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April 15th,2026
Championship Match Summary | (4) Highwood Stallions vs (6) Bucktown Billy Goats
History didn’t just get written—it got stamped with authority.
The 4 seed Highwood Stallions completed a flawless postseason run and claimed the inaugural title with a commanding sweep of the 6 seed Bucktown Billy Goats. Final scores: 12-8, 12-6, 12-1.
For a moment, it looked like Bucktown might be able to bring the fight to the undefeated favorites. To start Game 1, the Stallions went up 6-0, before Bucktown clawed back to an 8-9 deficit and looked like they might have the game within reach. Then the door slammed shut–and locked.
From that point forward, Highwood unleashed the suffocating execution and relentless pressure that they had promised. “They started hot and that is absolutely the wrong team to give up a big lead to,” said Billy Goats shooter, Andy “One Take” Zimmerman. Across the remainder of the match, the Stallions won 13 of the final 17 frames, including a five-frame undressing in Game 3 to send the Billy Goats into the offseason. “Once we got our stuff going, it was just a little too late,” said Zimmerman. “That third game, we were just outplayed. They started super hot–four stick shots in the first frame… I mean, what are you gonna do about that?”
Across 3 games in the best of 5 series, the Stallions did not trail for a single frame.
Tom “Tommy Tulips” Holleman delivered a masterclass, shooting 9/10 for the match, extending his record hitting streak to 31, and finishing at an elite 83% for the season (1st in the CBL). When he finally missed, after starting the match 5/5, he received a standing ovation from the crowd of 200 plus in attendance at the Chicago Bocce Club, everyone well aware of what they had just witnessed. Timmy “Too Turnt” Tolari set the tone with 82% rolling, tacking on a perfect 2/2 shooting performance when called upon. “Muay Thai” Todd Mikell rose to the moment, anchoring singles with 73% rolling and 65% shooting to keep Billy Goat starter, Alex “Motown” Gara, at bay. As a unit, Highwood shot 75% and rolled 74% on the match, consistently forcing Bucktown to make tough decisions and take low-percentage gambles. “Apply the pressure. Make them shoot. And that can lead to bigger frames,” said Mikell.
The Billy Goats had flashes. The Herd found reasons to get loud from time to time. Gara posted a 71% shooting average and a 69% rolling average for the match, holding things to about even on the singles side. As a team, though, they couldn’t sustain the precision needed to keep up with Highwood, finishing at 59% rolling and 67% shooting–about average for their season, but just not good enough to compete with the hottest team in bocce. “We said we were gonna make the Billy Goat Herd sleep and I felt like we did that today. Nighty night,” said Tolari with a grin on his face.
“I told you before the game, that there was a couple shots we couldn’t miss,” said Gara to the BBN. “I missed two of them in the first game. We needed to take a couple swings and when we swung, it didn’t work out.”
In his post-match interview, emotions palpable in his voice, Zimmerman addressed the experience of competing in his first finals. “This was an incredible experience. This crowd… never played in anything like this. I don’t know if my nerves got the best of me early but I was really fired up. I settled down a little bit. It was just too late. All credit to the Stallions, man. Great season and they closed strong.”
For the champions, when you zoom out, the dominance becomes staggering: a 7-0 game record in playoffs, an 84-36 point differential, and an average margin of victory of 6.9 points per game. Across 66 playoff frames, the Stallions trailed in just four. When asked about what it is that allows their team to be so dominant, Mikell said “We have good chemistry. Throughout the playoffs, we rolled well. Aside from Tom’s shooting streak, when we had pallino in hand, we went on runs.”
Built to race, built to finish—and now, built into history.
“I said it before the game,” Tolari reminded the TV audience. “This is for the City of Highwood and the Highwood Bocce Club… I couldn’t be more proud to represent.”
The Highwood Bocce Club and the City of Highwood get their trophy. The Stallion Battalion gets its parade. The rest of the league gets a standard.
Rewatch the full championship broadcast on BBN—the script writers knew what they were doing with this one.
April 10th, 2026
Championship Match Preview | (4) Highwood Stallions vs (6) Bucktown Billy Goats
Saturday, 4/11 — 12:30pm CT | Chicago Bocce Club | Bocce Broadcast Network
Three weeks after getting swept 12-4, 12-11, the 6 seed Bucktown Billy Goats get their shot at revenge against the 4 seed Highwood Stallions—this time with a championship on the line.
Highwood Stallions — Built to Race
No team looks more dangerous right now. Highwood just ran through the top-seeded Eagles, storming back in both games with ruthless, sustained, elite execution. That’s become their signature—slow and steady until they find a groove, after which point they’ve been able to bury opponents under the suffocating pressure of nearly perfect play. “Open with a strong first ball and pair it with precision shooting,” said Tom “Beach Balls” Holleman after their semifinal win. “That’s been our winning formula on both ends of the court, and one we believe we can win with on Saturday.”
Todd “Born for This” Mikell has been surgical in singles, but the engine all season has been The Firing Squad on doubles: Tim “The Trickster” Tolari’s precision pointing consistently forces the other team to take gambles or make mistakes and the league’s number 1 shooter, Holleman, lurks in the shadows just waiting for his chance to strike at the opponent’s soft underbelly. Once the Stallions get out of the starting gate, the only thing stopping them is themselves. When asked about the opportunity to etch their names in the history books and bring the inaugural trophy up north to Highwood, Mikell said “That has been the motivation for the playoffs. Visualizing winning it all and riding a stallion down Highwood Ave. Need to stay focused on the prize, one game at a time.”
“This is bigger than just us,” said Tolari. “This trophy would be for all 850 members of the Highwood Bocce Club. We’re honored to represent the best bocce club in the country. It’s the reason we’re here, and it’s no coincidence that 32 of the 36 drafted players in the CBL are members of the Highwood Bocce Club. Highwood Bocce Club deserves this trophy. And representing the City of Highwood means just as much. This is home. It’s where I grew up, and it’s where we all take pride in living and competing. This entire season has been for the Highwood Bocce Club and the City of Highwood. Now we’re one match away from making this a reality!”
Keys to Victory (Stallions)
Keep the pressure constant. Mikell doesn’t need to dominate—he just can’t lose control. The more frames we see on Saturday, the better chance the favored Stallions have to win. If Tolari continues to set Holleman up with clean looks, Highwood will control a lot of frames. Their composure is their weapon; if this match stays steady and they don’t let it turn chaotic, it favors them heavily. When the Billy Goat herd finds a reason to get loud, find a way to shut them up.
“The Stallion Battalion showed up in full force Thursday—it was incredible,” said Holleman. “Seeing all the jerseys and hearing them erupt with every point gave us a real lift. We expect even more of that energy on Saturday. It might feel like an away game, but we’re counting on the Stallion Battalion to make their presence felt. And if we do our job on the court, we won’t give the Billy Goat Army much to cheer about—just plenty of chances for our fans to carry us home.”
Bucktown Billy Goats — Chaos, Heart
Entering playoffs as the bottom seed in the league and with a losing record on the season, Bucktown has battled through both the Park Ridge Penguins and the Fulton Market Butchers to earn themselves a shot at history. In Wednesday’s semifinal match against the Butchers, a well-timed lineup shakeup sparked an 8-point comeback in Game 1 and a decisive 6 frame Game 3 demonstrated their ceiling.
At times, Alex “If You’re Gonna Be a Monkey” Gara looked like an animal in singles – a GOAT in the modern sense and a beast in the classical sense. He could be spotted at the end of the court slapping himself in the forehead, willing himself through a less-than-perfect performance to grind his way to a championship bid. “I want it for my team,” said Gara. “I want it for myself. But above all, I want it for Andy. There’s only a few people out there who know how hard this man works, how hard I can be on him sometimes, and how much shit he has to deal with on a daily basis. Every ounce of his heart is poured into this sport and the people around it, and he never gets enough credit. That’s my brother, and I’ll do everything I can to help him win this championship.”
On the doubles side, Billy “Loverboy” Stripeik’s rolling and Andy “The Villain” Zimmerman’s shooting found rhythm when it mattered most, and with the Billy Goat bells ringing courtside, this scrappy bunch of blue-collar gunners scraped and clawed their way to a 28-26 semifinal win. The Billy Goats may not always have the clinical execution of the Highwood Stallions but they’re unpredictable—and that’s a power they’re learning to harness.
Keys to Victory (Billy Goats)
You rolled 31/63 (49%) as a team in the Week 5 loss to the Stallions. You rolled 56/96 (58%) in the semis against the Butchers. Roll better. And be aggressive – together. You’ve lived and died by the sword all season. Don’t stop now. The Stallions are going to be very hard to beat in a long, drawn-out game. If an opportunity to score big presents itself, take it. When you have balls back, you absolutely have to capitalize.
“There will be a couple times a game where missing is not an option,” said Gara. “If we come through in those big moments, we’ll have a good shot at keeping the trophy in Chicago.”
Highwood is the favorite. Bucktown is the wildcard. Both teams have worked for years to earn a spot on this stage. One series will decide whose names go down in history. Saturday, we leave the barn doors open and let ‘em run wild. Who will survive?
April 10th,2026
Semifinal Match 2 Summary | (1) Elmwood Park Eagles vs (4) Highwood Stallions
In an incredible semifinal clash worthy of its billing, the 4 seed Highwood Stallions once again proved they are the kryptonite to the top-seeded Elmwood Park Eagles, sweeping the match in two games to punch their ticket to Saturday’s inaugural CBL Championship. The Stallions will now face the surging Bucktown Billy Goats in a best-of-five finale.
Elmwood Park entered the night as the league’s benchmark—North Division champions riding a six-match winning streak, victorious in every match since their lone regular-season blemish in Week 1… also at the hands of Highwood. The Eagles had already avenged that loss in Week 3 but when the stakes were highest, the Stallions reared their heads again.
