Byrne, Belter Coached Teams Earn Victories at the 2026 WNY Underclassmen All-Star Games

Byrne, Belter Coached Teams Earn Victories at the 2026 WNY Underclassmen All-Star Games

The Buffalo Bandits welcomed some of Western New York's brightest young lacrosse talent to West Seneca East High School for the 2026 WNY Underclassmen All-Star Games, bringing together the region's top underclass boys and girls players for an evening celebrating the future of the sport.

Players from 43 different schools across Section VI and the Monsignor Martin Athletic Association were selected to participate after standout high school seasons, making the event one of the premier showcases of underclass talent in Western New York.

Girls Game

The girls contest delivered one of the most memorable finishes in the event's history.

After the two teams battled to a draw through regulation, the game was decided by Braveheart—a thrilling one-on-one overtime format that tests both skill and determination. The White Team, coached by Buffalo Bandits players Josh Byrne and Zack Belter, emerged victorious in the sudden-death showdown after an evenly played contest. Dhane Smith coached the opposing team.

Claire Buccieri of Lancaster was named the Girls Game Most Valuable Player following an outstanding performance.

The game showcased athletes from 21 different schools, highlighting the continued growth and depth of girls lacrosse throughout Western New York.

The Buffalo Bandits would like to thank the coaches and administrators who dedicated their time to helping build the rosters and coach the game:

• Hannah Miller (St. Mary's)

• Jesse Mohr (Salamanca)

• Rebecca Galanti (Frontier)

• Julie Buccieri (Lancaster)

• Lucian Forcucci (Orchard Park)

• Ed Santos (Starpoint)

• Keegan Woloss (Sweet Home)

• Nicole Rakoski (Hamburg)

Their commitment helped create an unforgettable experience for every athlete who participated.

Boys Game

The boys game featured another talented collection of future stars from across the region.

Coached by Josh Byrne and Zack Belter, the White Team earned a convincing victory over the team led by Dhane Smith.

Connor Whitney of Kenmore was named the Boys Game Most Valuable Player after turning in an impressive all-around performance.

The boys showcase featured athletes representing 22 different schools from across Western New York, demonstrating the depth of talent throughout the area's high school lacrosse landscape.

The Buffalo Bandits would also like to recognize the coaches who helped organize and coach the boys game, including Jimmy Maisano (West Seneca East), Andy Behm (Williamsville North), Ed Greenway (Williamsville East), and the rest of the coaching staff whose efforts made the event another tremendous success.

A special thank you goes to Jimmy Maisano of West Seneca East, whose support was instrumental in making the event possible. In addition to coaching, Maisano helped secure the venue and coordinated the game-day staff, including the timekeepers and shot clock operators, ensuring both All-Star Games ran smoothly from start to finish. His behind-the-scenes efforts played a significant role in the success of this year's showcase.

Growing the Game

The WNY Underclassmen All-Star Games continue to provide a unique opportunity for some of the area's best young players to compete alongside their peers while learning from Buffalo Bandits players and local high school coaches.

The Buffalo Bandits extend their sincere thanks to every player, coach, administrator, official, volunteer, family member, and fan who helped make the 2026 WNY Underclassmen All-Star Games another memorable celebration of Western New York lacrosse.

Congratulations to all of this year's participants on earning the honor of being selected. We look forward to watching these talented student-athletes continue their high school careers and represent the future of lacrosse in Western New York.