David M. Higgins II, Publisher/Editor posted: " High school unified bocce teams from La Plata, Maurice J. McDonough, St. Charles, and Westlake are gearing up for the state tournament on February 13th, following their top finishes in a districtwide competition. These teams outperformed 16 competing squ" The Southern Maryland Chronicle
High school unified bocce teams from La Plata, Maurice J. McDonough, St. Charles, and Westlake are gearing up for the state tournament on February 13th, following their top finishes in a districtwide competition. These teams outperformed 16 competing squads this season and are now advancing to compete at Hagerstown Community College.
Unified sports teams, a mix of students with various abilities, focus on promoting social inclusion. They train and compete together, bridging the gap between individuals with and without intellectual disabilities. Bocce, the sport in question, involves players aiming to roll balls close to a target ball, known as a pallina, on a hard-surfaced court.
Logan Gray, a Maurice J. McDonough High School student, is a member of the school's Team 5 — one of four teams competing in the state Unified bocce tournament on Feb. 13 in Hagerstown.
Leah Nix, a North Point High School student, celebrates a successful roll during a recent Unified bocce tournament.
The team made up of students at St. Charles and Westlake high schools is heading to the state Unified bocce tournament. From left are Christian Young, Victoria White, Ishmael Gray, teacher and coach Caroline Foster, Peyton Vincent and Myleine Kpoukap Nguikam. Derwin Webb and Jennifer Heisey, not pictured, also coach the team.
The state competition will see a Charles County Public Schools (CCPS) team representing one of four color-named divisions. La Plata High School's Team 1 emerged victorious in the Red Division, showcasing the skills of students Aiden Drumm, Morgan Grove, Phillip Hawkins, Lily Hoffman, Taylor Houghton, Sophie Huntt, Chase Nelson, and Katelyn Willett. They are coached by William Boehm and Stephanie Barry, who specialize in technology and special education.
Maurice J. McDonough High School's Team 5, coached by Dave Bradshaw and Matt Petricoin, clinched the title in the Orange Division. Team members include Michael Brill, Malachi Faxon, Logan Gray, Daniel Howard, Nick Mudd, Sebastian Romero, Ethan Shettle, and Aden Sweeney.
The combined forces of Westlake and St. Charles High Schools, forming Team 2, won the Yellow Division. Under the guidance of coaches Derwin Webb, Jennifer Heisey, and Caroline Foster, the team includes Xander Dickerson, Ishmael Gray, Myleine Kpoukap Nguikam, Amare Randolph, Peyton Vincent, Victoria White, and Christian Young.
Lastly, McDonough's Team 3, also coached by Bradshaw and Petricoin, secured the Green Division win. Its roster includes Talyn Catena, Katie Good, Claire Good, Allyn Harris, Victoria Johnson, Zach McChesney, Landon Newsome, and Dalilah Turnbull, with Ryann Harris and Cynclair Wilson serving as alternates.
The upcoming state tournament expects about 300 student-athletes to compete, drawing teams across Maryland, including Allegany, Baltimore, Charles, Frederick, Garrett, Montgomery, Prince George's, St. Mary's, Washington counties, and Baltimore City.
CCPS supports other unified sports, such as tennis in the fall and track and field in the spring. Additionally, students involved in the unified sports program participate in the Polar Plunge, a fundraiser benefiting Special Olympics Maryland. This array of activities highlights the district's commitment to inclusivity and physical engagement for students of all abilities.
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