Luciano's Bocce Lounge Report CCCoB41 Preview Edition

Luciano’s Bocce Lounge Report

41st Cleveland Challenge Cup Of Bocce Preview Edition

Welcome back, bocce fans!
Another exciting year of bocce is in the books, and it’s almost time to write the next chapter at the Cleveland Challenge Cup of Bocce. Over the past year, we’ve seen champions crowned, thrilling underdog runs, major upsets, and new players and teams rapidly rising through the ranks of the bocce circuit.

Now, all eyes turn to Wickliffe as the bracket is set for one of the most anticipated weekends in the sport. A total of 104 teams will compete in the Double Elimination Open Division (4v4 format). Opening matches begin Friday, August 22nd at 4:00 PM, with full brackets available on the Sports Engine Tourney Machine app.

Let’s break down the four regions and dive into the storylines of predicting favorites, spotlighting breakout contenders, and highlighting the sleepers poised to shake up the bracket. Everyone will be battling to reach Sunday’s Sweet 16 with a chance to make bocce history.

Disclaimer: Throughout this preview, I’ll be highlighting the teams I believe are primed to make the biggest impact. Not every team will be mentioned, but that’s not to diminish anyone’s talent or dedication to the bocce community. The purpose here is to fuel excitement, celebrate the sport, and spark passion as we head into tournament weekend. Finally game times are an estimated time. Games could be played up to 1 hour earlier than originally scheduled.

Note: Stats, odds, and analytics featured in this article are based on CCCoB tournament results from the 2018–2024 Cleveland Challenge Cup of Bocce (via Tourney Machine) and the 2024 & 2025 Memorial Bocce Tournaments (via Scoreholio).

Thank you and now… LET’S BEGIN!!!

Glossary
CCCoB - Cleveland Challenge Cup of Bocce (Wickliffe Italian-American Club)
CMCOBT - Club Molisani Charities Open Bocce Tournament (Club Molisani Charities)
WIAC - Wickliffe Italian-American Club
WSoB - World Series of Bocce (Toccolana Club)
Sunday Sweet 16- CCCoB41 is taking back 16 teams into Championship Sunday (4 teams undefeated, 12 teams with 1-loss)
*Photo Credits: Paul DiCicco (WIAC member).

Jump To A Region Bracket
Region I | Region II | Region III | Region IV
Full tournament Bracket & Rosters are available
only on Tourney Machine

Region I

The Favorites🏆
North Country Graphics (Rome, NY)  
Roster: Eddie Emmanuele | Tino Emmanuele | Paul Louis III | Nick Scerra
Opening Match: Alfredo’s Italian Market #1 @4:00pm
2024 Result: 9-2 | T-4th of 104
Summary: The 2022 champions looked poised for a second title run in three years, but their bid was stopped cold in one of the most unforgettable finishes in recent CCCoB history. With the score tied 13-13, Anthony Capogreco of BSB delivered an all-time clutch roll, threading his ball just around Eddie Emmanuele’s perfectly placed ball (sitting only an inch from the pallino) and stopped in front of the pallino, touching it for the win. The dramatic 14-13 defeat ended North Country Graphics’ run, but the message was clear: they remain one of the most dangerous teams in the field. As CCCoB41 approaches, they’ll be back with their sights set on climbing the history books and securing a second championship.

Though it's been a year since they’ve stepped onto the Wickliffe courts, this battle-tested squad knows what it takes. Once they settle in and find their rhythm, NCG becomes a nightmare matchup for anyone in the bracket. Experience, chemistry, and proven success, they’re a real threat to climb the CCCoB history books. Their path won’t be easy, a tricky opener followed by a potential 2nd-round clash with IMBS, who are itching for revenge after NCG knocked them out 14–7 in last year’s Sunday Sweet 16. For fans, that’s a Sunday-level matchup right out of the gate. Expect NCG to bring the fire early because they’re here not just to compete, but to continue building their legacy.

Stat To Know: In 2024, NCG finished 4th overall but was T-1st for most wins (9) and lead the entire tournament in point differential (+59). Since 2021, NCG has won six or more games in every CCCoB appearance and have finished top 4 in point differential each time: ‘21-4th, ‘22-2nd, ‘23-3rd, ‘24-1st. This level of consistency puts them firmly among the elite.

Fioritto Funeral Service (Lyndhurst, OH)
Roster: Mike Lapcevich | Russ Meraglio | Bob Mittal | Fred Sablack
Opening Match: Winner of Z’Lawncare vs. Kardiac Kids @4:00pm
2024 Result: 4-2 | T-5th of 104
Summary: Fioritto Funeral Service quietly put together one of the strongest performances of CCCoB40, going undefeated at 4-0 heading into Sunday before finishing T-5th. Their dominant run through their regional bracket showed how dangerous this veteran lineup can be when they’re in rhythm.

The roster is loaded with championship pedigree. Lapcevich, Mittal, and Sablack were all core members of the legendary J.J. Litehouse dynasty, a team with multiple CCCoB titles and deep Sunday runs. Their last finals appearance came in 2011, but this group knows what it takes to navigate the toughest brackets. Add in Russ Meraglio, one of the best pointers in the game and a CCCoB finalist in 2022, and Fioritto Funeral Service has the balance to beat anyone.

