The latest installment of the Zephyr Duals found a new king of the hill, a team that has been knocking on the door at the annual wrestling tournament at Whitehall High School.

After coming in second and third the last two years, respectively, Stroudsburg High School ascended to the top of the heap, beating Paramus (N.J.) High School 38-30 in the finals.

In all, 15 teams participated at Zephyr Gymnasium on Dec. 5, ringing in the new year with some intense competition.

Zephyr head coach Tim Cunningham said it's a good way to stay sharp during the break. It also serves as a springboard to the next half of their season.

"It's a good way to start off before you start wrestling in the league," said Cunningham.

Cunningham said that Stroudsburg paved the way to the championship by constantly being aggressive.

"They don't stop wrestling," said Cunningham. "They stalk their opponent, they believe in themselves, and they just never give up out on the mat."

Also competing at the Duals were some familiar faces. Fellow Lehigh Valley Conference member Emmaus High School had a good tourney, finishing fifth.

Whitehall finished the tourney 2-2, battling into the consolation finals, finishing tenth. They were upended by Wyalusing High School 45-25 to cement that final standing.

Their wins came over East Stroudsburg South (42-33) and Mahanoy Area High Schools (55-18).

They got good performances from a number of wrestlers, most notably Matthew Bonshak, Fouad Haddad and Adel Sharif who all went 4-0.

Emerging undefeated in a tough tournament was as much a mental exercise as a physical one, indicated Cunningham.

"They went out there and they had the right attitude," said Cunningham. "They really believe in wrestling for the team, they're very coachable, and they're doing the things we're going over in practice and it's working for them."

He said that everyone is working hard, and they're working on "attitude, effort and team."

"It's something we're preaching every day," said Cunningham.

The Duals brings together a field of strong competition encompassing the tri-state area. It attracts a good mix of teams that offer a feel for what the postseason has to offer.

"It was a well-run tournament, very competitive," said Cunningham. "It gets stronger every year."

Since it is getting tougher, it throws more of his younger wrestlers into that crucible, but Cunningham said that's what you want because "you want to challenge your team."

He also said the kids look forward to the tournament knowing it's going to be a solid building block on the path to the postseason.

Cunningham also said the Zephyr Duals allows them to work as a unit, getting better every time they step on the mat.

"At this point in time, we're jelling a little better as a team," he said. "We're working on our attitude and effort, that's what's most important right now."