Luciano's Bocce Lounge Report CCCoB40 Edition Preview

Luciano’s Bocce Lounge Report

40th Cleveland Challenge Cup Of Bocce Edition Preview

The 40th Cleveland Challenge Cup of Bocce is almost here. Which teams are heating up, which teams are on the verge of a breakthrough, and which teams are set to dominate? Get ready, because this newsletter is your guide to unraveling these questions and possibly help you pick a team to follow (and maybe place a strategic bet!). Prepare to dive into the most anticipated bocce tournament of the summer on August 23rd, 24th, and 25th.

Unfortunately, with the deepest talent pool in the tournament's history, not every team can be spotlighted. For the 40th Anniversary, I will be highlighting forty teams who I believe will make the biggest impact on the tournament. I know I will miss mentioning teams who could possibly win it all, but rest assured, the competition will be fierce, and surprises are inevitable. The goal is to ignite your excitement and passion for the upcoming bocce tournament, not to overlook or undervalue anyone's skill or dedication to the bocce community. Thank you for understanding. Now… LETS BEGIN!!!

The bracket is set and 104 teams (tournament format 4v4) will be competing in the Double Elimination Open Division. All Opening Matches will be played on Friday Night, August 23rd starting at 4:00pm. The full bracket can be found on the “Sports Engine Tourney Machine” App.

I have placed the teams into three categories based on my bocce analytics:
The Favorites: 10 Teams I believe have the best chance to win it all. (LONG SUMMARY)
Dark Horses: 20 Teams I think can make Sunday and possibly have a deep run into Sunday evening. (MID SUMMARY)
Sleepers: 10 Teams flying under the radar but as the potential to surprise people and make a deep run into Saturday night and possibly a Sunday appearance. (LIGHT SUMMARY)
The teams listed in each category are in no particular order.
*Photo Credits: Paul DiCicco (WIAC member).

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 - CCCoB40 is taking back 16 teams into Championship Sunday (4 teams undefeated, 12 teams with 1-loss)

The Favorites🏆

CPF Home Inspections (Orlando-Donsante-Previte Funeral Home): CPF! Your defending champs are striving to become the first team since ABV in 2014 & 2015 to repeat as champions. As one of the top favorites going into the tournament, they’ll return the core of Chris Federico, Jim DiFranco, and Tony Melaragno Sr. Last year, Ron Capogreco was CPF fourth member (now on Tripepi Consulting), but this year it will be Joe Zdesar. This team has made numerous Sunday runs in various tournaments throughout the year, but no tournament wins in the recent months leading up to CCCoB. Federico will lead first point in the front court, while the team's ability to rotate positions (pointing & shooting) among Melaragno, Zdesar, and DiFranco gives CPF the depth to make another title run. Opening Match vs. Sala Law Firm @5:00pm Game 18

Palazzo 777: I’m predicting this team will be the odds on favorites to win it all in 2024. If you know anything about bocce, you know very well this team is stacked with talent at the international level. Rated #1 in the USA, Jose Botto, Rated #1 in Canada, Pat Pezzin, and multiple national medalist winner Jason Wisniewski head to Wickliffe with multiple CCCoB titles under their belt (2013 & 2018). But their fourth member this year is actually the one making the biggest headlines in bocce recently. 15 year-old Nico Fox from Rome, New York became the youngest player ever to win WSoB in July, securing his first major tournament title. Now he’ll bring that championship experience to Wickliffe, showcasing his talents on the big stage alongside the experienced international players. This combination of seasoned veterans and a rising young star could very well be the recipe for a championship!!! Opening Match vs. Winner of Coda Corp vs. Ponte Drunken Lines @10:00pm Game 56

Deep Water Consulting (previously IMBS): The 2023 CCCoB Finalists were just two wins away from bringing the Cup back to Pennsylvania for the first time since J.J.’s Litehouse in 2005. Now, in 2024, the team core of Jimmy “The Bull” Pisano, Sean New, and Vern Kurtz returns with the addition of Pisano cousin, Danny Pisano, to the line up. They’ll aim to replicate last year's success but with hopes of a different ending. Count on New consistent first pointing to keep this team hot. Kurtz hot shooting from last year’s Finals should carry over nicely, while the Pisano cugini will handle the rest! Opening Match vs. Black River Ale House @7:00pm Game 29