After just three frames in Game 1, Highwood found themselves down 6-1. Then they got down to business. The comeback started slowly at first, with a 1 point frame win on the doubles side, and then it snowballed from there. Highwood won 5 straight frames, scoring 11 straight points to take Game 1. Tom “Tommy Tulips” Holleman was electric, adding to his league-record 18 hit streak that he entered the match with, while Todd “Nice n Easy” Mikell clamped down on the Eagles’ superstar, Anthony “Leaderboards” La Barbera, shooting 9/11 for the match and rolling 70%. Timmy “Too Turnt” Tolari locked in at doubles pointing, delivering an exceptional 13/17 (76%) performance, teeing up Holleman for big frame wins over and over again.
The Eagles found resistance in the form of solid contributions from Julian “Back on Track” Batula (8/10 shooting, 7/10 rolling), but La Barbera did not meet his own lofty season averages on the singles side, rolling just 58% and shooting 69% – decent numbers for a lot of players but below average for him. On the doubles side, Anthony “Reels” Martocci (50% match rolling) struggled to maintain ball advantage and in the end, the Eagles just could not stand up to Highwood’s incessant execution.
Game 2 was tighter, with the Eagles again jumping out to a lead but Highwood’s balanced attack once again proved overwhelming, controlling the match on both sides of the court and rattling off 7 straight points in 4 straight frames to complete another comeback and close the book on what has been an incredible first season for the Elmwood Park Eagles. With the victory, Highwood remains the only team to have defeated Elmwood Park this season, handing the Eagles both of their match losses and ending their championship aspirations.
In his post-match interview on BBN, when asked about the Stallions’ seemingly unique ability to beat the otherwise undefeated Eagles, Mikell said “I think Timmy and Tom are great on the doubles side. You put the two of them up against anybody in the league and they’re very strong. We talk to ourselves and keep everyone pretty level-headed. No one is too much of a headcase. If they are, they’re not showing it. We got a lotta talent.”
The Stallions hope to put some more of that talent on display in what is set to be a thrilling conclusion to the season. Highwood will meet the 6 seed Bucktown Billy Goats in Saturday’s best-of-five championship match, a showdown that promises unforgettable drama, unbridled emotion, and history-making performances. Tune into the BBN Saturday at 12:30 CT for pre match interviews and more. You will not want to miss the first shot of the game for Holleman, as it will be a potential record setter. See you in the chat!
April 9th, 2026
Semifinal Match 2 Preview | (1) Elmwood Park Eagles vs (4) Highwood Stallions
Thursday, 4/9 — 6:45pm CT | Chicago Bocce Club | Bocce Broadcast Network
The league’s top seed meets its most proven challenger, as the Elmwood Park Eagles, champions of the North and winners of six straight, face the one team that’s cracked the code– the Highwood Stallions.
Eagles storyline
Elmwood Park has looked every bit the league’s standard since a Week 1 stumble against these very Stallions. Since then, the Eagles have won every match, including a Week 7 win over the Park Ridge Penguins to clinch the North Division pennant, secure the top seed, and earn a playoff bye. Their identity is composure and execution, lead by Anthony “Mr. Guy” La Barbera who has consistently posted the most dominant stat lines imaginable, as the unquestionable lineup lock starter on the singles side for the Eagles. Rested and battle-tested, Elmwood Park enters as favorites—but not without a reminder of what Highwood can do.
Keys for Elmwood Park
Play well on the doubles side. Anthony “Toch” Martocci has finished the season strong but Julian “The Butcher” Batula has struggled as of late as the doubles shooter. Batula is capable of performing as one of the top shooters in the league but we haven’t seen that in weeks. The Stallions are a team that is able to hang with La Barbera on the singles side. The Eagles may need Batula and Martocci to find that extra gear.
Stallions storyline
Highwood arrives red-hot after a historic quarterfinal shooting performance, going 21/22 and completely overwhelming a surging Beverly Jacks team. Tom “Tommy Tulips” Holleman’s active record-setting 18 hit streak and “Muay Thai” Todd Mikell’s potential in singles signal what this team is capable of. “My intention is always to go out and beat him,” said Mikell of his matchup against La Barbera. “When you play conservative in any sport you’ll end up losing. With that said, I need to be focused on when to take risks and when not to, so that in a worst case scenario I’m only giving up singles and doubles. And if I can mitigate Anthony’s offense, I have the utmost confidence that Timmy and Tom will take care of business on their end.”
When asked about how the two teams line up against each other, Timmy “Too Turnt” Tolari said “We believe the doubles side is where this match will be decided. It’s how we beat them before, and it’s how we plan to do it again. We’re the most complete team in the league, and more importantly, we trust each other and play extremely well together. Our focus right now is just sticking to our game and executing.”
Most importantly, for the Highwood Stallions, they carry belief and confidence—this is the only group that has beaten Elmwood Park all season.
Keys for Highwood
Play your roles. Holleman, keep hitting. Tolari, keep pointing. Mikell, lock in on the singles side. When the Stallions execute in their roles, they do so at a level that is very hard for any team to compete with. Plus, harness your confidence. The Stallions are a team that truly believes they can beat anyone and as long as they believe it, it’s true.
The Eagles are the benchmark. The Stallions are the danger. Thursday night, we roll the dice.
Starters:
Elmwood Park Eagles
Anthony La Barbera - singles
Anthony Martocci - doubles pointer
Julian Batula - doubles shooter
Highwood Stallions
Todd Mikell - singles
Tim Tolari - doubles pointer
Tom Holleman - doubles shooter
April 8th,2026
Semifinal Match 1 Summary | (2) Fulton Market Butchers vs (6) Bucktown Billy Goats
In a semifinal that will be remembered as one of the most tense clashes of the Chicago Bocce League’s historic first season, the 6-seed Bucktown Billy Goats toppled the 2-seed Fulton Market Butchers in a gripping three-game series, punching their ticket to the inaugural championship.
Game 1 delivered instant classic status. The Butchers surged ahead 9–1 and later 11–4, seemingly in full control behind steady singles play from Vito “The Chow Hound” Buonsante and the rock solid doubles duo of Patric “I Know a Guy” Gerstmayr and Lauren “McD” McDermott. But the Billy Goats wouldn’t fold their hand. Sparked by a double switch to the lineup, called in by Alex “The Fridge” Gara – Billy “Bone Smasher” Stripeik to the singles side and Mario “Rio de Giardiniera” Dato into doubles pointing – Bucktown mounted a stunning comeback, rattling off eight unanswered points to steal the game 12–11.
McDermott set the tone in Game 2 for the Butchers’ run with her pressure pointing, Gerstmayr followed up with solid shooting and timely sticks, and Buonsante converted on the singles side. Fulton Market ultimately secured the victory 12–4, taking advantage of multiple yard sales by the Billy Goats to force a decisive third game.
With everything on the line, the Billy Goats reverted back to their starting lineup and Game 3 belonged entirely to Bucktown, who raced to a 12–3 win in just six frames. Gara’s 9-0 dominance on the singles side complemented Stripeik’s rolling (27/39 for the match, 69%) and Andy “Waddle Waddle” Zimmerman’s solid shooting to finish off the Butchers’ season and send the Billy Goats to the championship match. The victory marks Bucktown’s third win over Fulton Market this season and solidifies their reputation as the league’s most dangerous underdog.
The Billy Goats now stand one win away from history. They await the result of Thursday’s match between the Eagles and the Stallions to learn their opponent.
April 3rd, 2026
Semifinal Match 1 Preview | (2) Fulton Market Butchers vs (6) Bucktown Billy Goats
Wednesday, 4/8 — 6:45pm CT | Chicago Bocce Club | Bocce Broadcast Network
For the third time this season, the Fulton Market Butchers and Bucktown Billy Goats meet — but this time, it’s win-or-go-home. The history between them is anything but settled: a razor-thin Week 1 clash, followed by a stunning Week 6 statement when the Billy Goats steamrolled the Butchers in a clinical 12-6, 12-6 sweep – and now – a chance to advance to the inaugural championship.
Butchers storyline
Fulton Market enters as the higher seed, but with something to prove. In that Week 6 loss, Vito “Big Chomper” Buonsante (69% rolling, 70% shooting) and Lauren “Smokers Section” McDermott (64% rolling) provided stability, yet the team was overwhelmed by a Bucktown barrage on both sides of the ball (73% rolling, 78% shooting). Still, Buonsante showed fight — accounting for all six Game 2 points on the singles side.
The Butchers have flashed upside all season, but consistency has eluded them at critical moments. “I always strive for perfection out there,” said McDermott. “Despite my overall consistency on the season, there are definitely games where I was not my best. Vito knows these are the frames and games that continue to drive me.” One player that has stepped up bigtime in the Butchers’ wins has been Patric “Nice Tats” Gerstmayr. “I was putting in a lot of time on the practice courts and was definitely feeling more confident,” said Gerstmayr of his early-career evolution. “I think the team really began to gel as the season progressed and it feels like our chemistry is growing every week. It would be amazing to bring home a championship but I think it’s a successful season with or without it. But dammit I want it!”
Keys to victory:
At times this season, the Butchers seem to be getting in their own way – lingering on mistakes, overthinking play calls, not fully committed to decisions. Against a Billy Goat team that brings a rowdy crowd, a mascot that cannot be ignored, and team chemistry that allows them to gain momentum very quickly, the Butchers will need their communication and hive mind to be locked in from frame 1. Look for cross-court communication to be strong and Rob “Special Agent” Schroeder and his sentient clipboard to be sprinkling some classified intelligence into the game-calling.
“Making it to the Championship game would be an excellent outcome considering the road we took here,” said Buonsante. “Winning the division was already an extremely positive step to the future and experience of this team. The goal will always be to win it all. One step at a time.”
