Sport
16 October, 2024
Keegan crowned Mount Isa's junior eight-ball champion
The teenager had to fend off a late comeback from his opponent in the final.
Keegan Smith has taken out the Mount Isa Eight Ball Association junior championship for the second year in a row.
Despite a late comeback from his opponent Bronson Langtree, the 14-year-old won the five round grand final contest 3-2 to become the 2024 champ.
The junior championship saw six players under 15 compete in the multi round face off at O-Pin Bowling in Pioneer on Sunday.
Mount Isa Eight Ball Association registrar Amber Fourmile said it was only the second year that a junior tournament had been held, as the association continued to focus on growing its number of young players.
She said the majority of the young players were the children of adult competitors in the local competitions.
“The younger players are the future of our association, so we want to encourage them as much as possible,” Mrs Fourmile told North West Weekly.
“Many of the kids have grown up around pool, so it’s just been a matter of getting them to jump in and have a go.”
Mrs Fourmile, whose daughter Amanda was among the junior players who competed on Sunday, said there had been a steady improvement among the youngsters in the past 12 months.
She said one of the juniors, Bronson Langtree, played alongside the adult team Shut Up and Shoot in the A-grade final last month.
“Everyone learns at different paces and in different ways, so it’s important in just keeping their interest levels up with regular encouragement,” Mrs Fourmile said.
“But we have noticed the games are taking a little longer because the juniors are starting to slow down and think about their next shot – which is showing a lot of improvement in their game.
“The junior competition is a chance for them to battle against each other without having to play against any of the adults.”
Mrs Fourmile said the association would hand out awards to the winner and runner-up at its annual trophy night in December.