Westwood, New Jersey (March 21, 2022) — The Westwood Recreation Fifth Grade Boys Travel Basketball Team won the Bergen Travel Basketball League Championship Navy Division title this past Sunday, March 20, with a with a 27-19 win over Demarest. Westwood went 12-4 for the season and was the 4th seeded team heading into the playoffs.
Head Coach Brian Koch and assistant coaches Kevin Kirkby and Justin Cerritelli couldn’t be more proud of their team that included: Trevor Farkas, RJ Charles, Jackson Kirkby, Lucas Chiavelli, Chris Palminteri, Patrick Burns, James Wendrychowicz, Vinnie Cerritelli and Thomas Koch.
“Our boys are learning that with hard work, focus, and passion, anything is possible,” said Coach Koch of his champions. “They are a great group of kids with no egos. They pull for one another, support each other, are mentally tough, and their unselfish nature is on full display when you watch them play.”
Westwood won their first playoff game against Montvale 42-32 and their second playoff game against the first seeded team from Maywood with a score of 47-28 which advanced them to championship match against Demarest.
“Our season began in early November and over the past four months the boys worked tirelessly to improve their skills and learn the game of basketball,” Koch added. “Winning a championship is great, but even if the ball didn't bounce our way, this season was a success.”
The Bergen Travel Basketball League (BTBL) provides an organized league format where northern New Jersey boys and girls town recreation travel teams play in a competitive environment. The 20-year-old league annually hosts more than 3000 games in more than 100 town and school gyms for children in grades 4-8. More than 450 teams participate in the league’s six divisions.
The Westwood Recreation Department runs enrichment and sport programs for children, teens and adults of all ages. The Department is proud to be able to bring new and innovative programs to residents and neighbors in the Pascack Valley area. For more information please email recreation@westwoodnj.gov or call the Recreation Department at 201-664-7882.