BARTOW WINS 2025 BATTLE

Middleton, Fla. – Matthew Williams sank the game-winning shot with 0.9 seconds remaining to lift Bartow (Bartow, Fla.) past The Villages (Middleton, Fla.) for a 72-70 victory in the Battle at The Villages championship game Wednesday night in Middleton.

Williams’ winner capped a furious back-and-forth affair between two of Florida’s top programs, bringing a climactic end to the three-day, eight-team event at The Villages High School.

The title game featured nine ties and 11 lead changes, with Bartow (13-1) denying the host Buffalo (10-4) a chance at a repeat championship in their own tournament. The two teams were also never separated by more than seven points.

“My goodness, what a shot, what a game and what a tournament,” said Bartow head coach Terrence McGriff. “I’ve been here 24 years and had state championship teams, but none of them have been more connected than this one. We’ve got heart and we’ve got guys that love each other, and you really can’t quantify what we got.”

The Yellow Jackets were led by 18 points apiece from Ja’Kylen Crossley and Syrus Sinfort, who combined to knock down 11 three-pointers in the win. The Villages posted five players in double figures, spearheaded by 14 points each from Herly Brutus and Camryn Lee.

“That was an amazing high school basketball game,” Buffalo head coach Colt McDowell said. “(Bartow) is really tough and connected, and they played really well. All the credit goes to them. I’m proud of our boys for fighting tooth and nail to be in a game that really could have gone either way.”

WEDNESDAY’S RESULTS
7th Place Game: De La Salle 65, East Hall 54
5th Place Game: Upper Arlington 54, Victory Christian 49
3rd Place Game: St. Mary’s 79, McCallie 68
Championship: Bartow 72, The Villages 70

TOURNAMENT ACCOLADES
Most Outstanding Player: Ja’Kylen Crossley (Bartow)
Most Valuable Player: Herly Brutus (The Villages)
Most Outstanding Defensive Player: Arik Ring (Victory Christian)
Impact Player Award: Cam Williams (St. Mary’s)
All-Tournament Team: Lucas Johnson (De La Salle), Luke Mitchell (Upper Arlington), Tucker Fox (Victory Christian), Mick Riordan (St. Mary’s), Ernas Valauskas (McCallie), Derwyn Link (Bartow), Syrus Sinfort (Bartow), Aaron Britt Jr. (The Villages)

2026 BATTLE AT THE VILLAGES
Make plans to attend the 13th annual Battle at The Villages, scheduled for Dec. 28-30, 2026, at The Villages High School in Middleton, Florida.