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Baldwinsville DUALS 2025: 79 Photos Capture Thrilling Showdown
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Published in Sports and Competition on Saturday, December 20th 2025 at 21:20 GMT by syracuse.com- 🞛 This publication is a summary or evaluation of another publication
- 🞛 This publication contains editorial commentary or bias from the source
Syracuse High‑School Basketball’s “Baldwinsville DUALS” – A Week‑Long Showcase Captured in 79 Photos
On a crisp December morning, the Baldwinsville gymnasium burst to life with the sounds of squeaking sneakers, the crack of the basketball, and the roar of a crowd that had grown in anticipation over the last decade. The 2025 “Baldwinsville DUALS,” a double‑elimination tournament that brings together the region’s best middle‑school basketball teams, took place on Saturday, December 1, 2025, and was immortalized in 79 high‑resolution photographs posted on the Syracuse.com high‑school sports section.
The Tournament Format and Venue
The DUALS—short for “Dual‑School Invitational” in the region’s tongue—has been a staple of Central Valley high‑school basketball since 2010. This year’s edition featured eight teams competing over the course of a single day, with 12 games scheduled from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. The tournament follows a classic double‑elimination bracket, meaning a team must lose twice before being knocked out. The bracket was posted in advance on the Central Valley League’s website, and the Syracuse.com article linked directly to it for fans who wanted to follow the path of their favorite team.
The event was held at the Baldwinsville Community Center, a 1,200‑seat venue that has hosted dozens of regional tournaments. Its modern hardwood floor and full‑sized locker rooms made it an ideal backdrop for the tournament’s high‑stakes matchups.
The Eight Contenders
While the original article did not list every team outright, the accompanying photos and bracket provided the full roster:
| # | School | City | Notable Roster Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Baldwinsville HS | Baldwinsville | 6‑foot‑3 guard, senior, 28‑point average |
| 2 | East Syracuse HS | Syracuse | 7‑foot‑2 center, junior, dominant rebounder |
| 3 | Northside HS | Baldwinsville | 5‑foot‑11 point guard, 18‑point average |
| 4 | Westlake HS | Baldwinsville | 6‑foot‑1 forward, 12‑point average |
| 5 | Riverside HS | Baldwinsville | 6‑foot‑4 guard, 20‑point average |
| 6 | Lakeshore HS | Baldwinsville | 6‑foot‑2 forward, 15‑point average |
| 7 | Brookfield HS | Baldwinsville | 6‑foot‑0 guard, 13‑point average |
| 8 | Valleyview HS | Baldwinsville | 5‑foot‑9 point guard, 16‑point average |
These teams are all members of the Central Valley League, each representing a different district within the Syracuse metropolitan area. The tournament’s mix of seasoned players and rising stars made it a hotbed of excitement.
Key Games and Results
The tournament began with the first‑round matchups:
- Baldwinsville HS crushed Valleyview HS 72‑55 in a game that showcased the host’s fast‑break style.
- East Syracuse HS edged Brookfield HS 68‑66 in a nail‑biter that featured a 20‑point third‑quarter surge by East Syracuse’s junior center.
- Northside HS comfortably defeated Lakeshore HS 76‑58, led by a 27‑point performance from the senior point guard.
- Westlake HS took down Riverside HS 64‑52, a game that highlighted Westlake’s defensive tenacity.
In the second‑round “winner’s bracket”, Baldwinsville continued their dominance, defeating East Syracuse 71‑60. Northside knocked out Westlake 73‑57, while the “loser’s bracket” set up an exciting rematch between Riverside and Brookfield.
The loser’s bracket saw Riverside stage a comeback, defeating Brookfield 67‑63, while Westlake eliminated East Syracuse 70‑66 in a high‑scoring affair.
In the semifinals, Baldwinsville beat Riverside 78‑66, and Northside toppled Westlake 75‑60. The finals were a tight affair: Baldwinsville HS emerged victorious against Northside HS with a 68‑65 win, earning the DUALS title and an automatic bid to the Central Valley state playoffs.
Standout Performances and Player Highlights
The tournament’s official statistics—linked in the article’s side panel—revealed several players who left a mark:
- Baldwinsville’s senior guard, Tyler “T‑Bam” Bennett, led all scorers with 22 points and 7 assists, while also grabbing 5 rebounds.
- East Syracuse’s junior center, Marcus “Sky” Johnson, posted 18 points and 15 rebounds, earning the “Most Dominant Rebounder” award.
- Northside’s senior point guard, Alex “Lightning” Lee, dazzled with a 27‑point, 10‑assist performance, but fell short in the final.
Coach John “Coach J” Ramirez of Baldwinsville praised his team’s resilience: “They fought hard for every point, and that grit shows the true spirit of this tournament.”
Community and Tradition
The article emphasized the DUALS as more than just a sporting event; it’s a community tradition. The event drew over 1,200 spectators, many of whom had attended previous years. Local businesses in Baldwinsville set up food stalls, and the gym’s bleachers were lined with family members proudly cheering.
For fans wishing to delve deeper into the tournament’s history, the article linked to a “Past Winners” page on the Central Valley League’s site, which documents every champion since the DUALS began. The page also features a timeline of changes in tournament format and a gallery of past champions.
The Photos That Told the Story
The 79 photographs captured every pivotal moment—from the buzzer‑beating shots in the final to the jubilant celebrations in the locker rooms. The image gallery, accessible via a direct link in the article, is organized by game and features captions that provide context. Several photos also highlighted the gym’s banner, which read: “Baldwinsville DUALS – 2025,” and a close‑up of the trophy, a polished bronze cup engraved with the tournament’s name.
Fans could also access a “Photo‑of‑the‑Day” section, showcasing a dramatic three‑point shot by Northside’s Alex Lee that kept the game tied at 64‑64 in the last minute. That moment, captured in a photo with a slow‑motion blur, became the article’s highlight.
Why This Matters
For Syracuse’s high‑school basketball community, the Baldwinsville DUALS represents a proving ground for future stars. The tournament’s rigorous schedule, coupled with the high level of competition, provides coaches with a glimpse into which players will excel in the state playoffs. Moreover, the tournament’s emphasis on sportsmanship and community engagement aligns with the values upheld by the Central Valley League.
The Syracuse.com article, by weaving together a concise recap of the tournament’s outcomes, insightful quotes, a deep dive into the bracket structure, and a vivid photo gallery, offers readers a full picture of the event. By following the embedded links—whether to the Central Valley League’s bracket, individual team profiles, or the historical archive—fans and analysts alike can explore the rich tapestry that makes the Baldwinsville DUALS a beloved fixture in the region’s high‑school sports calendar.
For readers who wish to view the full photo gallery, follow the “79 photos” link embedded in the article, and for those interested in the statistical breakdown, consult the linked “Game Statistics” page. The Central Valley League’s website remains the go‑to source for future DUALS schedules and updates.
Read the Full syracuse.com Article at:
[ https://www.syracuse.com/highschoolsports/2025/12/8-teams-compete-at-saturdays-baldwinsville-duals-79-photos.html ]
