Wednesday, March 19, 2025
Baldwin High School senior Payton Dulin was among 805 girls’ and boys’ basketball players nominated to play in this year’s McDonald’s All American Games at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn on April 1.
Dulin, a member of the Lady Bruins’ varsity basketball team for six years and its team captain for three, has earned numerous accolades, including three All-County selections and an All-State honor. She also has earned two Nassau County Player of the Year awards, and has helped lift her team to county and Long Island championships, as well as helped the Lady Bruins reach state finals.
“I felt honored to be recognized,” she recalled. “This is a little kid’s dream, so to be able to have the opportunity — hopefully — that’s exciting.”
The McDonald’s All American Games is an annual high school basketball showcase that highlights the best boys’ and girls’ players in the country. First held in 1977, the event brings together top senior athletes who have demonstrated talent throughout their high school careers.
Dulin joined a distinguished group of high school athletes nominated over the years for the chance to perform on the nation’s premier stage. Many notable NBA players, including LeBron James, Kobe Bryant and Kevin Durant, have played in these games, solidifying its reputation as a key showcase for rising basketball talent.
First joining the girls’ basketball program in the seventh grade, Dulin has been coached by Tom Catapano, the newest member of the Nassau County Sports Hall of Fame. She credited his coaching leadership for the development of her game.
“He dedicates so much of his life — entire life — towards us, and he has so much knowledge towards the game,” she said. “He has so much knowledge towards the game, and he was able to do so much for this school. He believes in me so much, and I really appreciate that about him.”
During her time in the basketball program, she has dealt with the loss of Anthony Bolden, a former Baldwin High School student-athlete-turned-educator, who was her assistant coach. He died due to complications with pulmonary fibrosis in September 2021, just before the start of the basketball season.
“It’s been really tough,” Dulin, who played for Bolden for two years, said. “He did so much for this program and left a big void in the team. Everything we do, every win, is always for him.”
That season, the Lady Bruins rallied to secure the Class AA County Championship, dedicating it to Bolden.
As of press time, Dulin is averaging 11.3 points per game for the 12-1 basketball team. She has committed to continue playing basketball for The George Washington University in Washington, D.C.
For the honor to play in the McDonald’s All American Games, the top 24 girls and 24 boys were revealed last month, and Dulin did not make the final team to compete. Despite not making the cut, Dulin felt appreciated for not only representing her home state, but also her school district for her unique nomination.
“This will always be my home,” she said. “So being able to represent and show people that we haven’t gone anywhere through this accomplishment has been great.”