North Country Graphics: Your champion from 2022 out of Rome, New York returns the same line up for the third year in a row. Eddie Emmanuele, Santino Emmanuele, Paul Louis III "PL3", and Nick Serra will aim for their second title in three years and try to bring the Cup of Bocce back to New York. In 2023, NCG attempted to defend their title but finished T-7th after entering Sunday with one loss. This team has ample Sunday experience and great team chemistry, positioning them well for another deep run. PL3’s hit & stick shots will make great highlights, while Serra’s consistent pointing will create opportunities for the Father-Son duo of Eddie-Santino to score multiple points in crucial frames. Opening Match vs. Jack Entertainment @6:00pm Game 19

Tripepi Consulting: If you’re looking for a local team with tons of winning experience, this could be your team to pick. Last year’s tournament winner Ron Capogreco (CPF) and Finalists Pete Melaragno (IMBS) (both multiple CCCoB titleholders) load this team with Sunday experience. Frank DiCillo & Tim Tripepi (Finalist in 2018) have had success winning other tournaments in recent years but are still searching for their first CCCoB title. Expect Capogreco & DiCillo to handle the sharp shooting in the back court while Tripepi & Melaragno point this team towards Sunday direction. Opening Match vs. Dilorio & Leone @7:00pm Game 31

Adelio’s Contracting: Sergio DiFranco & Richie DiFranco are having one of the best summers as a cousin bocce duo. Coming into the tournament as Winners of WSoB & Finalists of CMCOBT. They’ll be joined by Jason Melaragno & Marco Orlando for CCCoB. Together, they'll attempt to help Team Adelio's make a third straight major tournament Finals appearance. The DiFranco cugini are previous CCCoB winners back in 2016 but haven't been able to get back to the Finals since their victory. They’ll aim to avoid a championship hangover from WSoB but I believe they have the talent to make it far on Sunday. It will be exciting to see if they can get the job done here in Wickliffe too! Opening Match vs. Winner of Flav and Sons vs. Pontelandolfo @11:00pm Game 72

Coda Corp: Your 2021 CCCoB Champions from Lockport, New York, return as one of my favorites in this year's tournament. Mike Saraf, Paul Louis Jr., Bill Rosenburg, and John Villella have made it to Sunday three years in a row, finishing 4th in 2023. The consistent & elegant style of bocce from this team has been a recent major success. Rarely, I have seen this team ever shoot twice in a frame, as they prefer to play more of a West Coast bocce system in an East Coast tournament. The dependable shooting from Louis Jr. is enough to put Saraf, Rosenberg, and Villella in great pointing situations. Shooters, be ready, because it’s going to be a long day if your pointers can’t beat the consistent rolls from this group! Opening Match vs. Ponte Drunken Lines @6:00pm Game 20

3 Men & A Puppy: A funny team name with lots of talent, 3 Men & A Puppy promises to be one of the top contending teams of the weekend. Pino Rosati, Doug Carter, Mike Trivisonno, and Ron Reeher “Ron Dawg” each boast multiple big tournament victories in their bocce careers, but they all have the same thing in common, no CCCoB titles. Carter & Trivisonno are both having impressive summer runs on the bocce circuit, having faced each other in both the Finals of CMCOBT (Winner: Trivisonno) & WSoB (Winner: Carter). Now, they’re teaming up to chase their first CCCoB title. Carter & Rosati are the only ones from the group who have reached the CCCoB Finals (Carter in 2018, Carter & Rosati in 2022), so they know what it takes to get to Sunday evening in Wickliffe. This is the first time these four will play together in a major tournament, so it will be interesting to see how they’ll gel as they go further in the tournament. The anticipation is high, and I can’t wait to see it! Opening Match vs. Winner of Thumb Over Finger vs. Wickliffe I&A #59 @11:00pm Game 71