Billy Goats storyline
Bucktown arrives as the dangerous six seed and arguably the best home team presence amongst the teams remaining. Their lineup has gone through several iterations over the course of what – at times – has been a disappointing season. “I’m fully confident the Goats are ready to go,” said Billy “Looksmaxxer” Stripeik. “It’s taken some growing pains for our three starters to find our rhythm all on the same night. I think Wednesday night you’ll see a well-oiled machine firing on all cylinders.” The Billy Goats seem to have settled on a lineup where everyone knows their roles and that seems to be a major factor in their recent success. “The difference has revealed itself on the court,” said Andy “Parking Tickets” Zimmerman. “Behind the leadership of Alex in the singles role and Rio stepping up as game manager, we have become comfortable executing the game plan and that has resulted in wins.”
Their Week 6 performance vs this Butchers team was dominant in every sense, led by Alex “I Think He’s Gonna Do It” Gara’s 70% rolling and 81% shooting clinic on the singles side. Stripeik (85% rolling) and Zimmerman (7/10 shooting) powered a doubles unit that produced points in bunches and never let Fulton Market breathe.
Keys to victory:
Get in their heads but don’t lose yours. Gara’s matchup with Buonsante sets the tone, but it’s the doubles pairing of Stripeik and Zimmerman and the pressure of the Billy Goat energy that can break the match open. McDermott has taken 1 shot all season for the Butchers. Get rid of lead shooter Gerstmayr’s balls and force her to shoot. If Bucktown approaches its Week 6 and Quarterfinal shooting marks (78% and 82% respectively), they’ll be difficult to stop.
When asked about potentially earning a spot in Saturday’s upcoming championship match, Gara said “It would mean the world to us. We’re the most Chicago team in the Chicago Bocce League so we stand for Chicago. We represent Chicago.”
“Doesn’t matter who we play or how many times we’ve faced off,” said Zimmerman. “Our greatest opponents are ourselves.”
A semifinal with recent history, contrasting approaches, and everything on the line — this one has all the ingredients.
Starters:
Fulton Market Butchers
Vito Buonsante - singles
Lauren McDermott - doubles pointer
Patric Gerstmayr - doubles shooter
Bucktown Billy Goats
Alex Gara - singles
Billy Stripeik - doubles pointer
Andy Zimmerman - doubles shooter
April 6th,2026
Quarterfinal Match 1 Summary | (4) Highwood Stallions vs (5) Beverly Jacks
In Saturday’s first quarterfinal match, the 4 seed Highwood Stallions delivered a statement performance, knocking off the 5 Beverly Jacks behind the most efficient shooting display the Chicago Bocce League has seen all season. Highwood closed the match an astonishing 21-for-22 shooting as a team, including a jaw-dropping stretch where they hit their first 20 attempts in a row—an avalanche that Beverly simply couldn’t withstand.
“There’s disappointment, of course,” said Jacks’ Player-Manager Lio “Counterstrike” Giannotti. “I take the responsibility of the team’s failure of not getting further in the playoff and feel I let my team and owner down, you don’t compete the way this team did without wanting more. But there’s also pride in how far we came and how hard we fought. What I’ve seen from a group that’s hurting because they care, but also one that’s already talking about what comes next. They’re motivated, they’re hungry, and they understand that this experience — as tough as it is right now — is part of the growth of a championship team.”
The tone was set early. After a hard-fought Week 2 meeting (12-9, 12-10 Stallions), this one was almost never in doubt. Tom “Tommy Tulips” Holleman was the headline act in his return to the lineup, going a perfect 8-for-8 and extending his active streak to 18 consecutive hits, a new league record. In a playoff environment, it was the kind of performance that defines legacies.
“Muay Thai” Todd Mikell (10-for-11, 91% shooting) dominated the singles matchup vs Giannotti, losing only 3 frames over the course of the two game match, while Timmy “Too Turnt” Tolari pointed well (12/16) and shot flawlessly (3/3).
To their credit, the Beverly Jacks showed flashes of the form that made them one of the league’s hottest teams entering the postseason. Miles “The Professor” Russell led the way with an efficient 8-for-10 shooting night, the strongest performance of the day for Beverly. But Giannotti couldn’t replicate his recent magic, pointing just 44% and shooting 46%, and the usual steady-handed Courtney “Strickly Business” Strickland was hot and cold, pointing just 50% for the match. The Jacks’ overall 47% pointing as a team proved too little to suffice against a Stallions lineup that was firing on all cylinders.
“I would like the team to take a couple of weeks away from the game to rest, recharge, and fully appreciate the experience of being semi‑professional bocce players,” said Giannotti when asked about the Jacks’ approach to the offseason. “After this break, we will put together a structured training schedule to refocus our efforts, continue improving our skills, and build on the strong chemistry we have already developed as a team.”
When asked about the emotions of falling short in Season 1, Giannotti said “There’s disappointment, of course. I take the reasonability of the team’s failure of not getting further in the playoff and feel I let my team and owner down, you don’t compete the way this team did without wanting more. But there’s also pride in how far we came and how hard we fought. What I’ve seen from a group that’s hurting because they care, but also one that’s already talking about what comes next. They’re motivated, they’re hungry, and they understand that this experience — as tough as it is right now — is part of the growth of a championship team.”
Catch the full replay now on BBN.
Up next: the Stallions advance to a blockbuster semifinal showdown against the No. 1 seed Elmwood Park Eagles. Thursday. 7 PM. BBN. Don’t miss it.
April 5th,2026
Quarterfinal Match 2 Summary | (3) Park Ridge Penguins vs (6) Bucktown Billy Goats
In a stunning quarterfinal at Chicago Bocce Club, the 6 seed Bucktown Billy Goats stormed past the 3 seed Park Ridge Penguins with a commanding two-game sweep, silencing an energetic Peng Gang crowd and punching their ticket to the semifinals in emphatic fashion.
This was billed as a rematch after Park Ridge’s dominant Week 3 sweep—but without Vanessa “Empress Pengiun” Garippo, the Penguins simply didn’t have the same bite. Chris “Logistics” Prokop stepped into the spotlight and showed flashes (19/34 rolling, 9/14 shooting), but Bucktown relentlessly executed on both sides of the court. Alex “I Think He’s Gonna Do It” Gara delivered a statement performance, going 24/38 (63%) rolling and an elite 8/10 (80%) shooting, decisively controlling the singles matchup.
“Yeah, not advancing in the playoffs was a heartbreaker,” said Penguins’ Player-Manager Sean “Bones” Krone “but we did accomplish most of our goals. Coming into the season, we wanted to finish in the top half of the league, and that felt lofty at the time because every team is loaded with talent. We built a strong fan base that made the highs even better and the lows easier to handle. More importantly, we grew into a real team. At the start we were mostly just friends, and now it genuinely feels like a family.”
Game 1 was competitive early, but Bucktown’s balance began to show. Andy “City Wok” Zimmerman (5/6 rolling, 14/17 shooting) and Billy “The Mustache” Stripeik (14/23 rolling, 1/1 shooting) powered a clinical attack, while Park Ridge struggled to string together frame wins.
Then came the avalanche.
From the end of Game 1 through all of Game 2, Bucktown captured 13 of the final 15 frames of the match, turning tension into domination. While Brigid “Houston We Have a Solution” Reidy managed a solid rolling performance in relief (7/10), the Penguins’ shooting faltered (team 14/26, 54%), while the Goats surged (23/28, 82%), allowing Bucktown to control both ends of the court. Park Ridge’s doubles unit, asked to carry the brunt of the load, couldn’t keep pace as Bucktown dictated tempo and capitalized on nearly every opening.
The final tally told the story: Bucktown outscored Park Ridge 20–13 across the two games, but the real damage came in that decisive 15 frame stretch where the Goats looked unstoppable.
For a team that entered the playoffs reeling after a Week 7 collapse, this was a complete reversal—poise, firepower, and execution all arriving at once.
“Getting eliminated always hurts, especially after a season like this,” said Krone. “We had high expectations and didn’t meet them. There’s no way around that. But at the same time, there’s pride in what we built. I’d say we’re equal parts disappointed and proud. This offseason, we’re not disappearing. We’re planning to stay connected and intentional about getting better. We’ll have regular team get-togethers, at least once a month, and we’ll keep competing and building chemistry so we come back stronger.”
Relive every frame of this electric upset on BBN, and don’t miss what’s next: the red-hot Billy Goats take on the surging Fulton Market Butchers in the semifinals Wednesday at 7pm CT, live on BBN.
April 3rd, 2026
Quarterfinals Match 2 Preview | (3) Park Ridge Penguins vs (6) Bucktown Billy Goats
Saturday, 4/4 — 1pm CT | Chicago Bocce Club | Bocce Broadcast Network
The #3 Park Ridge Penguins host the #6 Bucktown Billy Goats in a quarterfinal rematch Saturday at Chicago Bocce Club, airing live on Bocce Broadcast Network at 1pm CT. Park Ridge swept the Week 3 meeting between these two teams by a combined score of 24–6, but both sides arrive with fresh urgency after turbulent Week 7 finales.
Penguins storyline:
Park Ridge pushed the top-seeded Eagles to the brink last week before falling in three, flashing both their ceiling and their Achilles’ heel. But they’ll be without their catalyst: Vanessa “Spicy Giardiniera” Garippo is out of the lineup, a major blow to both their rolling and shooting consistency. Chris “Logistics” Prokop steps into the singles role, a shift that will test the Penguins’ depth in their biggest match of the season. Mickey “The Pimp” Niewierowski remains a dynamic presence, capable of flipping frames, but pointing inconsistency (just 54% in that loss) still looms large. Park Ridge will look for “Dialed In” Dave Krone to improve upon his 8/16 rolling in Week 7.
Keys for Park Ridge:
Stabilize the singles side with Prokop and clean up the pointing game early to avoid giving Bucktown extra looks. If Niewierowski and the doubles unit can convert on their end, the Penguins can advance to the semis, where Garippo would again be available for them.
