BEF Southwest Junior Tour — Stop #2 Recap

Corner Pocket | Bakersfield, California

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What an incredible day of billiards! Our players brought skill, heart, and outstanding sportsmanship from start to finish. A huge thank you to Corner Pocket for being such a welcoming, family-friendly venue — you made this event special! And to all the friends and family who came out to cheer — your energy was felt all day!

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Boys 18 & Under — 10-Ball Junior State Championship

1st: Kaito Okumura — San Diego

2nd: Andrew Wu — Irvine

3rd: Ezra Seymour — Raymond, CA

Kaito successfully defended his 2025 title with a remarkable run back from the one-loss side. Andrew had earlier sent Kaito to the loss side, making their final showdown an exciting rematch — and this time Kaito came out on top!

Kaito is recognized as the 2026 California State Junior Champion and earns entry to the 2026 BEF National Championships in Iowa!

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Girls 18 & Under — 10-Ball Junior State Championship

1st: Faith Overturf — Modesto

2nd: Brysenia Buelna — Oracle, AZ

3rd: Allison Ramirez — Fresno

Faith put forth a dominant, undefeated performance all day. Brysenia pushed her hard in a thrilling finals match — great billiards all around!

Faith is recognized as the 2026 California State Junior Champion and earns entry to the 2026 BEF National Championships in Iowa!

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Mixed 12 & Under — 9-Ball (Non-Qualifying Event)

1st: Donovan Seymour — Raymond, CA

2nd: Brysenia Buelna — Oracle, AZ

3rd: Allison Ramirez — Fresno

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BALABUSHKA CUE PRIZE GIVEAWAY — MSRP $1,750!

Congratulations to all of today's top finishers — each of them has now qualified for this incredible prize giveaway! To celebrate effort, improvement, and sportsmanship, the Balabushka Cue Company will award a gorgeous Balabushka Cue (MSRP $1,750) at the conclusion of the tour. Players will be evaluated based on established tour performance criteria, and the top-performing eligible participants will qualify for a random prize giveaway from which one (1) participant will be selected. This giveaway is intended as recognition of achievement and participation. No purchase or payment is required to be eligible. The drawing takes place at our final stop in Mesa, AZ on May 23rd — winner need not be present. All tour rules, eligibility requirements, and performance determinations are final.

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Coming Up on the Southwest Junior Tour:

Stop #3 — Walter's Billiards | Nevada | April 25th

Stop #4 (Final) — Dozer's Grill | Mesa, AZ | May 23rd

Don't miss the action — we'll see you at the tables!

2026 JCAS Massachusetts State Junior Championships

Red Dragon Billiards Club | Massachusetts

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What a terrific weekend of junior billiards! We had players travel from Massachusetts, California, Connecticut, Rhode Island, and Vermont for an outstanding day of competition. The talent and sportsmanship on display made this a truly memorable event!

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★ Boys 18 & Under — Massachusetts State Championship ★

1st: Siyu Chen

2nd: Sebastian Chumpitaz — Connecticut

Siyu Chen claimed the Boys 18 & Under Massachusetts State Championship title with a strong performance throughout the day. Sebastian Chumpitaz made the trip from Connecticut and put on a very strong showing to take second place.

★ Siyu is recognized as the 2026 Massachusetts State Junior Champion and earns entry to the 2026 BEF American Junior National Championships in Dubuque, Iowa!

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★ Girls 18 & Under — Massachusetts State Championship ★

1st: Kimberly Chen

2nd: Mia Mui

Kimberly Chen captured the Girls 18 & Under Massachusetts State Championship in a nail-biting hill/hill finals match against Mia Mui — an exciting finish that had everyone on the edge of their seats!

★ Kimberly is recognized as the 2026 Massachusetts State Junior Champion and earns entry to the 2026 BEF American Junior National Championships in Dubuque, Iowa!

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★ 10 & Under Division ★

1st: Hugo Drane

2nd: Miles Riordon

The 10 & Under division was a blast to watch! Hugo Drane took first place honors and Miles Riordon finished a strong second. Great things ahead for these young players!

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What's at Stake

State Champions earn entry into the BEF American Junior National Championships to be held in Dubuque, Iowa in July. Winners from the National Championships will be chosen to represent the United States at the WPA Junior World Championships — where the best junior players from more than 30 countries compete for World titles!

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Coming Up on the JCAS Junior Tour:

► Stop #2 — Rhode Island State Junior Championships | March 21st

Don't miss the action — we'll see you at the tables!

New Mexico Open Junior State Championships & Stop #1 of the BEF Southwest Billiard Tour

By Tom Riccobene, Tournament Director

Slate Street Billiards welcomed junior players from New Mexico, Arizona, and Texas for a day of spirited competition and sportsmanship. A strong turnout of parents and supporters filled the room, creating an atmosphere that was competitive, relaxed, and encouraging — hallmarks of junior cue sports.

18 & Under Boys National Qualifier

Robert Orta of Odessa, Texas delivered a dominant, undefeated performance to win the championship. Noah McGovern of Prescott, Arizona finished second, followed by Brendan Cole of Odessa, Texas in third.

Orta is crowned the 2026 New Mexico State 18 & Under Boys Junior 10-Ball Champion and earns free entry into the 2026 BEF National Championships in Iowa.

18 & Under Girls National Qualifier

MaryJane Zuber of Albuquerque captured the title with a strong final match over her older sister, Lillian Zuber — the 2025 New Mexico Champion and BEF National finalist — who finished second. Layla Tafoya of Albuquerque earned third place.

MaryJane Zuber is crowned the 2026 New Mexico State 18 & Under Girls Junior 10-Ball Champion and also earns entry into the 2026 BEF National Championships.

12 & Under Mixed Division

In the 12 & Under Mixed division, MaryJane Zuber secured her second title of the day, defeating Brendan Cole for first place. Layla Tafoya finished third. Zuber showed remarkable composure, winning two consecutive matches with Cole on the hill to claim the title.

A Promising Future

The youngest competitors — led by Zuber (two titles), Cole (second and third), and Tafoya (two third-place finishes) — displayed impressive focus, sportsmanship, and love for the game. Their dedication and camaraderie reflect the bright future of cue sports in the Southwest.