Stat To Know: Fioritto Funeral Service finished 5th overall in 2024, averaging 12.83 points per game (14th in scoring) while allowing just 9.67 points per game (T-16th in defense) for a +19 point differential. That balanced attack carried them to an undefeated run through Region 1 and into Sunday’s play. This year, they’ll look to replicate that formula and capture the Region 1 crown once again.

IMBS (Koppel, PA)
Roster: Nick Capogreco | Sean New | Jimmy Pisano | Mike Pisano
Opening Match: Winner of Alfredo’s Italian Market vs. North Country Graphics
2024 Result: 4-2 | 13th of 104
Summary: Last year’s squad (Deep Water Consulting) made it back to the Sunday Sweet 16, but their quest to return to the big stage ended in a T-13th overall finish. They came out firing with a 3–0 start, only to get tripped up by Matrice Club #1 with a 14-6 loss. A rebound win secured their Sunday ticket, but North Country Graphics slammed the door on the opportunity at another Finals run defeating IMBS 14-7.

Fast-forward to 2025, and IMBS rolls into Wickliffe with a roster that should have everyone attention. Veterans Sean New & Jimmy Pisano bring the veteran experience that can win in any situation. Add in Nick Capogreco an all-around threat who can both point and shoot at a high level along with the firepower of big-hitting cousin Mike Pisano, and suddenly you’ve got a team built for a deep run. IMBS is fresh off a 3rd place finish at the Rome, NY World Series of Bocce tournament in July, so they’re coming in with confidence, though an early potential Sunday rematch with North Country Graphics could make or break their path. Either way, IMBS has the tools to be in the championship conversation.

Stat To Know: Despite racking up four wins in 2024, IMBS (then Deep Water Consulting) finished 11th in scoring but 33rd in defense, with a +6 point differential. If they can limit big frames and keep games tighter, they’ll have more opportunities to control the pace, dictate momentum, and turn close matches into wins.

Dark Horses🐎
Matrice Club #1 (Kirtland Hills, OH)
Roster: Chris Brassell | Mario DiLillo | Alex Fatica | Lou Fatica
Opening Match: Winner of Tri State Bocce Club vs. Outdoor Property Maintenance
2024 Result: 3-2 | T-9th of 104
Summary: Matrice Club #1 is back and looking like a squad nobody wants to run into late in the bracket. Last year they made noise as a sleeper team, finishing Top 12 with a 3–2 record and nearly knocking off eventual finalist BSB in a 14–13 nail-biter. This time around, there’s no underdog storyline attached, these guys expect to win. Chris Brassell will provide the consistent hitting, Mario DiLillo grinding as their first pointer, and the Fatica father-son duo of Lou and Alex bringing heavy firepower, this group has the balance and toughness to go toe-to-toe with anyone in the field.

Their opener against Tri State Bocce Club or Outdoor Property Maintenance should be a strong test right out of the gate, but if they catch fire early, don’t be surprised to see them make another deep Sunday run. Matrice Club #1 has the mix of grit, talent, and momentum that makes them a real problem for tournament favorites, and they’ve proven they’re more than capable of flipping a bracket on its head.

Mr. Excavator (Chesterland, OH)
Roster: Jerry Flesher Jr. | Pasq Lallitto | Frank Rossi | James Selvaggio
Opening Match: Waterside Azzurri @4:00pm
2024 Result: 3-2 | Missed Sunday
Summary: Mr. Excavator comes into the tournament with the kind of edge and firepower that makes this dark horse a serious contender. Last year’s 3–2 finish was a solid effort, but it fell short of their own expectations, and this season the crew looks ready to build something bigger. With Flesher Jr. laying a steady foundation in point play and the heavy machinery of Lallitto, Selvaggio, and Rossi providing big-time shooting, this squad has all the right tools to compete in this Region 1 field.

If they can strap on the hard hats and grind through the tight games, Mr. Ex is more than capable of knocking down some tournament favorites. Their firepower and grit make them a nightmare matchup, and once they dig in, they can demo an opponent’s game plan in a hurry. Don’t be surprised if this crew carves out a Sunday Sweet 16 appearance.

Ponte Drunkin Lines (Waterbury, CT)
Roster: Franco Rinaldi | Giancarlo Tufano | Greg Tufano | Jeff Valente
Opening Match: Wickliffe @4:00pm
2024 Result: 0-2 | Missed Sunday
Summary: Franco Rinaldi will once again fire up the Ponte Express Van and make the trip west to chase the Cup of Bocce. Last year’s trip ended quickly at 0-2 but both games came down to the wire, ending 14-13 & 14-12, but with a quick tune up this group is ready to get to fire up the engines and could have big potential to make a serious run toward Sunday Sweet 16.

Ponte Drunkin Lines with ride with steady veterans Franco Rinaldi, Greg Tufano, and Jeff Valente, but this time their bringing along a young sharp-shooting Giancarlo Tufano! Freshly off graduating medical school; who will look to make precise “surgical” cuts with his shots to keep this Connecticut crew alive deep into the weekend. If Ponte Drunkin Line can replicate their success from the World Series of Bocce, this could be a dark horse story worth watching.

