Riverside Bocce Team Qualifies For Playoffs

The Riverside Unified Bocce Team has qualified for the North Division Playoffs.

The team finished 3-1 on the regular season and will travel to Ellwood City on Tuesday, February 20 at 3:30PM for a playoff match-up against Beaver Falls.

The Panthers, who are part of the Three Rivers Region of Unified Bocce and in the Beaver North Division, are led by three returning players, James Hogue, Kortnee Bond, and Kiersten Kanzleiter, and is under the direction of head coach Michael Walmsley.

The bocce team is young, with the remaining players brand new to not only the team, but the sport in general according to Walmsley.

“Our veterans did a great job of welcoming the new players and introducing the rules of bocce.”

Hogue is a fixture with the pill according to his head coach.

“James has always been one of our most solid players,” says Walmsley. “He has made some great rolls that I don’t think I would have tried but somehow he manages to get the team additional points.”

Another returning player is Brishuana Byrd-Owens, who joined the team and brings some playing experience from when she used to be part of the Beaver Falls team according to Walmsley.

“She is not afraid to fire the ball down the court to try and make something happen.”

The head coach points to newcomer Andy Doherty as the Panthers “Rookie of the Year”.

“He was unsure about joining the team but has been a great addition and has really come through for us when we needed it,” adds Walmsley.

For the rookies and returning players alike, a rivalry match-up with crosstown Wolverines was one to note on the schedule.

“The one game that sticks out is our last game of the season versus Ellwood City,” says Walmsley. “It was the victory that allowed us to get to the playoffs, and it is always nice to beat your rival school.”

The Panthers defeated Ellwood City, Beaver Falls, and New Brighton during the regular season. Their lone setback was a loss to Blackhawk.

For the last five years the Panthers and Wolverines bocce teams have played for the Unified Bocce Riv-Ell Trophy and this was the first year Riverside knocked off its rival.

“The kids were very proud to bring the trophy back to where it belongs,” adds Walmsley.

Other moments that the head coach would point out include are Kortnee Bond signing the National Anthem at both of the Panthers home games.

“She did it all from memory with no music and did a great job.”

The roster for the Riverside Bocce Team:
1. James Hogue
2. Kortnee Bond
3. Andy Doherty
4. Kiersten Kanzleiter
5. Brishauna Byrd-Owens
6. Emilee Lample
7. Jianna Curcio
8. Breanna Hoogerbrugge

Head Coach: Mr. Michael Walmsley
Assistant Coach: Mrs. Heather Coulter

The Bocce playoffs will be hosted at Ellwood City on February 20th with the following teams: Blackhawk, Beaver Falls, Riverside, and Ellwood City Team 1.

Division playoffs will consist of 2 total games – semi-finals then finals. If a team wins both games they advance to Geneva College.

photo source: Clark’s Studio