There’s a sense of optimism around Baldwin as both the girls’ and boys’ basketball teams gear up for the upcoming season. The Lady Bruins recently clinched the state championship and the Long Island title, setting a high bar for the 2025-26 year.
“We’re really focused on winning back-to-back titles,” said senior forward Leah Williams. “We’re starting our preparations now, not waiting until March.”
Williams attributes the team’s close finish last year—a narrow 50-48 loss to Aquinas College Rochester—to a newfound senior leadership that was missing in previous seasons. This was a stark contrast to their earlier defeat in the county playoffs.
“We needed someone to step up,” noted senior guard Alyssa Polonia.
The bond among the players rapidly strengthened, with Williams sharing, “The seniors became my best friends.” She recounted how they were always available for her, both on and off the court.
The success of the girls’ team can largely be traced back to this camaraderie and the seniors who not only led by example but also kept the mood light during practices.
“It was fun, not just serious all the time,” Polonia added. “That really helped us enjoy the game.”
From Cub to Bruin
Now, as the new season approaches, Williams and Polonia are stepping up to mentor the younger players. They feel a sense of urgency to provide closer guidance.
“I think they need someone to push them,” Polonia explained, reflecting on her early love for the sport, which stemmed from wanting to compete with her brothers.
“We play fast, so they have to adapt and give it their all,” she mentioned.
Additionally, the senior players are sharing their stories about what it takes to succeed. “We talk about our experiences and how we can elevate this group,” Williams said, acknowledging her father’s legacy with the Bruins.
Bear Down
The excitement isn’t limited to the girls’ team; the boys are also pursuing their first state championship. Junior guard Mikal St. Jean expressed that wearing the state championship uniforms adds to their motivation.
“We’ve faced similar challenges,” St. Jean said. “I admire their team, but losing is something I can’t stand.”
Last season, the boys made a notable run with a 75-56 victory over Amityville, though they were edged out by Tappan Zee in the state regional opener.
Senior center Gabriel Phillips, sidelined this year with a torn ACL, remarked, “This is our first time reaching this point, and we know what to expect.”
Point guard Ethan Sainsbury shared this optimism, saying, “If we face them again, I believe we’ll win.”
With Phillips out for the season, there will be notable shifts in the team’s dynamics, but he aims to keep his influence strong from the sidelines.
“I want to guide those who take my place and show them the right way to succeed,” he stated.
Baldwin’s Brilliance
Head coach Darius Barton plays a crucial role in the team’s success.
He had a jeweler enlarge his Long Island championship ring to match the size of an NBA championship ring, which he proudly wears to practices and games.
“I want them to see what the ultimate prize looks like,” he shared.
St. Jean acknowledged the inspiration it provides: “It definitely pushes me forward. Back-to-back runs to Long Island—that’s the goal, along with a few other aspirations.”