BSB: If you like a team with some noise & spark, BSB might be the one to follow. This squad has enjoyed plenty of Sunday success across various tournaments, but a major tournament title remains missing under this regime. Matt Taylor, Robert “Duey Stuey” Stuart, and Anthony Capogreco recently finished as Finalists at WSoB in July. Dante Delisio will return for this tournament after missing WSoB, which makes BSB a strong candidate to be one of the most explosive teams and potentially make a run into Sunday evening. The precise pointing by Taylor & Delisio aligned with the accurate hitting from Capogreco & Stuart makes BSB have the ideal bocce formula on paper. However, everyone is waiting to see if they can put together the perfect weekend and secure a major tournament title victory. This could be their best chance! Opening Match vs. Winner of Legal Sea Foods vs. Molisani Concessions @9:00pm Game 53

ABV Contractors: 3x Champion (2014, 2015, 2019) and the most decorated team at CCCoB over the past decade, is determined to return to the big stage after missing Sunday last year for the first time since 2016. Michael Frabotta, Dennis Strnad, Anthony Croce, and Dom Aveni will be on the hunt for their fourth title, which would edge them closer to the Vandra Brothers, J.J. 's Litehouse & Rainbow Creek teams of the CCCoB history books. ABV’s balanced and flexible front court of Aveni & Frabotta can easily rotate positions based on whoever has the hotter hand, while their sharp shooting back court of Croce & Strnad adds to their versatility. If all four players stay hot throughout the weekend, expect to see some fireworks from this team come late Sunday evening. The last time ABV missed Sunday, they responded by finishing in the Top 3 in the next four CCCoB tournaments (2nd in 2017, 3rd in 2018, 1st in 2019, and 2nd in 2021). ABV also enters this year’s tournament off a strong 11-2 finish at WSoB in July, resulting in 3rd place. Opening Match vs. TC Construction @5:00pm Game 12

Dark Horses🐎

Alta House: This team earns a spot on my list due to the promising upside that comes with the combination of Little Italy Cleveland and Koppel players. Billy "Batters" Davis, who clinched the CMCOBT title in June thanks to his outstanding first pointing, will join forces with Alta House President Michael Cipullo in their frontcourt. Their backcourt shooters will feature the strong Koppel bocce representation of Lou Nocera and Mike Nardone. This blend of talent and experience could make this team a formidable contender in the tournament. Opening Match vs. Toccolana 10 @6:00pm Game 22

Brassell Insurance: This Wickliffe team made a run to Sunday in 2023, powered by the father-son duo of Chuck Britton Sr. and Chuck Britton Jr., along with Chris Brassell shooting. They now know what it takes to reach Sunday. This time around, they’ll attempt for an even deeper run, enjoying the home-court advantage in every matchup since Wickliffe is their summer stomping grounds. We’ll see if Brassell Insurance can take that next step! Opening Match vs. Longo’s Pizza @6:00pm Game 23

Bull’s Tavern: This Youngstown, Koppel, and Baltimore blend team definitely makes it into my list of Dark Horses. Individually, I think they have the talent to compete with the top teams in the tournament, but we’ll see if the combination can rise to the occasion for three straight days. Steve “Bubba” Infante & James Oma can both be dual-threat players in any rotation, which can be a significant advantage as the tournament progresses. If they can find the right chemistry, Bull’s Tavern could make a serious impact and surprise many this year. Opening Match vs. Club Molisani #3 @7:00pm Game 33

Castle Kitchens: This Pennsylvania team, featuring the father-son duo of PJ Micaletti & Dante Micaletti, has a strong chance of making it to Sunday as they team up with Andy “The Panel” Sweeney from New York. The trio brings a blend of big & small tournament victories, making for an exciting combination. Opening Match vs. JJS Design & Build @5:00pm Game 13