Alfredo’s Italian Market #2 (Willowick, OH)
Roster: Bruno Antonelli | Claudio Berardinelli | Sal DiGiorgi | Rocco Guerrieri | Alfredo Guerrieri 
Opening Match:  The Village Tavern @5:00pm
2024 Result: N/A
Summary: There’s a new deli on the block in Lake County, and they’ve got the whole bocce community hungry. Formerly known as Team Waterloo, this squad brings back veterans who know how to slice up a bracket on thin margins. Last year’s 2-2 finish doesn’t show what this kitchen crew can really cook up, but 2025 looks like the perfect chance to showcase their improved skill set. With sharp shooting from Antonelli and Guerrieri, steady pointing from Berardinelli, and pallino-hunting precision from DiGiorgi, this lineup has depth at every angle of the court.

Expect Alfredo’s to play disciplined bocce, grinding out frames and capitalizing on their opponents errors. Their opener against The Village Tavern will be an early test of whether this roster can elevate from a solid team to dangerous one. If they can avoid giving away big frames, this group has the chemistry and the tools to be more than just a mid-bracket presence they could be setting the table for a long weekend.

Other Dark Horses: Tri State Bocce Club, The Village Tavern

Sleeper Pick😴
The Bocce Bros #1 (Westerville, OH)
Roster: Anthony Cugini | Ben Diaz | Dante Lovell | Vic Melaragno
Opening Match: Club DiMarino @4:00pm
2024 Result: 0-2 | Missed Sunday
Summary: The Bocce Bros #1 are back in Wickliffe looking to erase the sting of last year’s 0-2 exit. Now, with a full year to regroup and fresh off their appearance on the Italian-American Podcast, this talented group will put down the cameras and microphones and turn their focus to the bocce courts.

Cugini & Lovell, two of the four original Bocce Bros cast members, have been playing together for years and have made deep runs in several tournaments. This year, they welcome Diaz and Melaragno to the lineup. Diaz could very well be in the running for “Pointer of the Year,” having won tournaments in the Youngstown/Koppel area and out-pointed some of the best to make a name for himself. Vic Melaragno, an all-time legend at this tournament known for his championship runs with the Vandra Brothers, brings his wealth of experience to a new set of Bros. It will be the first time all four play together on the same team, and if they can start fast and find their rhythm early against Club DiMarino, The Bocce Bros #1 could be in position to surprise the bracket and make a legitimate push toward Sunday play.

Region II

The Favorites🏆
Tripepi Consulting LLC (Wickliffe, OH)
Roster: Ron Capogreco | Frank DiCillo | Pete Melaragno | Tim Tripepi
Opening Match: TC Construction @5:00pm
2024 Result: 5-2 | T-7th of 104
Summary: This roster is stacked with bocce experience, especially on the WIAC courts. Ron Capogreco and Pete Melaragno have both hoisted the Cup of Bocce Trophy in previous years, while Tim Tripepi reached the Finals back in 2018. Add in Frank DiCillo, one of the sharpest shooters in the game, and you’ve got a team that’s hungry and more motivated than ever to make a serious run at CCCoB hardware.

They’ll be favored in most of their matches, especially after last year’s run was derailed late Saturday night. The key question is whether they can avoid history repeating itself and stay undefeated heading into Sunday, giving themselves the best chance at the title. All four players have enjoyed success in other tournaments throughout the year, and now it’s time to see if they can transfer that momentum to the big stage and bring home the title at one of bocce’s premier events.

Stat To Know: Their only two losses in CCCoB40 came against the eventual champions & finalists (14-13 vs. 3 Men & A Puppy & 14-11 vs. BSB). Even more impressive, six of their seven matches, including four of their five wins, came against teams that made it to the Sunday Sweet 16 in 2024. Their only match against a non-Sunday team resulted in a dominant 14-0 victory. Capogreco and Melaragno faced off against each other in the Finals at CCCoB39, but now they’re aiming to get back there together, hoping to reach the finals for the second time in just three years.

ABV Contractors (Willoughby, OH) 
Roster: Dom Aveni | Anthony Croce | Mikey Frabotta | Dennis Strnad
Opening Match: Adriatic Sea @5:00pm
2024 Result: 5-2 | T-13th of 104 
Summary: The well-known 3x champions (2013, 2014, 2019) returned to form last year with a Sunday Sweet 16 appearance, rebounding from a rare miss in 2023. However, their path wasn’t easy as they suffered an early loss in their opening match, forcing them into an uphill climb through the one-loss bracket. That narrow margin for error seemed to ignite their run, as they rattled off five straight victories before falling just short in an epic 14-13 battle against eventual tournament finalist BSB.

Their attempt to become just the second team in CCCoB history to win the title after an opening-round loss (Vandra Brothers in 2012) fell short, all signs point to CCCoB41 being a fresh start. This experienced, championship caliber roster returns once again as one of the most respected and dangerous contenders in the field. With over a decade of chemistry and consistency, this balanced lineup is laser-focused on avoiding any early missteps and chasing a fourth championship title. They’re a likely betting favorite, with the motivation to prove they still belong at the top and a crowd favorite to watch.