Billy Goats storyline:
Bucktown’s collapse against Beverly—swept and outscored 24-12 over those 20 frames in Week 7—dropped them from first in their division to the league’s bottom seed. Alex “Is He Gonna Do It” Gara continues to be solid on the singles side of the court and the Goats have shown flashes of the excellence that fueled their midseason surge. This feels like a team that can catch fire and roll through anyone or catch ON fire and stop, drop, and roll themselves right off the court and out the doors of the CBC.
Keys for Bucktown:
Start fast and stay balanced. Gara has to win the singles matchup against Prokop, while the doubles side needs to rediscover its rolling and shooting prowess. Most importantly, Bucktown cannot let one bad frame snowball—something that has been all-too-often the script for this team.
Starters:
Park Ridge
Chris Prokop - Singles
Dave Krone - Doubles Pointer
Mickey Niewierowski - Doubles Shooter
Bucktown
Alex Gara - Singles
Billy Stripeik - Doubles Pointer
Andy Zimmerman - Doubles Shooter
April 3rd, 2026
Quarterfinals Match 1 Preview | (4) Highwood Stallions vs (5) Beverly Jacks
Saturday, 4/4 — 10:45am CT | Chicago Bocce Club | Bocce Broadcast Network
A lookback at a razor-thin Week 2 meeting sets the stage for a high-stakes rematch as the Highwood Stallions host the surging Beverly Jacks in a best-of-three quarterfinal. Highwood took the Week 2 clash in a tight two-game sweep (12-9, 12-10), but both sides arrive Saturday with 5 more weeks of franchise history under their belts.
Highwood Stallions Storyline:
The Stallions limp in after a late-season stumble, including last week’s gut-punch loss to Fulton Market where a furious comeback fell just short. The huge positive? They’re finally whole. Tom “Tommy Tulips” Holleman and Todd “Muay Thai” Mikell return, restoring the exact lineup that handled Beverly earlier this year. With Timmy “Too Turnt” Tolari alongside Holleman in doubles and Mikell anchoring singles, Highwood gets its balance—and identity—back at the perfect time.
Keys to Victory (Highwood)
It starts with rediscovering their efficiency. The Stallions dominated the first meeting by rolling 79% and shooting 73%. They’ll also need to avoid the lapses that plagued last week’s lineup—missed rolls in key moments proved costly. Expect a precise, methodical attack from these three starters.
Beverly Jacks Storyline:
Few teams enter hotter. Beverly’s emphatic sweep of Bucktown flipped the standings and showcased their ceiling. Lio “Heat Streak” Giannotti is on a shooting tear (18 for his last 19), while Courtney “Autographs” Strickland and Miles “Sottomano” Russell have been one of the league’s most effective doubles pairings when they’ve found their rhythm. This is a confident, cohesive group peaking at the right moment—and eager to avenge a narrow Week 2 defeat and prove that their mid-season struggles are far behind them.
Keys to Victory (Beverly)
The formula is clear: sustain their recent shooting surge and tighten the margins. They shot just 60% in the first meeting despite strong rolling (68%); that gap proved decisive. If Giannotti stays hot and the doubles unit converts on its opportunities, they’ll have a chance to upset the 4 seed.
With both teams at full strength and separated by only a few frames back in Week 2, expect a playoff match that comes down to which team converts when the opportunities present themselves.
Starters
Highwood
Todd Mikell - Singles
Tim Tolari - Doubles Pointer
Tom Holleman - Doubles Shooter
Beverly
Lio Giannotti - Singles
Courtney Strickland - Doubles Pointer
Miles Russell - Doubles Shooter
April 3rd,2026
Week 7 Match 3 Summary | Park Ridge Penguins vs Elmwood Park Eagles
The stakes had never been higher – and in front of a packed house at the Chicago Bocce Club, the Elmwood Park Eagles delivered again.
In a dramatic Week 7 Battle for the North, the Eagles took down the Park Ridge Penguins two games to one, clinching the North Division pennant and the league’s #1 overall seed, heading into the playoffs.
Game 1 opened with a statement from the Park Ridge Penguins, who scored the last 7 points, en route to a 12–7 win. With that win, the Penguins had a couple of paths to claim the North Division title but, as they’ve done all season, the Elmwood Park Eagles responded quickly in Game 2. A double switch to the lineup on the doubles side immediately turned the tide and the Eagles cruised to a 12-5 victory in just 7 frames to even the series. With that margin of victory, the Eagles need to score just one point in the third game to clinch the pennant and the playoff bye.
One man. One frame.
Anthony “Bolognese” La Barbera put the Eagles over the top, scoring two points in the first frame of Game 3, putting the capstone on what has been an incredible first regular season for the young man from Elmwood Park. He finishes the regular season with the 2nd best shooting percentage in the league (78%), the 2nd best rolling percentage (68%), and the best plus/minus (+60) by an eye-popping 34 points over second place. La Barbera removed himself from the third game, giving Julian “Small Shoes” Batula an opportunity to slot into singles and find his stride heading into playoffs. The Penguins made a push, winning 6 frames in a row, but ultimately the Eagles pulled out the Game 3 victory and match victory, scoring the final 8 points of the match.
The Penguins, true to form, brought the energy. Vanessa “Pool Shark” Garippo (20/31 rolling, 6/9 shooting) and Mickey “Shoelaces” Niewierowski (7/8 shooting) provided sparks, but pointing inconsistency ultimately proved costly (54% as a team). Park Ridge finishes the regular season as the #2 team in the North and #3 overall, a strong showing for a team that was projected by many in the pre-season to be near the bottom of the league.
For Elmwood Park, it’s six straight wins and a statement heading into the postseason. They’ll enjoy a first-round bye while awaiting the winner of Highwood vs. Beverly—rested, confident, and absolutely the team to beat.
Park Ridge now turns its attention to a Saturday playoff clash with the 6 seed Bucktown Billy Goats, looking to channel that #penggang chaos into a deep run.
April 1st, 2026
Week 7 Match 3 Preview | Park Ridge Penguins vs Elmwood Park Eagles
Thursday, 4/2 — 6:45pm CT | Chicago Bocce Club | Bocce Broadcast Network
The inaugural North Division Pennant and a first round playoff bye hang in the balance as the league-leading Elmwood Park Eagles meet the scrappy underdog Park Ridge Penguins in a decisive regular season finale. It’s a Week 5 rematch, won by Elmwood Park in three, but both sides arrive sharper and with a point to prove.
Eagles storyline:
Elmwood Park has looked every bit the league’s top seed, riding a +41 point differential and a five-match win streak since their lone loss in Week 1. They edged Park Ridge in Week 5 without Anthony “Family Guy” La Barbera — and now the league’s most complete player is back. La Barbera (Player of the Match in Weeks 1 & 4) boasts elite efficiency (78.6% shooting, 67.3% rolling, +53 plus/minus) and headlines a balanced lineup that features Julian “Nope” Batula and Franco “The Killer” DeLuca on the doubles side.
In his postgame interview after the Week 5 matchup vs the Penguins, Eagles’ Player-Owner Anthony “The Undertaker” Martocci said “...if you fall behind, their bench starts yelling like psychos,” a statement that highlights the major difference between the approach of these two squads. “The Eagles will be ready to battle, as we always are,” said Martocci. “We expect those psychos to be all wound up, and to be honest, we could care less. Maybe we’ll bring some straight jackets. But what we definitely won’t do, is believe the hype. The greatest bocce fans are in Elmwood Park and they’re watching us and with us ..and we’re bringing them the North Division title they deserve. That’s that.” After a gritty three-game win over Beverly in Week 6, the Eagles are determined to slam the door on these “psycho” Penguins.
Keys for Elmwood Park:
Let La Barbera eat. Regain consistent shooting on the doubles side (55% in Week 6). Avoid lapses that forced three-game matches the last two weeks. Don’t let the “psychos” get in your head.
Penguins storyline:
Park Ridge has been resilient — sweeping Highwood in Week 4, pushing Elmwood Park to the brink in Week 5, and rallying past Highwood again in Week 6. Vanessa “Spray n Pray” Garippo (Week 4 Player of the Match) returns to singles after a walk-off winner against these Eagles in Game 2 of their first matchup, while Mickey “Slenderman” Niewierowski and Dave “Funnycide” Krone anchor doubles. Garippo will have her work cut out for her on the singles side against MVP candidate, La Barbera. Penguins’ Owner Nick “The Visionary” Draus commented on the singles matchup. “Vanessa has proven time and time again that she’s one of the most capable players, not just in the room, but in the league, the country, and honestly, the planet,” said Draus. “No question Anthony is elite, but anyone who’s watched this season knows the same is true about our girl, V. Expect her to point him to death and snipe pallinos if he tries to play too sticky.” The Penguins’ shooting has improved from 48% early to a constant 60% since Week 5, but that number still sits below league average and inconsistency still lingers.
Niewierowski is coming off of his second career Player of the Match performance and will look to provide not only the solid shooting performance but the spark of energy that the Penguins so heavily rely on. “When Tocc called us psychos, we all took it a little differently,” said Draus. “We laughed, laughed, Mickey got fired up, and Dave immediately started cooking up the reel you saw. Honestly, it felt like his way of tipping his cap to the passion we bring, and you can absolutely expect to see plenty of that on display in today’s match and we appreciate the peng gang acknowledgement from Toch, the rest of CBL, and BBN. We’ll have a packed igloo for Thursday for our fans!” Expect bleachers and a rail at the Chicago Bocce Club packed with psychos sporting #penggang scarves and jerseys.
Keys for Park Ridge:
Garippo has to find a way to mitigate La Barbera and if not win frames, at least limit his scoring. Penguins have to elevate shooting efficiency and take advantage of every opportunity to keep pace with Elmwood Park’s clinical attack.
With the whole season on the line and a rivalry brewing, expect another hard fought battle to decide the North Division pennant and overall 1 seed, going into playoffs.