Club Molisani #8: While many teams in this tournament boast a father-son duo or some form of family connection, Club Molisani 8 takes it a step further with an entire lineup composed of family members. Wayne Farinacci teams up with his two sons, Dan Farinacci and Tom Farinacci, along with his nephew, Steve Farinacci. Wayne's expertise in pointing at just the right angle along the wall often gives Club Molisani 8 a ball-up advantage in most matches. If Wayne can maintain his consistency throughout the weekend, Dan, Steve, and Tom will be set to capitalize on those situations. This team excels at winning frames by 1s and 2s, methodically putting themselves in the best position to win each frame. A deep run could be brewing out of this camp! Opening Match vs. Wickliffe I&A - 1933 @5:00pm Game 15

Club Vitulazio: Another powerhouse from New York, Club Vitulazio is led by Natale Scala, who brings some international experience and a history of success at CCCoB. He’ll be teaming up with his father, Felice Scala a multiple-time CCCoB Champion, with his most recent title coming in 2017. This team is undeniably dangerous and will most likely be the favorite in most matchups. While a Sunday appearance seems highly probable, I’ll be watching closely to see if they can make a deeper run into Sunday evening. Opening Match vs. Formica Plumbing & Sewer @6:00pm Game 21

Devils Trucking: Jerry Flesher, owner of Jerry’s Bocce World, assembles a roster with a mix of power and championship pedigree. Flesher will take on the role of first pointer, setting the tone for the team but when opponents’ balls are close to the pallino, big hitter Donnie Pausch will step in to clear the way. The team also rosters former CCCoB champions Anthony Melaragno and Bruno Iannetta, whose veteran experience will be crucial in guiding this squad to a potential Sunday appearance. Keep an eye on this team they have the tools to make a run. Opening Match vs. Holly Bocce Club @7:00pm Game 28

Dirtbox Cowboys: Ohio may have dominated the top spots at WSoB this year, but now some of New York's best players aim to return the favor in Wickliffe. Bill Barnett has been making the several appearances in Ohio tournaments recently, while Paul Calicchia has enjoyed success in previous CCCoB tournaments (3rd in 2022). DC could be a team to watch late Saturday evening work their way into Sunday, potentially knocking out some top contenders along the way. Opening Match vs. The Royals @5:00pm Game 14

Fioritto Funeral Service: Russ Mergalio is the sole remaining player from the 2022 Finalist roster. As one of the best pointers in the bocce circuit, he will team up with veterans from the dominant J.J. Litehouse team of the late 1990s and early 2000s. Mike Lapcevich, Robert Mittal, and Fred Sablack who collectively hold multiple CCCoB titles, they’ll once again try to climb the bocce mountain with Mergalio leading the charge as their first pointer. By Saturday evening, they should be in the mix for a Sunday ticket, and I wouldn’t be surprised if they were battling for one of the four undefeated spots but we’ll see if these bocce legends can put together a long tournament run in this new era of bocce. Opening Match vs. Winner of Sweetberry vs. Hahn Manufacturing @8:00pm Game 44

FP Supplies: A local group from just down the street at Club Molisani Charities, FP Supplies boasts a unique advantage with left-handed shooter Carlo Melaragno and right-handed shooter James Selvaggio on the roster. This duo gives the team the flexibility to shoot out any point ball in every scenario. Come Saturday, FP Supplies will likely have opportunities to punch a ticket to Sunday if they can capitalize on their strengths. Opening Match vs. Winner of Watertight Roofing Systems vs. Goombaz @11:00pm Game 66

Legal Sea Foods: One of the most uplifting teams in the tournament, Legal Sea Foods is a must-watch and a team looking to make some noise on the court and at the bracket board. Danny Catullo, one of bocce's most electrifying players, strolls into Wickliffe with the Farrell, Pennsylvania boys Corey Wittway and Shawn Nelson. All three players have the talent to compete with the top contenders, but it's Catullo's infectious motivation and uplifting spirit that keeps this team's heartbeat pumping. With Wickliffe being one of the biggest tournaments of the summer, this team will have the motivational edge to start every match strong. It's a long three-day tournament, and the teams with the conditioning to keep their energy levels high will give themselves the best chance. Legal Sea Foods could very well be that team. Opening Match vs. Molisani Concessions @5:00pm Game 16