Stat To Know: Despite their early setback in 2024, ABV scored more than 10 points in all seven of their matches, finishing 8th overall in total scoring with 93 points. Since 2021, ABV has scored 10 or more points in 28 of their last 30 CCCoB matches, a remarkable testament to their consistency and firepower.

Plus EV (Toronto, CAN)
Roster: Mario Federico | Nico Fox | Pat Pezzin | Jason Wisniewski
Opening Match: Adelio’s Contracting @5:00pm
2024 Result: 5-2 | 3rd of 104 🥉
Summary: Last year, competing as Palazzo 777, Plus EV entered CCCoB40 as the tournament betting favorite, and for good reason. They dominated their Friday and Saturday matchups, going a smooth 4-0 without allowing a single opponent to reach double digits points. Heading into Sunday undefeated, the team continued its run with a 14-10 win over Fioritto Funeral Service to advance to the Winner’s Bracket Final, but a shift in momentum in the Winner’s Bracket Final derailed their chances at a CCCoB Finals appearance with back-to-back losses, first to eventual champions 3 Men & A Puppy, followed by BSB in the 3rd Place Match. Now, they return for CCCoB41, reloaded and focused on finishing the job.

This year, they’ll be without Jose Botto, the USA’s top-ranked international bocce player. Filling his shoes will be former CCCoB champion Mario Federico, who joins Fox, Pezzin, and Wisniewski. Federico brings grit, experience, and an old-school bocce style to a squad already loaded with international talent and high-level tournament experience. While replacing Botto is no small task, this roster still has the tools to make a deep run.

Stat To Know: Pat Pezzin, a 3x CCCoB champion (2006, 2013, 2018), has won titles with both Jason Wisniewski (2013) and Mario Federico (2018). Since 2018, Pezzin has compiled a 25-10 record (.714 win percentage) in CCCoB tournaments, reaching the Sunday Sweet 16 four times and averaging 12.2 points per game across 35 matches. 

Adelio's Contracting (Willoughby Hills, OH)
Roster: Richie DiFranco | Sergio DiFranco | Jason Melaragno | Marco Orlando Jr.
Opening Match: Plus EV @5:00pm
2024 Result: 3-2 | Missed Sunday
Summary: The DiFranco cousins are back once again seeking to avenge last year miss opportunity to make Sunday Sweet 16. Adelio’s Contracting was one of the hottest teams entering CCCoB in 2024 but got derailed from a 14-2 loss in the 2nd round to eventual tournament champion 3 Men & A Puppy then after a couple solid wins once again lost late Saturday 14-4 to Club Molisani #10 failing to reach over 5 points in both their two losses. Another year has passed with momentum hovering over team Adelio’s Contracting once again. Back in June Sergio, Melaragno and Orlando Jr. made their third trip to the Finals at CMCOBT and was successful on winning their first title. That breakthrough could be the spark they’ve been waiting for heading into Wickliffe.

But right out of the gate, the road doesn’t get easier, Adelio’s Contracting will face Plus EV in the 1st round. Plus EV is known for playing tight, methodical frames and forcing opponents into tough decisions, so Adelio’s can’t afford another slow start. This is the kind of early clash that feels more like a Saturday night match than a Friday opener. If Adelio’s comes out sharp and keeps the pressure on, they’ll have a chance to establish themselves early as a true contender.

BSB (Big Shot Bob's) (Koppel, PA)  
Roster: Matt Taylor | Robert Stuart | Anthony LaBarbera | Mike Robertson
Opening Match: Keep It Rolling @5:00pm
2024 Result: 9-2 | 2nd of 104 🥈
Summary: BSB’s 2024 run was one for the ages! A charge to the Finals capped by a tournament high 9 wins, including four nail-biting 14-13 thrillers. Along the way, they avenged an early loss to Palazzo 777 and toppled multiple contenders, proving their grit in the biggest moments. But the dream ended one game short, as they squandered an 8-3 lead in the Finals against 3 Men & A Puppy, falling 16-11 after a crushing 13-3 run to end thg game. The bitter finish has lingered, fueling a year of redemption.

Since then, BSB has turned the sting of defeat into a steady diet of podium finishes, highlighted by winning the 2025 World Series of Bocce back in July. Now, they set focus on the “Cup of Bocce” but they’ll have to do it without Capogreco (absent) but with LaBarbera & Robertson now joining forces alongside Taylor’s steady pointing and the sharp shooting duo of Stuart, this squad has both firepower and depth. Especially if Stuart catches fire, fans might get treated to the “Stuey Shuffle” a dance now paired with one of bocce’s hottest songs of the summer, “Bye Bye Bye.” The motivation of last year’s heartbreak still in their veins but BSB rolls into Wickliffe not just as contenders, but as one of the favorites who will try to finish the job.

Stat To Know: BSB played a tournament-high 11 matches in 2024, winning 9 and finishing with a +24 differential, 6th best overall. They averaged 13.09 points per game and showed ice-cold nerves by taking four matches 14-13. No team was tested more, yet BSB proved they can grind out tight battles while still scoring with consistency.