Starting Lineups:
Penguins
Vanessa Garippo (singles)
Dave Krone (doubles-pointer)
Mickey Niewierowski (doubles-shooter)
Eagles
Anthony La Barbera (singles)
Franco DeLuca (doubles -pointer)
Julian Batula (doubles-shooter)
How to watch: Tune into youtube.com/@boccebroadcastnetwork at 6:45 CT this Thursday.
March 31st,2026
Week 7 Match 2 Summary | Highwood Stallions vs Fulton Market Butchers
In a Week 7 showdown that held playoff implications, the Fulton Market Butchers delivered a dramatic two-game sweep over the Highwood Stallions, clinching the South Division title in the process and securing a coveted first-round bye.
Game 1 was all Butchers. They dominated early and often, cruising to a 12–3 victory behind clinical execution on both sides. Fulton Market posted a blistering 80% shooting clip in the match, led by Vito “Big Chomper” Buonsante (12/15 shooting) and Patric “Tequila” Gerstmayr (4/5), while Lauren “Coors Light” McDermott anchored doubles with a strong rolling presence. The Stallions, by contrast, struggled to find rhythm—managing just 9 hits on 20 attempts and a well below average 46% team rolling mark.
Then in Game 2, the Butchers exploded out of the gate, storming to an 11–2 lead and seemingly ending all suspense. In the commentary booth, Mike “That’s a Bad Ball” Scialdone had declared Fulton Market the South Division champions. The conclusion was foregone. All that remained was a routine finish—and Buonsante stepped up with a wide-open, 15-foot point attempt.
He missed.
What followed was stunning. Highwood, led by Tim “Skip Shot” Tolari (21/37 rolling, 4/11 shooting), consecutive strong frames from Kyle “The Baboon” Kuebler, and a suddenly energized squad, rattled off nine unanswered points to tie the match at 11–11. The doubles unit—the target of a lot of questions coming into the match—had found some life.
But in the end, the 9 point deficit proved to be too much to completely overcome.
Entering the final frame in an 11-11 tie, the Stallions missed three consecutive rolls and the Butchers slammed the door shut, closing out the match 12–11 and completing the sweep.
With the win, the Butchers finish atop the South Division and head into the playoffs with a bye. Highwood, despite flashes of greatness early in the season, will enter as the overall 4 seed after a late-season slide. They’ll face the 5 seed Beverly Jacks in the opening round this Saturday.
And it all comes down to this: the final regular season clash between the Park Ridge Penguins and Elmwood Park Eagles hits the court Thursday, with the North Division title and the final playoff bye on the line. It’s gonna be a scene at the CBC.
March 31st,2026
Week 7 Match 1 Summary | Bucktown Billy Goats vs Beverly Jacks
The script was set for a Bucktown coronation. Instead, the Beverly Jacks tore it to shreds.
In a stunning Week 7 showdown with the South Division on the line, the Jacks swept the Bucktown Billy Goats in straight games, silencing the home crowd and flipping the postseason picture on its head. Bucktown entered needing just one game win to clinch the pennant. They didn’t get it—and now, in a dramatic twist, they fall to last place overall heading into the playoffs.
Game 1 told the story early: Beverly controlled the tempo, grinding out a 12–6 win behind efficient shooting and the improved pointing that was highlighted in the Match Preview. Then, between the end of Game 1 and the beginning of Game 2, the Jacks won 9 straight frames, going up 8-0 in Game 2 and never looking back, on their way to completing the sweep.
The headline? Lio “Watch Your Toes” Giannotti. After a perfect Week 6, he continued his dominance—now an astonishing 17-for-18 shooting over his last two matches. His precision shooting (4/5 in this match, 80%) repeatedly punished Bucktown mistakes. Courtney “Strickland Propane” Strickland’s high-volume rolling (20/28, 71%) set the table, while Miles “Belt” Russell (5/6 shooting) and Giannotti formed a lethal finishing duo. Lilia “The Mayor of Ukrainian Village” Zaparaniuk followed up her stellar performance in Week 6 with a serviceable stat line (12/20 rolling) and some timely points under pressure. As a team, the Jacks shot 61% for the match and raised their team rolling average from 54% in Week 6 to 64% in Week 7.
Bucktown, by contrast, never found their rhythm. Alex “Everything is Still Fine” Gara (10/15 shooting) provided sparks, but the Goats couldn’t sustain the “70-70” balance that fueled their late-season surge. The chemistry and confidence from their Week 4 rout never resurfaced in the rematch. As we’ve seen time and time again this season, once things started to slip for the Billy Goats, they were never able to recover, finishing with a -14 point differential for the match.
The result sends shockwaves through the standings: Beverly jumps from the 6-seed to the 5-seed and—briefly—into first place in the South before the Butchers reclaimed it later in the day. Bucktown’s collapse is complete. They will enter the playoffs as the 6 seed and await the results of Thursday’s match to learn their opponent.
For fans, this one is worth a rewatch on BBN—a season-defining upset packed with drama.
And don’t miss Thursday’s finale: Park Ridge Penguins vs. Elmwood Park Eagles. The North Division crown—and a coveted playoff bye—hangs in the balance in the final match of the league’s historic inaugural regular season.
March 28th, 2026
Week 7 Match 2 Preview | Highwood Stallions vs Fulton Market Butchers
Sunday, 3/29 — 1pm CT | Chicago Bocce Club | Bocce Broadcast Network
The inaugural regular season in the Chicago Bocce League nears its close with a high-stakes, first-time clash as the Highwood Stallions meet the Fulton Market Butchers in a Week 7 decider at the Chicago Bocce Club. Both sides are playoff-bound, but Sunday’s result will shape the bracket.
Highwood Stallions
Highwood enters off a gut-punch loss to Park Ridge, a match that exposed their biggest question: can they sustain cohesion across three games, with a depleted lineup? Tim “Timmy Too Turnt” Tolari continues to deliver on the singles side, backing up his reputation with 65% rolling and 70% shooting for the season, and he’ll again be asked to carry a heavy load. But the Stallions’ doubles unit has been volatile—capable of explosive runs, yet prone to breakdowns under pressure. After dominating Game 1 in Week 6, the Stallions unraveled as execution slipped.
Keys to victory:
For Highwood, it starts with stabilizing doubles. Clearer communication from both sides of the court is a must if they hope to string together frame wins. Their Week 6 36% shooting average on the doubles side won’t get the job done against the Butchers.
Fulton Market Butchers
The Butchers were outclassed in a Week 6 sweep by Bucktown, where elite opposing shooting exposed their inability to respond in kind. Vito “Tow Zone” Buonsante and Lauren “Smokers’ Section” McDermott provided steady rolling (both above 60%), but Fulton Market struggled to put together consecutive frames across both games against the Billy Goats.
Still, the foundation is there. Buonsante remains a reliable presence in singles, and on the doubles side, we’ve seen flashes of greatness from the McDermott-Gerstmayr duo.
Keys to victory:
The Butchers must elevate their shooting efficiency from Week 6 (9/17 53%). They are more than capable of hanging with any team, but without timely hits, they’re conceding momentum too easily. Expect them to lean on Buonsante to control singles while demanding sharper, more aggressive execution from the doubles pairing.
With playoff positioning on the line and no prior history between these sides, expect a tense, tactical battle—one that may ultimately come down to which team handles the high pressure moments best under the bright lights of the CBL.
March 28th, 2026
Week 7 Match 1 Preview | Bucktown Billy Goats vs Beverly Jacks
Sunday, 3/29 — 11am CT | Chicago Bocce Club | Bocce Broadcast Network
The final week of the regular season has arrived! After a decisive sweep in Week 4, the Bucktown Billy Goats welcome the Beverly Jacks back for a high-stakes rematch with the South Division title on the line. Bucktown needs just one win to clinch the crown and a first-round bye in the playoffs; Beverly arrives with a chance to play spoiler and rewrite the script.
Billy Goats Storyline
Bucktown has surged behind elite efficiency on both sides. Alex “Who Am I” Gara continues to anchor the attack, pairing a 70% rolling clip with 81% shooting in Week 6, while Billy “Let’s Go to Dinner Mike, Oh Wait I Already Left” Stripeik delivered a clinical Week 6 showing (11/13 rolling, 1/1 shooting). Also on the doubles side, Andy “Bobandy” Zimmerman’s steady shooting (71% for the season) and balanced team production (73% rolling, 78% shooting in Week 6) has made them difficult to crack, as of late. After a 24-12 aggregate win in the last meeting, confidence is high – and justified.
Keys to Victory (Billy Goats)
Rhythm and Groove. Their edge comes from team chemistry, trust, and a willingness to take chances together. Another 70-70 team stat line likely seals it.
Beverly Jacks Storyline
Beverly’s path lies in tightening execution. Lilia “Lil Zap” Zaparaniuk (24/32 75% rolling Week 6) has been a bright spot, while Lio “Watch Your Toes” Giannotti’s flawless 13/13 shooting in Week 6 shows the ceiling this lineup can reach. Still, the Jacks’ overall rolling (54% in Week 6) is both a cause and a result of them finding themselves in bad situations. A cleaner, more controlled performance is essential to flip the result and is something we know their lineup is more than capable of achieving.
Keys to Victory (Jacks)
Roll better. Simple. Non-negotiable. Leverage Giannotti’s heat streak. If his shooting stays hot, Beverly can swing tight frames and score big when the opportunity presents itself. Pounce on the Goats and don’t let them build momentum.
With the division on the brink and redemption in play, Sunday’s rematch carries postseason weight—and no shortage of urgency.
March 28th,2026
Week 6 Match 3 Summary | Fulton Market Butchers vs Bucktown Billy Goats
The rematch billed as a potential classic never reached that point - because the Bucktown Billy Goats made sure of it.
In a departure from their razor-thin Week 1 victory over the Fulton Market Butchers, Bucktown delivered a clinical, two-game sweep (12–6, 12–6) on the feature court at the CBC, seizing sole possession of first place in the South Division and putting themselves on the doorstep of a playoff bye.