Lorenzino’s: The hottest new bocce club out of Youngstown, owned by Dante Chiovitti built a state of the art facility with three brand new synthetic courts. But don’t let the synthetic courts fool you, Chiovitti, Gianni Colaizzi, Matthew Estes and Bobby Gentile have a proven track record on traditional dirt courts as well. Having made it to Sunday in Wickliffe before, I believe Lorenzino’s will be in contention late Saturday evening, with a strong chance to advance further. Watch for them to leverage their experience and make a run in the tournament. Opening Match vs. Adriatic Sea @8:00pm Game 37

Mr. Excavator: If you enjoy big impact shots in bocce, Mr. Excavator is the team to watch. Dan Tripepi and Pasquale Lallitto are both big time shooters who pack a punch with every shot. This team won’t be afraid to play an aggressive style and will strike if the opportunities for big frames present themselves, which should put them in position for some big wins. Opening Match vs. TranSystems Corp. @4:00pm Game 8

Nuovi Amici:  The Kentucky-Ohio combination finished tied for 5th place in 2023, and with Brian Polantz and Chris Chmielewski having made it to Sunday in 2021 also, this team should not be underestimated. The bar is set high, playing together once again could mean they’re dialed in for another deep run. Opening Match vs. Your Key In Real Estate @7:00pm Game 35

Ponte Drunken Lines: No team from Connecticut has ever won the CCCoB, though the state’s best finish came in 2014 as CCCoB Finalists. Yet, year after year, there always seems to be a Connecticut team in the mix. This time, Franco Rinaldi aims to lead his squad to become the first from Connecticut to break through and claim the title. However, they'll face a major test right out of the gate against one of my predicted favorites, Coda Corp. Opening Match vs. Coda Corp @6:00pm Game 20 

Sala Law Firm: This Erie, Pennsylvania team isn’t always mentioned when discussing Pennsylvania bocce, but the Sala Law Firm squad returns after finishing tied for 5th in 2023. They were the closest team to defeating last year's undefeated champions, CPF Home Inspections, in a thrilling 14-13 game. Their resilience and competitive spirit make them a team to watch closely. They will start the tournament against the 2023 champions, which presents an immediate opportunity for redemption after last year's loss and a chance to make a strong statement. If they can carry over the momentum from last year and maintain their competitive edge, Sala Law Firm could very well be poised for a deeper run and possibly even a championship challenge. Opening Match vs. CPF Home Inspections @5:00pm Game 18

The Bocce Bros: Three Bros & a Gold Medalist! The Bocce Bros are teaming up with Anthony La Barbara, who could have a standout weekend with pallino shots, given that CCCoB pallinos are slightly larger than the international size. This team is on the hunt for their first Sunday appearance, which could make for some fantastic content for future podcast episodes. Opening Match vs. Winner of Dilorio & Leone vs. Tripepi Consulting @7:00pm Game 31

Toronto 777: Cesidio Palozzi, who took a break from the game of bocce years ago, is now making a return to the bocce circuit. This tournament offers him a prime opportunity to demonstrate that he could still be one of the top shooters around, the shooting form of Palozzi is also something truly exceptional to watch. Valentina Pallotta will be the focal point of the line up, leading the team with her first pointing, and trying to position Toronto 777 for success in each frame. While the Rainbow Creek teams of the past dominated this tournament for decades, a new generation of Canadians are now motivated to bring back the Cup across the northern border and I think Toronto 777 got a chance to make that happen! Opening Match vs. Trevi Catering 13 @6:00pm Game 26

Waterloo: All four are Club Molisani Charities members and will team up at Wickliffe, having played together throughout the year. BU Commissioner Rocco Guerrieri and sharpshooter Bruno Antonelli could form one of the most underrated and electrifying shooting duos in the tournament. Claudio Bernardelli will lay down a solid-concrete foundation as the team anchor, while their first pointer, Keith Lavrich, fresh off an appearance on New Day Cleveland, will now try to make an appearance on Sunday ticket hopefully not letting the Hollywood spotlight get the best of him. This team has the potential to generate excitement and make a push into Sunday. Opening Match vs. Rolling On In @6:00pm Game 25