Dark Horses🐎
Jensen 156 (Rome, NY)  
Roster: Mike Agosto | Jeff Cooke | Mason Hairston | Ryan Reilley
Opening Match: International Bakery @5:00pm
2024 Result: 3-2 | Missed Sunday
Summary: The New York squad is rolling into Wickliffe looking to take the next step toward a deeper run. Last year’s 3–2 finish was a grind from the start, dropping their opener and immediately being forced into the 1-loss bracket. They showed resilience to claw their way back, but ultimately couldn’t push through to Sunday.

This year, former tournament finalist Agosto joins the lineup, bringing proven experience and a winning pedigree. Agosto & Reilley were finalists together back in 2019 at CCCoB, and though they haven’t been able to recapture that magic since this time adding depth and steady play with Hairston and Cooke. Jensen 156 has a more complete roster and are ready to make noise. As an out-of-town team, they’ll need to hit the ground running, but if they can find their footing, don’t be surprised to see them upset some home squads and make a real push to Sunday.

Firelands Auto Group (Sandusky, OH) 
Roster: Sal Santillo | Val DiFranco | Anthony Frabotta | Val Frabotta
Opening Match: Winner of Devil’s Trucking vs. Sala Law @9:00pm
2024 Result: 5-2 | 9th of 104
Summary: Last year as Club Molisani #10, this group made a spirited run to Sunday, knocking off several top contenders and proving they could hang with the best. Both of their tournament losses came in heartbreak fashion, losing by less than two points each time but finishing 9th out of 104 teams cemented them as one of the most dangerous squads in the field.

Heading into 2025, the roster returns intact and loaded with chemistry. The Val’s (DiFranco & Frabotta) remain a fan-favorite duo, known for their energy and clutch play, while Santillo and A. Frabotta provide the stability and steady hands that anchor the lineup. This balance of flash and fundamentals makes them a team to watch once again. But the road won’t be easy though as they’re slotted into what many consider the toughest region of the tournament. If they can navigate through the gauntlet, this could be the year they push past Sunday’s early rounds and make a legitimate run at the top four.

Alliance Payroll Solutions (Rochester, NY)  
Roster: Hunter Gallero | Pete Russo | Felice Scala | Natale Scala
Opening Match: Volition Financial Network @5:00pm
2024 Result: 2-2 | Missed Sunday
Summary: Last year as team Club Vitulazio this is another New York team eyeing a top prize on Sunday. The 2-2 record in 2024 was a miss on expectations as they suffered a 1st round loss in the early matchups and weren’t able to get their feet grounded and make a serious run. Both Scala’s & Russo return as they welcome Gallerro to the roster who hasn’t been to Wickliffe in quite some time. Welcome back Hunter!

If this roster can make the right adjustments on the Wickliffe courts and take what happened last year and turn it into a positive this an another team to watch out. But it wont come at an ease as they’ll quickly face a tough local wickliffe team right out the gate against Volition Financial Network.

Other Dark Horses: Devil’s Trucking, Sala Law, Volition Financial Network

Sleeper Pick😴
TC Construction (Willoughby Hills, OH)  
Roster: Raffaele Colecchia | Mark Mohar | Matt Mohar | Mikey Mohar
Opening Match: Tripepi Consulting LLC @5:00pm
2024 Result: 4-2 | Missed Sunday
Summary: TC Construction is back in the helm as they will once again be one of my sleeper picks. They could easily be considered a dark with the region being so tough I have them as a sleeper that could once again bust up everyone brackets. Last year right out the gate they pulled off an impress win who many didn’t not see coming against ABV Contractors 14-10. In the end they posted a 4-2 record and was just one game shy of punching their ticket to Sunday before a 14-10 defeat vs. IMBS.

Once again the Mohar brothers and TC Construction leader Colecchia will have to start their tournament journey against a top favorite in this tournament, this year against Tripepi Consulting. TC Construction will have to prove once again that they are capable of pulling off another.

Region III

The Favorites🏆
Versace Law (Rome, NY) 
Roster: Jimmy Guy | Dan Loretto | Paul Louis Jr. | Greg Puccio | Dave Smith
Opening Match: Bocce By Nature @6:00pm
2024 Result: 1-2 | Missed Sunday
Summary: Last year this New York group had a tough pill to swallow as this squad bowed out early with a 1–2 record, but both losses came down to the wire. Falling 14–10 and 14–11, they were just a few rolls away from flipping the script and pushing deeper into the bracket. The margins were razor thin, and though the results didn’t show it, Versace Law expected more.

Now with another year of experience and a fresh mindset, Versace Law is ready to turn those close calls into statement wins. The roster has tightened up adding Louis Jr. with Guy, Loretto, Puccio and Smith and the chemistry is stronger, setting the stage for a real breakthrough at Wickliffe. Don’t be fooled by last year’s record, this is a group with unfinished business, and if they get rolling early, they could be one of the surprise stories of the tournament.