From the opening frames, the Billy Goats looked like a team on a mission. Alex “The South is Fine” Gara set the tone in singles, pairing efficient rolling (14/20, 70%) with elite shooting (13/16, 81%) to neutralize Vito “Big Toe” Buonsante in the first game.
In doubles, Billy “The Kid” Stripeik was lights out, delivering an 85% rolling performance and hitting the only shot he took, to complete a 4 point frame for the Goats. Andy “Wherever You Need Me” Zimmerman anchored the back end with 7 hits on 10 attempts. Bucktown’s team shooting (21/27, 78%) overwhelmed a Butchers side that simply couldn’t keep pace, despite solid rolling from Buonsante (69%) and Lauren “McDizzle” McDermott (64%).
Game 1 saw Bucktown methodically build control, before closing it out 12-6. Game 2 was like a runaway truck. The Billy Goats won the second game in just 7 frames, scoring 11 points in 3 frames on the doubles side. Buonsante won 3 out of 4 frames on the singles side, scoring all 6 points for the Butchers in Game 2, but the Goats had an answer every time.
The result flips the division on its head. With the win, the Billy Goats now control their destiny: win just one game in tomorrow’s regular season finale, and they clinch the South Division pennant and a coveted first-round bye in the playoffs.
For Fulton Market, the loss halts their momentum at the worst possible time, raising urgent questions heading into Week 7. There have been glimpses of greatness the last couple weeks for the Butchers, but they are running out of time to hit their stride.
The first two matches of Week 7 hit the courts Sunday morning in the final slate of the historic inaugural regular season. Playoff positions, byes, and division titles are all in play.
March 28th,2026
Week 6 Match 2 Summary | Park Ridge Penguins vs Highwood Stallions
After the first game on Saturday morning, it looked like the Highwood Stallions might flip the North Division script. Instead, the Park Ridge Penguins delivered one of the grittiest match reversals of the season.
After being blitzed 12-3 in Game 1, Park Ridge stormed back to take the next two, 12-1 and 12-11, clinching a dramatic Week 6 series and tightening their race against the Elmwood Park Eagles for the North Division crown.
Game 1 belonged entirely to Highwood. Tim “Vote for Me” Tolari set the tone early, and the Stallions piled up points in bunches, exposing the same inconsistencies that have reared their heads at times throughout the season for the Penguins. But from the beginning of Game 2, the match flipped.
Vanessa “Vibes” Garippo responded with a commanding performance (30/50 rolling for the match, 10/13 shooting), stabilizing singles and reasserting control. The Penguins followed her lead in Game 2, suffocating Highwood 12-1 in just 6 frames behind relentless pressure, cleaner decision-making, and timely game-management.
Game 3 was a battle that swung back and forth, frame by frame, before Park Ridge edged it 12-11, surviving a late 4-frame rally from the Stallions. Mickey “Big Stick” Niewierowski and Dave “I Just Do What I’m Told” Krone provided timely support, while Park Ridge’s shooting unit improved just enough (61% for the match as a team) to outlast Highwood’s surges.
For the Stallions, Tolari backed up the pre-match hype with a strong all-around showing (61% rolling, 60% shooting) but the lineup’s lack of cohesion on the doubles side ultimately surfaced in the tightest moments.
Two weeks after a sweep, Park Ridge proves it can win the hard way too.
Rewatch every moment of this instant classic on BBN, and don’t miss Sunday’s slate in a decisive Week 7 as the CBL’s historic inaugural season races toward the playoffs.
March 27th, 2026
Week 6 Match 3 Preview | Fulton Market Butchers vs Bucktown Billy Goats
Saturday, 3/28 — 1pm CT | Chicago Bocce Club | Bocce Broadcast Network
A heavyweight rematch graces the feature court this Saturday, at the CBC. The first meeting between the Fulton Market Butchers and Bucktown Billy Goats set the tone for the season = a razor-thin, three game battle (12-11, 10-12, 12-11) from which Bucktown emerged victorious. Now, with first place in the South Division separated by a single point, this Week 6 clash carries playoff implications, with a bye hanging in the balance.
Fulton Market Butchers storyline
Fulton Market enters as the division leader, but momentum has come in waves. A Week 4 sweep loss exposed cracks, yet their Week 5 response - a gritty three-game win over the Jacks - reaffirmed their resilience. Vito “Tiles for Miles” Buonsante, fresh off Player of the Match honors, anchors singles after a composed, clutch performance versus the veteran Lio “Hit Streak” Giannotti. In doubles, Patric “Patric Makes Perfect” Gerstmayr (67% shooting last match) continues to impress early in his career, while Lauren “McLauren Motors” McDermott typically steady-handed rolling has come and gone at times this season. The Butchers will roll out the same starting lineup that earned them the victory in Week 5.
Keys to victory - Butchers
Harness the momentum of last week’s win and find the rhythm pointing on both sides of the court. Last week’s 45% as a team will probably not be enough to get the job done again. If Buonsante continues to find his form in his return to the lineup, Fulton Market can dictate the match.
Bucktown Billy Goats storyline
Bucktown sits just one point back in the South despite a league worst -35 point differential. After a dominant Week 4 sweep versus the Jacks, they were stunned by a Highwood comeback in Week 5, including a crushing 12-11 Game 2 collapse, on a missed raffa in the final frame. Alex “Supreme Leader” Gara remains the focal point in singles, coming off elite shooting stretches, but will have his work cut out for him versus Buonsante. The doubles pairing of Andy “Bits” Zimmerman and Billy “I Already Have a Bocce Nickname” Stripeik brings back balance, with Zimmerman’s two-way capabilities and Stripeik’s ability to execute consistently once he finds his touch.
Keys to victory - Billy Goats
Finish what you start, but first, get something started. At times the Billy Goats have fallen behind and games have quickly spiraled out of control. If the Goats can start strong and maintain composure late, they have every tool to repeat their Week 1 result.
Expect another thriller. With two hungry teams whose seasons have seen some high highs and some low lows, Saturday may come down to a single ball once again.
REMINDER - WE WILL ALSO BE LIVE THIS SUNDAY AT 11AM CT FOR BUCKTOWN VS BEVERLY AND HIGHWOOD VS FULTON MARKET.
March 27th, 2026
Week 6 Match 2 Preview | Park Ridge Penguins vs Highwood Stallions
Saturday, 3/28 — 11am CT | Chicago Bocce Club | Bocce Broadcast Network
Two weeks after a decisive sweep, the Park Ridge Penguins (3-2, 8-5, 10pts) host the Highwood Stallions (3-2, 7-5, 9pts) in a pivotal North Division rematch with playoff positioning on the line.
Penguins storyline
Park Ridge handled Highwood 24-15 across two games in Week 4, powered by a dominant singles showing from Vanessa “Emperor Penguin” Garippo and clinical shooting from Chris “Hands Up” Prokop. But momentum stalled in Week 5 with a three-game loss to Elmwood Park, exposing inconsistency. Garippo remains the engine. Her walk-off winner in Game 2 last week underscored her ability to execute in the clutch and she’ll again anchor singles, where she previously dismantled Todd “Thai Guy” Mikell 13–5 and will be up against a high-performing Tim “Two Times” Tolari this time. With Prokop (7/9 shooting in that earlier meeting) and Brigid “We Definitely Landed on the Moon” Reidy rounding out doubles, Park Ridge will look to ride the energy of their fans and bench to a repeat victory over the Stallions.
Keys to victory Penguins
Continue to improve shooting numbers and make good choices - questionable decisions cost them in Week 5. If Garippo controls singles again and Reidy and Prokop stay solid, Park Ridge can apply pressure to a less experienced Stallions lineup and avoid another disappointing, error-prone finish.
Stallions storyline
Highwood rebounded from that Week 4 sweep by dismantling Bucktown in Week 5, but faces a major lineup shift. With Todd Mikell and Tom “Bank Holiday” Holleman out, the Stallions turn to Tim Tolari at singles after his standout Week 4 (6/8 rolling, 10/12 shooting). Dave “Mercenary” Silvani returns to the doubles shooter role, while Kyle “Ooh Ooh Ah Ah” Kuebler is set for a season debut. The talent is there, but the chemistry is untested. Joe “How’s The Weather Up There” Blumenshine will also be available on the bench for this match. With both Holleman and Mikell inactive, Blumenshine is being called up from the practice squad.
Keys to victory - Stallions
Tolari must neutralize Garippo to flip the script. In doubles, Silvani’s efficiency and Kuebler’s composure under the bright lights will be critical against a proven Penguins pair.
With both teams chasing first place in the North and playoff bye, this match could hinge on which team finds their stride first, especially with Highwood’s somewhat untested starting lineup.
REMINDER - WE WILL ALSO BE LIVE THIS SUNDAY AT 11AM CT FOR BUCKTOWN VS BEVERLY AND HIGHWOOD VS FULTON MARKET.
March 27th,2026
Week 6 Match 1 Summary | Beverly Jacks vs Elmwood Park Eagles
In a matchup billed as David vs Goliath, the league-leading Elmwood Park Eagles proved once again why they sit atop the standings, but not without surviving one of the most dramatic Game 3 finishes of the season.
The Eagles took the match 2 games to 1 over the Beverly Jacks, extending their match winning streak to 5 straight and tightening their grip on the first overall seed with just two weeks remaining in this historic inaugural season.
Game 1 - Jacks Strike First
Beverly came out swinging, delivering one of their most complete efforts of the year. With their starting shooter, Lio “Heat Check” Giannotti, fighting through an injury, the Jacks executed efficiently in their respective roles. They found consistency with their rolling on the doubles side, led by Lilia “Brace Yourself” Zaparaniuk’s 24/32 (75%) performance. Miles “Toolbelt” Russell mitigated the dominance of Anthony “Clip It” La Barbera on the singles side, while the Jacks won every frame on the doubles side. Beverly edged the opener 12-8, showing the same flashes that nearly toppled Fulton Market a week prior.
