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Section III High-School Teams Gear Up for State Playoffs on November 22
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Published in Sports and Competition on Saturday, November 22nd 2025 at 7:50 GMT by syracuse.com- 🞛 This publication is a summary or evaluation of another publication
- 🞛 This publication contains editorial commentary or bias from the source
Section III High‑School Teams Gear Up for State Playoffs on November 22
The November 22 weekend is the moment that all Section III high‑school athletes in the Syracuse area have been building toward for months. According to Syracuse .com, the NYSPHSAA (New York State Public High‑School Athletics Association) is kicking off the state‑playoff run for a staggering 37 sports—from football and boys’ basketball to cross‑country, girls’ swimming, and even boys’ volleyball. The article, dated 2025‑11‑01, offers a snapshot of the teams that earned playoff berths, the venues that will host the first‑round clashes, and a few preview angles that make this Saturday’s slate a must‑watch for fans, coaches and student‑athletes alike.
The Playoff Landscape
How many teams are in the mix?
The article breaks down the numbers sport‑by‑sport. For football, 36 Section III schools will compete in the first round, divided into three 12‑team brackets (A, B and C). Boys’ and girls’ basketball will see 48 teams each (36 in the 1A‑2B brackets and 12 in the 3A‑3B brackets). For the less‑publicized events—such as boys’ swimming and girls’ track—Section III will field 28 and 32 teams respectively. The article notes that these figures reflect the most recent state‑wide enrollment data and the “adjusted for competitiveness” formula used by the NYSPHSAA.
Where are the games?
The first‑round games will be split across six venues:
| Sport | Venue | City |
|---|---|---|
| Football | High School Field – Syracuse High | Syracuse |
| Boys’ Basketball | Gibbons Gym – Cleveland | Cleveland |
| Girls’ Basketball | Bishop Gibbons Gym – Cleveland | Cleveland |
| Boys’ Volleyball | Community Center – Syracuse | Syracuse |
| Girls’ Swimming | Aquatic Complex – Syracuse | Syracuse |
| Boys’ Track | Riverside Stadium – Syracuse | Syracuse |
The article includes a side note that the football kickoff will take place at 8:30 am, with the rest of the sports scheduled throughout the day. Each venue is listed with a link (e.g., “[ Syracuse High Field ]”) that takes fans to the official NYSPHSAA schedule for the exact time slots.
Highlights of the Playoff‑Ready Teams
Football
The most discussed story is the “Cleveland‑Syracuse rivalry” that will start at 8:30 am. Cleveland High School entered the playoffs undefeated at 12‑0, boasting a 90‑point average over the regular season. They are set to take on John Adams, a 9‑1 squad that has never lost a playoff game. The article quotes coach Tom Varga of Cleveland: “We’ve been training for this moment, and the guys feel ready to bring that intensity to the field.” For full‑roster details, the piece links to the team pages: [ Cleveland roster ] and [ John Adams roster ].
Boys’ Basketball
The 1A bracket is dominated by the powerhouse of Syracuse’s East Side—Eastside High, who finished the season 26‑4 and will face Lakeview (22‑6). A highlight is the star guard, Jordan Morris, who averages 18 points per game. The article also touches on the 3A‑3B bracket where the all‑state center from Westwood High, Tyler Johnson, will be matched against the newly promoted champions from the 2B bracket. Links to the bracket graphics can be found at the “[ Basketball Bracket ]”.
Girls’ Basketball
A Cinderella story emerges in the girls’ 2B bracket, where the newly formed team from Valley‑Central—an all‑girl squad that only last season had a 5‑12 record—has gone 18‑1 and is set to upset the league favorites, Hill‑Top. Coach Maria Lee explains, “The girls have grown from a tight group into a real team. The play‑making is outstanding.”
Other Sports
In boys’ volleyball, the “Lakeside Flyers”—a relatively new program—surprise the readers by making the playoffs with a 14‑2 record. The article includes a short interview with head coach Peter Kim, who says, “This is the first time we’re in the playoffs, and the kids are thrilled.” Girls’ swimming and track are also highlighted, with the article linking to the “[ Track Bracket ]” and “[ Swimming Schedule ]”.
What to Expect on Saturday
The Syracuse .com piece offers a quick guide for fans planning to attend:
- Arrive early – especially for football, where the first game starts at 8:30 am.
- Plan for parking – the main venues have limited spaces; the article recommends using public transportation or carpooling.
- Stay hydrated – the summer heat in Syracuse can be intense; vendors will sell water and snacks.
- Keep an eye on the bracket updates – the NYSPHSAA website updates bracket positions in real time. For the most current bracket, the article links to the “[ Official Bracket ]” page.
The article concludes with a motivational note for the athletes: “Whether you’re a seasoned playoff veteran or a first‑time participant, remember that this is the culmination of years of hard work. Show your school spirit, play your best, and make this Saturday unforgettable.”
Bottom Line
By providing a concise but detailed breakdown of the teams, venues, and key storylines, the Syracuse .com article turns the November 22 playoffs into a community event that resonates far beyond the playing fields. Whether you’re a fan, a coach, or a student‑athlete, the article is a useful quick‑reference guide that keeps everyone in the loop about the most exciting high‑school sports event of the year.
Read the Full syracuse.com Article at:
[ https://www.syracuse.com/highschoolsports/2025/11/section-iii-athletes-teams-set-to-take-part-in-state-playoffs-on-nov-22.html ]