Lorenzino's Bocce Club (Youngstown, OH)
Roster: Dante Chiovitti | Gianni Colaizzi | Matt Estes-Iezzi | Bobby Gentile
Opening Match: State Farm @7:00pm
2024 Result: 6-2 | T-7th of 104
Summary: Last year, Lorenzino’s Bocce Club put together one of the biggest storylines of the tournament. Dante Chiovitti squad went 6-2, tying for the fourth-most wins overall and surging into Sunday Sweet 16. Their run featured gritty, clutch play, including a dramatic 14-13 victory vs. Alta House that secured their spot in the Sweet 16. On Sunday, they stayed hot with back-to-back wins before their ride ended against eventual contender North Country Graphics. Still, their breakthrough performance marked them as one of the rising forces in CCCoB40.

Now, as CCCoB41 looms, Lorenzino’s is no longer flying under the radar. Chiovitti setting the tone and brings back Colaizzi & Gentile, whom they have had much success together in the past. They’ve already shown they can knock out established powers and hold their own in high-pressure matches. If the chemistry continues to build and the big shots fall, Lorenzino’s Bocce Club has every reason to believe last year’s deep run was just the start and that this year could be their chance to contend for the ultimate prize on Sunday.
Stat To Know:

Alta House (Little Italy, OH)
Roster: Mike Cipullo Sr. | Billy_Batters Davis | Lou Nocera | Dan Pisano
Opening Match: State Farm @7:00pm
2024 Result: 5-2 | Missed Sunday
Summary: Last year, this Little Italy squad put together one of the more memorable runs of the tournament, ripping off five wins to go 5–2. Their journey ended in heartbreaking fashion, falling just a single point shy of the Sunday Sweet 16 with a 14–13 defeat. They proved they could battle through a long bracket, showing grit, consistency, and resilience that left them hungry for more.

For 2025, the group is reloaded and dangerous. Cipullo & Davis return as the foundation but have bolstered the lineup by teaming up with two big names out of Western Pennsylvania. Nocera & Pisano, both seasoned power players, bring a mix of firepower and experience that gives this team balance across the board. With last year’s heartbreak still fresh, they’re stepping back into Wickliffe determined to finish the job and drawn into the Region III bracket, they’ll have every chance to prove they belong among the elite!

Dark Horses🐎
Lorenzino’s 777 (Youngstown, OH)
Roster: Ray Carlson | Rocco DeLisio | Jack Durkin | Gabe Quattrocchi
Opening Match: State Farm @7:00pm
2024 Result: 3-2 | Missed Sunday
Summary: Last year as Team Molisani Concessions, this group fought hard to a 3–2 finish, ultimately falling short of the Sunday Sweet 16. Their run showed plenty of promise mixing strong wins with a couple of near-miss losses that came down to just a few key plays. The potential was clear, and they left Wickliffe with respect as a squad right on the verge of taking the next steps and breaking through.

This year, Carlson, DeLisio, Durkin, and Quattrocchi return with even higher expectations. Durkin & DeLisio will anchor the front court with their steady pointing, while Carlson & Quattrocchi provide firepower in the back court with their shooting. If they can avoid the up-and-down stretches and lock into a consistent rhythm, this team has all the tools to finally make the leap into Sunday Sweet 16 out of Region III.

Continenza (Wickliffe, OH)
Roster: Anthony Continenza | Sal Continenza | Tony Continenza | Vince Continenza | Vince Picozzi
Opening Match: State Farm @7:00pm
2024 Result: 3-2 | T-13th of 104
Summary: Team Continenza last year as a sleeper team grinding their way to a 3–2 finish and placed 13th out of 104 a run not many saw coming. That breakout performance instantly put them on the map. Now the expectations are a little different. No one is overlooking them this year out of Region III. The squad a special family lineup of three sons and their father knows these Wickliffe courts better than most, playing on them regularly and building the type of chemistry that only comes with years of playing together. Their familiarity with the surface showed last year, and it’s what makes them even more dangerous heading into 2025.

The element of surprise is gone, but in its place is earned respect. Now once again with their steady play and strong foundation, this group is no longer just a feel-good story they’re expected to compete and possibly push even deeper into Sunday. Don’t be surprised if this family team adds another chapter to their growing reputation at Wickliffe.

Other Dark Horses: Rolling On In, PonteLandolfo #2, State Farm, Trump25

Sleepers😴
JD Concrete Overlay (Wickliffe, OH)
Roster: Todd Latessa | Johnny DiFranco | Dan Basista | Rodger Smith
Opening Match: Winner of Cork N Bottle vs. Harbor Talent Group @11:00pm
2024 Result: 0-2 | Missed Sunday
Summary: Last year as team NEO Bocce this team made a big run this past May in the Wickliffe Memorial Tournament and has me thinking they could be the sleeper team out of this Region. Every tournament has a sleeper and this group made their mark. Now, they shift focus to Wickliffe and the Cleveland Challenge Cup of Bocce, where the stage is bigger, the competition tougher, and the lights brighter. Riding the confidence from their Memorial Tournament surge, this squad has all the ingredients to become one of the surprise stories of CCCoB41.

