Jr. Bandits Set for USBOXLA Championships in Columbus

Two Jr. Bandits Teams Head to Columbus for USBOXLA Championships

The Buffalo Jr. Bandits are headed to Columbus, Ohio, this weekend to compete in the United States Box Lacrosse Championship, with teams representing the program in the 2028/29 and 2030/31 age groups.

The 28/29 Jr. Bandits will compete in the tournament's AA division after earning their spot with a second-place finish at the Six Nations Regional in February. The 30/31 Jr. Bandits will compete in the A division, giving Buffalo two teams in the field for the championship weekend.

Formerly known as the USBOXLA Nationals, the United States Box Lacrosse Championship brings together youth box lacrosse programs from across the country. The AA field is made up of teams that earn qualification through one of five regional championship events — the Six Nations, Midwest, Northeast, Southeast and Western Regionals — while a limited number of teams can enter the tournament's A division without qualifying through a regional event.

Both Jr. Bandits teams have spent the past several weeks preparing for the trip to Columbus through the Jr. Bandits Elite program and will begin round-robin play Saturday.

2028/29 Jr. Bandits – AA Division

The 28/29 Jr. Bandits earned their trip to Columbus during the Six Nations Regional in February, advancing to the championship game and finishing second to secure a spot in the AA field.

Buffalo will open the USBOXLA Championship Saturday evening with back-to-back games, beginning at 6:00 p.m. against the Louisville Monarchs. The Jr. Bandits will return to the floor at 7:40 p.m. to take on PACBOX.

The team will wrap up its opening round Sunday against ADVNC OK 28/29 before moving on to the next stage of the tournament.

28/29 Schedule

Saturday

• 6:00 p.m. – vs. Louisville Monarchs

• 7:40 p.m. – vs. PACBOX

Sunday

• vs. ADVNC OK 28/29

2030/31 Jr. Bandits – A Division

The 30/31 Jr. Bandits will compete in the tournament's A division after entering the championship field without qualifying through a regional event.

Their weekend begins Saturday at 1:50 p.m. against the Louisville Monarchs. Buffalo will be back on the floor less than two hours later for a 3:30 p.m. matchup with Resolute.

The 30/31 team will finish its opening round Sunday at 12:10 p.m. against the Shadow Cats before continuing tournament play.

30/31 Schedule

Saturday

• 1:50 p.m. – vs. Louisville Monarchs

• 3:30 p.m. – vs. Resolute

Sunday

• 12:10 p.m. – vs. Shadow Cats

Behind the Bench

Both Jr. Bandits teams will be coached by Buffalo Bandits defenseman Zack Belter and longtime Jr. Bandits BLL coach Nico Capron.

The USBOXLA Championship will provide another opportunity for Jr. Bandits players to continue developing their box lacrosse game while competing against programs from outside Western New York.

All games throughout the weekend will be played at the Resolute Athletic Complex in Columbus, Ohio. Games will also be available to stream through LiveBarn, which requires a subscription.

2028/29 Jr. Bandits Elite Roster

2030/31 Jr. Bandits Elite Roster