Watertight Roofing Systems: Joe Palumbo, who clinched the CMCOBT title in June, returns to Wickliffe with a completely revamped roster from the squad that finished 3rd in 2023. Eugene Ciasullo, AJ DiNunzio, and Mike Pisano will be starting for Watertight Roofing Systems in 2024. Ciasullo and DiNunzio delivered a phenomenal performance in late May, finishing as Finalists in the Memorial Bocce Tournament hosted by WIAC. Now, they’ll aim to carry that momentum into this tournament. Finally, the addition of Pisano to anchor the lineup further increases their chances, positioning WRS as one of the top dark horses. If they can find their rhythm, expect WRS to make a significant run in this tournament. Opening Match vs. Goombaz @7:00pm Game 32

Sleepers😴

Extreme Bocce Club 1 & Extreme Bocce Club 2: Both Canadian teams have been steadily improving each year at CCCoB and are accumulating big wins in other major tournaments. While they haven’t seen significant success at CCCoB yet, 2024 just might be their year. Keep an eye on these teams because our friendly neighbors up north could be ready for a breakthrough performance! EBC1 Opening Match vs. Winner of Club Molisani #8 vs. Wickliffe I&A - 1933 @9:00pm Game 52, EBC2 Opening Match vs. Club Molisani #10 @4:00pm Game 2

Holley Bocce Club: Made their debut appearance at CCCoB in 2023 and started off hot winning their first couple games. A group of solid players from New York will get another chance on those dirt courts as they’ll know what to expect this time around and I think they could make it further this time around. Opening Match vs. Devils Trucking @7:00pm Game 28

Kerr Lakeside: This squad boasts excellent chemistry and have won several tournament matches together in the Youngstown area. Led by Morra Grand-Master Guiliano Romeo first pointing, they’ll also bring in Joe D’Alessandro from Club Molisani Charities to bolster their lineup. With this combination of talent, Kerr Lakeside could be positioned to make a run in the tournament and potentially steal some big wins. Opening Match vs. BMR Contracting @8:00pm Game 38

Molisani Concessions: This team won’t be handing out any snacks this weekend but only L’s if teams don’t bring their “A” game against this squad. Jack “The Judge” Durkin will be the anchor in the lineup and could easily hammer down the gavel to give the final verdict in late situation games. Opening Match vs. Legal Sea Foods @5:00pm Game 16

Matrice Club #1: This team of seasoned veterans is led by Club Molisani Charities President Lou Fatica, a previous CMCOBT champion. The addition of dual-threat player Silvano Ferenac, who joined the squad late, could be a game-changer, particularly in late game situations. Matrice Club #1 might just be one of the tournament's best value picks, ready to surprise as the competition unfolds. Opening Match vs. Winner of Trevi Catering 13 vs. Toronto 777 @10:00pm Game 61

Spearmint Rhinos: Don’t sleep on the Rhinos!!! This team made it to Sunday last year, and with some controversial online discussions about the shooting line, they’ll have all the bulletin board material they need to fuel their motivation. Keep an eye on this Pennsylvania squad, they’ll be ready for another potential big run. Opening Match vs. Winner of Roll Em Slow vs. Lockport Bocce Club #18 @11:00pm Game 64

TC Construction: Several father-son duos will be on display in this tournament but this team as three brothers (The Mohar’s) alongside captain Raffaele Colecchia who will try to keep games close and steal some wins from the top contenders. They’ll get the opportunity right out the gate facing 3x Champion ABV in the first round. Opening Match vs. ABV Contractors @5:00pm Game 12

Your Key In Real Estate: A WIAC members team with some Sunday experience in the past as a balanced squad which I think will keep games close has an underdog and will handle business when as the favorite. Opening Match vs. Nuovi Amici @7:00pm Game 35

Young Guns: A young group of bocce players from the Alta House camp returns with another year of growth and experience, setting the stage for potential upsets and bracket-busting surprises. 2024 could very well be the year this team takes the next big step! Opening Match vs. Winner of Rolling On In vs. Waterloo @6:00pm Game 60

The 40th 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.