Region IV

The Favorites🏆
3 Men & A Puppy (Wickliffe, OH)
Roster: Doug Carter | Ron Reeher | Pino Rosati | Mike Trivisonno
Opening Match: Winner of Pallino Plus 3 vs. Club Molisani #8 @11:00pm
2024 Result: 7-0 | CCCoB40 Champion🏆
Summary: It’s the eye of the Beagle, it’s the thrill of the match!!! 3 Men & A Puppy are back as your defending Cleveland Challenge Cup of Bocce champions! WoOf! wOoF! WooF! This squad entered last year’s tournament as a potential favorite, with only one question mark: it was their first time playing together in a major event. Fast forward one year, question answered! Now, heading into this year’s tournament as defending champs, every player has racked up wins and proven themselves among the elite in the bocce circuit.

Carter took home the CMCOBT title in June while Trivisonno won the World Series of Bocce title in July. Carter and Reeher teamed up to win the WIAC Memorial Bocce Tournament back in May, and Rosati has picked up multiple tournament victories of his own throughout the year. With momentum, chemistry, and experience on their side, 3 Men & A Puppy are no longer just a threat, they're the clear top contender.

Stat To Know: They went a perfect 7-0 in last year’s tournament, scoring 100 total points and allowing just 57 (8.14 ppg allowed). Their tightest match came in a 14-13 nail-biter against Tripepi Consulting LLC late Saturday night. They’ll return this year with the same roster, aiming to become just the 7th team in CCCoB history to go back-to-back and the first since ABV Contractors in 2014. Stay tuned… this pack is hunting for history. 🐾

CPF Home Inspections (Chesterland, OH)
Roster: Pete Barac | Chris Federico | Tony Melaragno Sr. | Joe Zdesar | Jimmy DiFranco
Opening Match: Pontelandolfo #1 @7:00pm
2024 Result: 3-2 | Missed Sunday
Summary: The 2023 Champions battled to defend their title but unfortunately fell short of a Sunday Sweet 16 appearance with losses against the eventual tournament Finalist BSB & then North Country Graphics. CPF now looks towards a resurgence in 2025 as they bring back Federico, Melaragno Sr. and Zdesar while adding Pete Barac to the squad this year.

The Croatian Sensation skillset in pointing & shooting helps bring another duel threat to the lineup while Melaragno Sr. looks to be 100% come tournament time after recovering from an Achilles injury this past winter. All four players are well experienced players in the Northeast Ohio region so CPF will try to get a fast start and get back on track to make a Sunday appearance with another opportunity at Cup number #2.

Stat To Know: Even though CPF missed Sunday Sweet 16 they were still able to finish T-9th in ppg (13.0). Previous champions

Nuovi Amici (Lexington, KY)
Roster: Chris Chmielewski | Mike Hilvers | Scott Painter | Brian Polantz
Opening Match: Chester Services @7:00pm
2024 Result: 4-2 | T-13th of 104
Summary: Last year this group quietly pieced together one of the most impressive runs of the tournament, finishing 4–2 and placing 13th out of 104 teams. What set their performance apart wasn’t just the record, but the way they fought through every match. They punched their Sunday ticket with a dramatic 14-13 win late Saturday night, proving they belonged among the elite. Unfortunately, entering Sunday with one loss meant no margin for error, and despite a strong effort, Nuovi Amici fell 14-11 in their Sunday opener. Still, their showing left a clear message they’re built to be a Sunday team for the long term.

Now the expectations have shifted. After finishing top-16, they’re no longer under the radar; everyone knows this group has the tools to disrupt brackets deep into the weekend. If they can harness last year’s consistency and keep their edge in tight games, Nuovi Amici isn’t just a Sweet 16 threat, they’re a legitimate contender to push even further at CCCoB41.

Watertight Roofing Systems (Hubbard, OH)
Roster: Braydon Micaletti | Dante Micaletti | PJ Micaletti | Joe Palumbo
Opening Match: Chester Services @7:00pm
2024 Result: 5-2 | T-13th of 104
Summary: Last year Palumbo and his Watertight crew put together an impressive 5–2 run, breaking into the Sunday Sweet 16 and proving they belong among the top-tier squads. Their path wasn’t easy, after dropping a tough mid-tournament match to Tripepi Consulting 14-8, they showed resilience, grinding their way through the bracket to secure their Sunday ticket. Unfortunately, their Sunday was brief, as they fell 14-10 to Club Molisani #10, ending their run earlier than they had hoped.

Now in 2025, the team is back with reinforcements and renewed focus. Palumbo is joining forces with the Micaletti family to elevate this Watertight Roofing Systems franchise to the next level. Dante (son) & PJ (father) will command the pointing game with consistency, while Braydon (son) & Palumbo provide the heavy hitting firepower. The balance of precision up front and demolition in the back makes this group a dangerous matchup for anyone in the bracket. The question now: can they take the next step and march into Sunday undefeated? If this new lineup clicks, 2025 could be the breakthrough year that Watertight turns a Sunday Sweet 16 appearance into a deep Sunday run.

Dark Horses🐎
Dirtbox Cowboys (Seneca Falls, NY)
Roster: Bill Barnett | Paul Calicchia | Morris Tuttle | Rich Zakala
Opening Match: Magaa LLC @7:00pm
2024 Result: 3-2 | Missed Sunday
Summary: Last year, this veteran New York squad grinded their way to a 3–2 record, showing flashes of experience and balance but ultimately falling short of the Sunday Sweet 16. Both defeats came against high-caliber contenders, proving they can compete at the top level but also leaving the team with unfinished business. Expectations for this roster run higher than what was displayed in 2024, and they know it.