Game 2 - Eagles Respond
With Giannotti forced to pull himself due to injury, resulting in a lineup change on the doubles side for the Jacks, Elmwood Park answered emphatically. Behind a balanced attack and strong shooting efficiency (72% for the match as a team), they controlled the pace from the start, scoring the first 8 points of the game. La Barbera made his presence felt early and often, and the Eagles cruised to a 12-5 win to even the series.
Game 3 - Instant Classic
Then came the chaos.
Giannotti returned - and caught fire. The Jacks’ sharpshooter rattled off 14 consecutive hits over the course of the match, putting Beverly on the brink of a signature upset. With the Jacks sitting on match point, what appeared to be his 15th straight hit and a match winner was waved off due to a devastating foot foul.
Instead of a Jacks victory, the call flipped momentum entirely.
The next frame, with the score now knotted at 11-11, La Barbera delivered. Leaning on the two-way dominance highlighted in the match preview, he closed the door in the final frame, sealing a 12-11 win and the series for Elmwood Park.
The Takeaway
Beverly proved again they’re far better than their record suggests - pushing the league’s top team to the absolute brink. But as their season story continues, so does the same theme: lack of execution in the biggest moments. Elmwood Park, meanwhile, survives and marches on.
Player of the Match voting is live on our homepage. Saturday’s Week 6 matches will be live on Bocce Broadcast Network, starting at 10:45am CT. Tune in for all the drama, as the playoff scene starts to take shape.
March 25th, 2026
Week 6 Match 1 Preview | Beverly Jacks vs Elmwood Park Eagles
Thursday, 3/26 — 7 p.m. CT | Chicago Bocce Club | Bocce Broadcast Network
It’s a classic David vs. Goliath this Saturday as the last-place Beverly Jacks (1-4) host the league-leading Elmwood Park Eagles (4-1) in their lone regular-season meeting.
Jacks storyline:
Beverly enters on a four-match skid, but there are signs of life beyond the numbers. After being swept by Bucktown in Week 4, the Jacks pushed Fulton Market to the brink in a three-game loss last week, flashing a 75% shooting surge and elite individual efforts. Lio “Quartz Not Quartzite” Giannotti’s 81% shooting nearly got the job done. Miles “Smooth Stroke” Russell continues to anchor the lineup with top-tier efficiency (72.8% shooting), while Courtney “USA” Strickland provides steady two-way production. Lilia “Kansas City” Zaparaniuk looks to provide rolling stability for the Jacks in her first career start. With only a -8 point differential, the Jacks seem like a team that could do some damage once they find their recipe for success, as we write this first chapter of their franchise history.
Keys for Beverly:
Roll better (51% as a team in Weeks 4 & 5). Close out games.
Eagles storyline:
Elmwood Park hasn’t lost since Week 1 and sits atop the league with a +37 differential, but Week 5 showed again that they’re far from invincible. After nearly sweeping Park Ridge, they were stunned by a Game 2 walk-off by Vanessa “Watch This” Garippo before regrouping to close the match behind a dominant Game 3. Now, they welcome back Anthony “Leg Day” La Barbera - arguably the league’s most complete player (76.8% shooting, 69.8% rolling, +37) - while integrating practice squad call-up Kenny “Yes He Ken” Daciolas in his first career start.
Keys for Elmwood Park:
Sit back and let La Barbera do his thing. Avoid the mid-match lapses that nearly cost them in Week 5.
On paper, it’s a mismatch. But if Beverly can turn steady production into timely execution, this “David” has plenty of firepower to make the league’s top seed sweat.
March 22,2026
Week 5 Match 3 Summary | Elmwood Park Eagles vs Park Ridge Penguins
The Elmwood Park Eagles survived a stunning push from the Park Ridge Penguins, winning a dramatic three game series 2-1 in a match that swung from near sweep to all out war. The Eagles took Game 1 convincingly, 12-7, and appeared poised to close it out in Game 2 - only for Park Ridge to mount a gutsy comeback and steal it 12-11 on a Vanessa Garippo walk-off that absolutely electrified the room. Forced into a decisive third game, Elmwood Park regrouped and slammed the door, 12-7.
At the center of it all was an enthralling singles duel between Anthony “Toch” Martocci and Vanessa “Penguins Can Fly” Garippo. Thrust into the spotlight with Anthony La Barbera out of the lineup, Martocci rose to the moment in his first singles start - grinding out 34/56 rolling (61%) and delivering clutch shooting (15/22, 68%), including multiple highlight reel stick shots that worked to silence a rowdy Peng Gang.
Garippo, meanwhile, authored one of the most fascinating performances of the season. She threw a staggering 75 balls, with just 9 of them being shots - leaning heavily into a precision pointing strategy. And yet, when the moment came in Game 2, she delivered, finishing with a 6 for 9 shooting line capped by a walk-off winner that kept the Penguins alive and flipped the match on its head.
But the gamble didn’t hold. In a surprising late move, Park Ridge substituted Sean Krone into singles in Game 3, a decision that failed to keep alive the flame they had lit. Elmwood Park capitalized, winning 6 of the final 8 frames to secure the series and plant their flag atop the North Division standings.
Julian Batula (10/13 shooting, 77%) provided critical support, while the Eagles’ overall efficiency (71% shooting as a team) proved the difference against a resilient Penguins squad that refused to go quietly.
This one had everything - momentum swings, tactical gambles, and star-making performances.
Catch the full replay now on BBN, and don’t miss Week 6 action this Thursday. With just two weeks left in the historic inaugural regular season, every frame matters.
March 22,2026
Week 5 Match 2 Summary | Fulton Market Butchers vs Beverly Jacks
Under the bright lights of the CBC, this South Division rivalry delivered and again, the Fulton Market Butchers seized the moment.
In a dramatic three game series, the Butchers took down the Beverly Jacks two games to one, reclaiming momentum in a season hanging in the balance. The frame-by-frame battle told the story: a tight 12-2 opening win for Fulton Market, a sharp Beverly response in Game 2 (12-4), and a decisive 12-10 thriller in the finale that brought the feature court to life.
All eyes were on the singles showdown, where Vito “Barrel-Aged” Buonsante and Lio “Class” Giannotti returned to their respective lineups from two week absences and delivered some highlight reel moments. What ensued was a tactical chess match. Every frame felt like a coin flip, with Giannotti’s elite 81% shooting pushing Beverly to the brink but Buonsante’s composure in the closing frames proved decisive.
Meanwhile, Patric “Walk Softly and Carry a Big Stick” Gerstmayr once again delivered under pressure. The Week 3 standout backed up his billing with a solid 12/18 shooting performance (67%), continuing to anchor a Butchers attack that found its rhythm when it mattered most.
Fulton Market’s 68% team shooting was enough to stave off Beverly’s 75% surge, with key contributions across the lineup helping them edge the final game and secure the series. For the Jacks, strong outings from Miles Russell (10/15 shooting), Courtney Strickland (18/28 rolling) and Giannotti showed promise but mistakes in key frames proved costly once again.
If you missed it, the full broadcast replay is available now on BBN.
With just two weeks remaining in the historic inaugural regular season, the stakes couldn’t be higher. Week 6 action returns Thursday - don’t miss it.
March 20th, 2026
Week 5 Match 3 Preview | Elmwood Park Eagles vs Park Ridge Penguins
Saturday, 3/21 — 1 p.m. CT | Chicago Bocce Club | Bocce Broadcast Network
The second match on CBL Saturday brings a marquee North Division showdown as the Elmwood Park Eagles host the Park Ridge Penguins at Chicago Bocce Club. First place is on the line, with both clubs sitting on a 3-1 match record going into their first meeting of the season.
Eagles storyline: Elmwood Park (3-1, 7-3, +28) enters riding momentum after a Week 4 sweep of the Fulton Market Butchers and hasn’t dropped a match since Week 1. But the story is who isn’t here: Anthony “La Barbarian” La Barbera - arguably the league’s most dominant player (76.8% shooting, +37 pt diff.) - is unavailable, along with Robert “Watch Your Step” Bertoncini. That thrusts Anthony “Toch” Martocci into the singles spotlight, while Julian “Michelin Star” Batula (67% shooting) and Franco “All Smiles” DeLuca (48% rolling) anchor doubles. Another variable here is practice squad call-up Kenny “Rivers” Daciolas, potentially stepping into a pressure spot in the first-place clash.
Keys for Elmwood Park: Survive without La Barbera’s production. Batula and DeLuca have to stabilize the doubles side and control tempo. If Martocci can win - or at least split - singles, the Eagles’ depth can still carry them.
Penguins storyline: Park Ridge (3-1, 7-3, +21) arrives equally hot after sweeping Highwood, powered by a surging shooting unit. After starting at 48% through two weeks, the Penguins have caught fire - 27/35 (77%) over the last two matches. Vanessa “Penguins Can Fly” Garippo is coming off a statement singles performance (+11 on the season), while Dave “Exacta” Krone (+13) and his brother Sean “Catch of the Day” Krone form a steady doubles pairing. “Sticky” Mickey Niewierowski and Chris “Locks of Love” Prokop’s recent efficiency underscores a team peaking at the right time.
Keys for Park Ridge: Keep the shooting hot. If Garippo continues her singles dominance, the Penguins can tilt the match early. In doubles, the Krones must capitalize on Elmwood Park’s reshuffled lineup and apply pressure before the Eagles settle.
With both teams in form and the Eagles shorthanded, expect a hard-fought match with first place hanging in the balance.
March 20th, 2026
Week 5 Match 2 Preview | Fulton Market Butchers vs Beverly Jacks
Saturday, 3/21 — 10:45 a.m. CT | Chicago Bocce Club | Bocce Broadcast Network
A budding rivalry hits the feature court in Week 5 as the Fulton Market Butchers host the Beverly Jacks in a rematch of the Butchers’ only win this season—a gritty three-game battle (12–11, 5–12, 12–7).
