previous best score was 258.
All of the Las Vegas High bowlers are registered with the United States Bowling Congress, which awards rings for members bowling a perfect game. Richards’ grandfather, James Ransom, also has a perfect-game ring and told his grandson they could wear their jewelry together.
“It’s incredible. It’s something most people haven’t done, especially most amateur or teen bowlers,” Richards said. “So, it’s a huge accomplishment.”
Las Vegas coach Steve Gaspar said there are usually a few perfect games each season in the local high school league. Richards’ is believed to be the first this season.
He joined the bowling team this season from the basketball program because he was a better bowler. That was obvious today.
He didn’t become nervous until the third shot of the 10th frame. Despite some minor shaking, he drilled the final strike for the perfect game. Immediately, he was congratulated by teammates and school officials.
They started flocking toward his lane with each strike, but didn’t mention the perfect game. It’s similar to a baseball pitcher going for a no hitter — nobody wanted to jinx it.
“If a kid is going for a 300, you don’t say anything about it,” Gaspar said. “Everyone goes about their normal routine.”
Richards finished with a 651 series, and Las Vegas advanced to Thursday’s semifinals.
“Everyone was happy. They were screaming and giving me high-fives,” he said.
Ray Brewer can be reached at 702-990-2662 or [email protected]. Follow Ray on Twitter at twitter.com/raybrewer21
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