A structured league that brings faith, competition, sportsmanship, and clear standards onto the same court.
Smaller high school programs competing in Boys Varsity and Girls Varsity divisions.
Across upstate New York, with games hosted in member-program gyms and a shared postseason championship.
What winning means
At UBL, winning matters—but the scoreboard tells only part of the story. We compete with excellence, walk in humility, and measure success by the character we display in both victory and defeat.
We give our best because effort becomes worship when it is offered to God.
“Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord.”
Colossians 3:23 · NIV
Strength and success should always be matched by justice, mercy, and humility.
“To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.”
Micah 6:8 · NIV
Every choice—on the court and away from it—should point beyond ourselves.
“Whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.”
1 Corinthians 10:31 · NIV
UBL starting lineup
Meet the starting five—the standards we put on the floor every time we prepare, compete, lead, win, and lose.
Honor God in how we prepare, compete, lead, win, and lose.
Play hard, prepare well, and pursue victory with integrity.
Respond to both victory and defeat with maturity and humility.
Build trust through dependable, consistent league leadership.
Create a foundation that serves athletes and programs for years to come.
“We want every team to leave a UBL game knowing they were challenged to compete, encouraged to grow, and part of something being built to last.”Nick Blanchard Founder
Serving programs, supporting officials, and protecting the standard of the league.
Andy has served as an Upward Sports basketball commissioner since 2022, helping lead New Hope Community Church’s ministry in Queensbury. The ministry serves 220-plus student-athletes with 50 volunteers. His experience spans officiating, coaching, and league operations.
Chris has officiated for 36 years and has helped teach new officials joining the Section 2 Board. His goal is to have experienced officials on every UBL game.
For league communication, questions, or information about joining the Upstate Basketball League, contact the commissioner through the league email.