In 2025, the mission is clear: correct the errors, keep control of the pallino, and turn close matches into wins. With the veteran savvy of Barnett, Calicchia, Tuttle, and Zakala, this group brings a steady mix of shooting and pointing that makes them dangerous when they find their rhythm. They’re no strangers to the Wickliffe courts, and this year they arrive hungry to transform last year’s near miss into a legit Sunday run.

Foodie Box Love (Youngstown, OH)
Roster: Danny Catullo | Bubba Infante | Matt Lippa | Cory Wittway
Opening Match: Team Lee/Infinity of Beachwood @8:00pm
2024 Result: 4-2 | Missed Sunday
Summary: Last year as team Legal Sea Foods this squad put together a 4–2 run, showing they had the firepower to compete deep into the tournament but just came up short of a Sunday berth. They were in the mix until the end, proving they’re not far from breaking through.

What makes this team unique is the blend of leadership and personality. Catullo currently serving as the Commissioner of the Ohio Bocce League will now have a opportunity to just focus on playing bocce, as he brings in Matt Lippa the “Canadian Striker,” whose big-shot style and cross-border roots make him one of the most exciting players to watch in Wickliffe along with Infante dual threat capabilities and Wittway consistency this team has all the rights indigents to make another run through the tournament but this time striving to get into Sunday Sweet 16!

Other Dark Horses: Magaa LLC, Stratton Oakmont

Sleepers😴
Toccolana Club 3 1/2 (Lexington, KY)
Roster: Zach Cortese | Joe Izzo | Frank Mellace | Mike Paolillo
Opening Match: Winner of Carrara Bocce vs. Formica Plumbing @11:00pm
2024 Result: N/A
Summary: Don’t fall asleep on this New York crew. Fresh off a deep Sunday run at the World Series of Bocce in July on their home courts, they’ll now hit the road as they bring that momentum to Wickliffe for CCCoB41. Out of Region IV, this is my sleeper pick. The tools, the hunger, and the confidence are all there—it’s just a matter of whether they can duplicate July’s magic on the Wickliffe courts.

Final Predictions

If you’re still reading this article I appreciate the love and support and hope this bocce edition gets you ready & hyped for this year’s tournament. My final prediction is…. everyone will have a great time and enjoy the tournament!!!

Well, of course that’s the easiest prediction to make because you and I both know this is one of the best bocce weekends of the year! And while I truly hope everyone enjoys their time together, let’s not forget that only one team will be crowned champion in the Open Division.

With 104 talented teams making their way to the courts, for some this is all about fun and family, a weekend to celebrate tradition and camaraderie. For others, it’s the culmination of countless hours of practice, miles traveled to tournaments near and far, and a deep desire to prove just how much they’ve grown in this beautiful game. In the end, only one team will add their name to bocce history alongside the 40 other great champions who came before. Who will that be? Lets get down to it!

Here are my Regional Winners, Winner Bracket Finals Winner and the team who will come out of the 1-loss Bracket.

Region I: North Country Graphics
Region II: Tripepi Consulting
Region III: Lorenzino’s Bocce Club
Region IV: 3 Men & Puppy
Winner’s Bracket Final: North Country Graphics vs. 3 Men & A Puppy
Finals: North Country Graphics (Winner’s Bracket) vs. IMBS (1-Loss Bracket)

Finals Prediction: The last time the Cleveland Challenge Cup of Bocce Finals featured no Ohio teams was 2011, when Rainbow Creek Bocciofilia #24 of Toronto, Canada defeated J.J.’s Litehouse of Sharon, PA, 16–6. That was also the last finals appearance for either squad. Fourteen years later, we have a real chance to see another all non-Ohio Finals with North Country Graphics (Rome, NY), the 2022 champions, and IMBS (Koppel, PA), finalists in 2023 and fresh off a 3rd-place finish at the World Series of Bocce.

IMBS will enter the Finals out of the one-loss bracket, giving them the momentum of recent games but also the fatigue of a longer path. History hasn’t been kind to teams in that position: since 2014, the one-loss team is just 1–9 in the opening game of the Finals, 2–9 overall in the last ten years, with both wins belonging to ABV Contractors (2019) against Utica’s Finest Barbershop. That trend is hard to ignore.

The Finals will set up a rematch of an earlier second-round clash. Expect IMBS to come out strong and even grab an early edge, but over the course of the match, the fresher arms & legs of North Country Graphics should take over and once NCG settles in, their championship pedigree will give them the edge to push past IMBS and capture their second CCCoB title, bringing the Cup back to Rome, NY.

As for IMBS, both their incredible runs from the 2023 & 2025 CCCoB tournaments shows they’re one of the most dangerous teams in the country but their storybook ending will have to wait at least one more year.

The 41st Cleveland Challenge Cup of Bocce is August 23rd, 24th, 25th to see more details check out the Facebook event at the link below. Thanks for reading and Buona Fortuna to all teams.