Butchers storyline:
Fulton Market (1–3, 4-7, -17) enters under pressure after a Week 4 sweep by Elmwood Park (8–12, 6–12). Still, this is a team that knows how to beat Beverly. That earlier win was powered by Patric “Walk Softly and Carry a Big Stick” Gerstmayr (7/7 shooting), Rob “Schrobot” Schroeder (6/7 shooting), and Lauren “McD” McDermott’s steady 23/32 rolling performance. Gerstmayr, the Week 3 Player of the Match, returns in the shooter role, while McDermott anchors as pointer. The X-factor is Vito “Barrel-Aged” Buonsante, back in singles after a two-week absence—his presence stabilizes a lineup that’s been searching for consistency.
Keys for the Butchers:
It starts with reclaiming their shooting efficiency. When Gerstmayr is clinical and McDermott controls pace, Fulton Market dictates matches. They’ll also need Buonsante to quickly find form in singles to avoid early pressure.
Jacks storyline:
Beverly (1–3, 3-7, -4) has dropped three straight, including a Week 4 sweep by Bucktown, and their rolling cratered to 44% last week. Yet the talent is undeniable. Miles “The Professor” Russell remains one of the league’s most dangerous shooters (74.2%), and Courtney “Strickly Business” Strickland brings balance at 66% rolling and shooting. Lio “Class” Giannotti returns to the lineup for the first time since Week 2, while Aaron “Showdown” Brown - owner of the league’s best qualified rolling average - starts the match on the bench.
Keys for the Jacks:
Veteran Lio Giannotti’s return to the singles side brings a steady hand and elite game management, as one of Chicago’s most respected tacticians looks to dictate tempo and decision-making from the opening frame. If Russell converts at his usual rate and he and Strickland steady the doubles side, Beverly can flip the script. But they must improve rolling and avoid the lapses that cost them in the first meeting.
With both sides desperate to halt losing streaks, expect another tight, high-leverage showdown.
March 20,2026
Week 5 Match 1 Summary | Highwood Stallions vs Bucktown Billy Goats
After a week of questions and the absence of their engine, the Highwood Stallions delivered their most complete performance of the season, sweeping the Bucktown Billy Goats 2-0 in Thursday night’s Week 5 clash at the Chicago Bocce Club. The Stallions took Game 1 comfortably, 12-4, before authoring one of the most dramatic comebacks of the season in a 12-11 Game 2 thriller.
Game 1 set the tone early. Highwood’s doubles unit - anchored by Steve Thornberry’s steady rolling (11/17, 65%) and Tim Tolari’s efficient shooting (10/12, 83%) - applied constant pressure, while the Billy Goats struggled to match the pace despite an impressive 15/18 (83%) shooting effort from Alex Gara.
But Game 2 was where this match became unforgettable.
Trailing 11-6 and staring down a decisive Game 3, the Stallions found another gear. Frame by frame they clawed back, minimizing their mistakes and capitalizing on opportunities to score big. The final six points came in a surge that flipped the entire match on its head, silencing a Bucktown team that had looked to be in full control.
At the center of it all was Tom Holleman.
Stepping into the singles role vacated by Todd Mikell, Holleman more than answered the call. He outdueled Bucktown’s red-hot Alex Gara - who entered the match fresh off a Player of the Match performance - with clinical efficiency. Holleman shot 11/14 (79%) and controlled tempo throughout, ultimately getting the better of Gara in the pivotal moments.
Gara nearly authored a storybook finish of his own. A final frame that started at 11-11 saw dramatic ball-advantage swings on incredible shots from both players and ultimately came down to the final shot that did not go the way of Gara and the Goats. It was a razor-thin margin that defined the night.
For Highwood, the victory temporarily stabilizes what has thus far been an up and down season for the Stallions. For Bucktown, it’s another harsh reminder of the fine line between victory and collapse.
If you missed it, this is one to rewatch—catch the full broadcast on BBN and relive the comeback that could reshape the playoff race.
All eyes now turn to Saturday’s slate. If Thursday’s match taught us anything, it’s this: no lead is safe and every frame matters.
March 18th, 2026
Week 5 Match 1 Preview | Highwood Stallions vs Bucktown Billy Goats
The Chicago Bocce League Week 5 matchup between the Bucktown Billy Goats and the Highwood Stallions brings a compelling cross-division clash to the Chicago Bocce Club on Thursday night, with the broadcast set to begin at 6:30pm CT live on the Bocce Broadcast Network. It’s the only regular season meeting between these two sides—making it a high-leverage opportunity as the standings begin to take shape.
Highwood Stallions (Home)
Highwood enters Week 5 searching for a response after a deflating sweep at the hands of the Park Ridge Penguins. Despite a balanced 2–2 match record, the Stallions sit bottom of the North Division. Their -2 point differential reflects a team that has hovered around the margins thus far without breaking through.
The storyline this week centers on a critical absence. Todd “The Farmer” Mikell—arguably the Stallions’ engine through four weeks—is out of the lineup after averaging 21.4 balls per game and earning Week 3 Player of the Match honors. His absence forces a reshuffle, with Tom “Bank’s Open” Holleman stepping into the singles role. Holleman showed efficiency in limited shooting action last week (3-for-4), but the question is whether he can replicate Mikell’s volume and control over a full match.
There are, however, signs of stability on the doubles side. Steve “Thorn in Your Side” Thornberry delivered a strong 73% rolling performance in Week 4, while Dave “High Cheese” Silvani and Holleman combined for efficient shooting. With Tim “Timmy Stick’ems” Tolari slotted as starting shooter and Thornberry anchoring as pointer, Highwood will look to lean on consistency rather than explosiveness.
Keys to Victory:
Stabilize singles play: With a national gold medal in precision shooting, Holleman has the pedigree to command the court—he won’t be asked to mirror Mikell’s volume, but converting that elite accuracy into early control will be key to avoiding costly deficits.
Capitalize on doubles efficiency: Thornberry’s rolling form and Tolari’s shot selection need to translate into scoreboard pressure.
Limit scoring swings: In both losses last week, Highwood stayed competitive but couldn’t close gaps late.
Bucktown Billy Goats (Away)
Bucktown arrives with momentum after a convincing sweep of the Beverly Jacks, a performance that may signal a turning point after being outscored 48–10 across Weeks 2 and 3. Despite sitting atop the South Division, their -26 point differential suggests volatility—this is a team capable of both dominance and collapse.
The recent catalyst has been Alex “Motor City” Gara, who delivered a statement performance in Week 4, outscoring Miles “The Professor” Russell 13–5 on the singles side en route to Player of the Match honors. Notably, Gara remains the only Billy Goat with a non-negative plus/minus on the season, underlining his importance. He’ll again take the singles slot, where Bucktown’s ceiling appears to rise or fall with his output.
The starting doubles pairing of Billy “The Extinguisher” Stripeik and Keith “Young Money” Young offers a blend of volume and efficiency. In week 4, Stripeik rolled at a 70% clip, while his doubles partner Andy “Chess/Checkers” Zimmerman’s well-rounded outing (67% rolling, 67% shooting) highlighted the unit’s potential when in rhythm. Young comes into Thursday’s match having shot 80% (8/10) on his young season and looks to build on an active 3 hit streak, as he replaces Zimmerman on the doubles side. Bucktown notably avoided substitutions in their Week 4 but are opting to forgo that continuity to begin Thursday’s match.
Keys to Victory:
Ride Gara’s form: If Gara controls the singles matchup again, Bucktown can dictate the match tempo.
Maintain doubles rhythm: Stripeik and Young must replicate last week’s efficiency without pressing beyond their rhythm.
Avoid regression: The Billy Goats’ biggest opponent has been inconsistency—sustaining Week 4 form is critical.
With both teams’ match records sitting at 2–2, Thursday’s meeting carries quiet significance. For Highwood, it’s a chance to steady the ship at home despite a key absence. For Bucktown, it’s an opportunity to prove that last week’s surge was more than a one-off. In a best-of-three format where margins are thin, expect this one to hinge on execution under pressure.
How to watch: Tune in at 6:30pm CT on https://www.youtube.com/@boccebroadcastnetwork
March 2, 2026
CHICAGO BOCCE LEAGUE ANNOUNCES ROSTER CHANGE FOR THE FULTON MARKET BUTCHERS
Chicago, IL — The Chicago Bocce League (CBL) today announced a roster change for the Fulton Market Butchers following the departure of veteran player Maurizio Perrelli, who has stepped down from the league for personal reasons. Perrelli, a respected presence within the organization, declined to comment.
Butchers Team Owner Andy Bonillo expressed deep appreciation for Perrelli’s impact, stating:
“I would like to express my sincere gratitude for the unwavering commitment and significant contributions Maurizio Perrelli has made to both the Fulton Market Butchers and the Chicago Bocce League. Maurizio has been an integral part of our community, bringing dedication and a spirit of excellence to launching our organization. While his presence will be missed, I wish him the very best and look forward to his continued success.”
With Perrelli’s departure, the Butchers have promoted Sean Tovson from the practice squad to the active roster. Tovson, known for his composure and competitive drive, shared his excitement about the opportunity:
“Being called up is an honor. My mission hasn't changed. The Butchers are a strong, evolving team and I'm happy to be added to the roster. I work best under pressure, so I'll be ready for anything.”
Player-Manager Vito Buonsante acknowledged both the loss and the team’s readiness to move forward:
“The loss of the experience and skill of a player of his caliber can not be understated. We wish him the best. The future of this team will be accelerated and we have the luxury of depth to move forward with purpose.”
CBL Commissioner Michael Scialdone Sharkey highlighted the broader momentum within the league:
“The Butchers have a bright future ahead of them with several highly motivated players yearning for a chance to prove themselves under the bright lights of the CBL. I look forward to witnessing the evolution of this team, along with others, as our many dedicated players begin their semi-professional careers. In its early phases of devolpment, the league continues to cultivate an ambitiously competitive environment rooted in player development and a shared commitment to showcasing the beautiful intricacy of our ancient sport."