News by Tom Barton
News by Tom Barton on South Shore Press
Miller Place Duo on the Scoring Leaderboard
Miller Place basketball features two of Suffolk County’s top 25 scorers this season in Dylan Riegel and Ryan Khezri, an impressive distinction that places the Panthers among an elite group.
Wildcats Defense Has Them Unbeaten
There are just five undefeated teams remaining in Suffolk County girls basketball this season, and standing at the top of the mountain are the Shoreham-Wading River Wildcats.
New York Jets Helping Woman's Flag Football
Earlier this month, the Betty Wold Johnson Foundation announced a groundbreaking $1 million grant to the Eastern College Athletic Conference (ECAC) that will transform the landscape of women’s flag football.
Smithtown Bowling is "Turney" Heads
Abby Turney has not only helped lead the Smithtown bowling team to an unbeaten record this season, but she and her teammates have been absolutely rolling over their opponents. Smithtown sits at an impressive 4–0 on the young campaign, and it is not just the wins that stand out, but the dominant fashion in which they have come.
Feely Uses Tennis Match to Make a Point
Former New York Jets and Giants kicker Jay Feely made headlines this week for his outspoken stance on male athletes competing against women. Feely, who is currently running for Congress in Arizona, weighed in on the recent “Battle of the Sexes” tennis match between Nick Kyrgios and Aryna Sabalenka.
The Wildcats Win the Mountain Duals Title
The Shoreham-Wading River Wrestling Team captured the 2025 Mountain Duals title, continuing what has already been a remarkable season for the Wildcats. Shoreham-Wading River was in peak form throughout the tournament, finishing a perfect 6-0 against elite competition
Longwood Hosts Their Alumni Game
The day after Christmas, Longwood High School hosted its Alumni Basketball Game at home, bringing together former student-athletes to celebrate the rich history and success of the program.
Hernandez Sisters Make Girls Wrestling History
This past week, history was made for girls wrestling on Long Island at the 2025 St. Anthony’s Friar Bash Invitational. For the first time in the tournament’s history, three sisters entered the prestigious event—and all three left as champions.
104-Year-Old Vet Wows the Islanders Crowd
This past weekend at the Rangers–Islanders game, the hockey crowd received a remarkable surprise when 104-year-old Staff Sergeant Dominick Critelli took center stage to perform the national anthem.
Has JSN Already Won?
The NFL’s Offensive Player of the Year award has essentially become the honor for the best player in football who is not a quarterback. The MVP has been an almost exclusive quarterback award for years. Even historic seasons from Christian McCaffrey, Derrick Henry, Michael Thomas, and last year’s outstanding campaign by Ja’Marr Chase barely received serious MVP consideration. Instead, those players were recognized with Offensive Player of the Year honors.
Who's Closing in LA?
When fantasy managers are asked the question, “Who’s closing in LA?” the immediate response is usually simple. Edwin Díaz just signed a massive contract, and he will be the unquestioned endgame stopper for the Dodgers. But there is another Los Angeles team, and while they have not helped many fantasy rosters lately, they still need someone to handle the ninth inning. So the question becomes, “Who’s closing in LA—no, the other LA?” The answer is far from clear.
Savannah Pantry Leads William Floyd
There was never much doubt that William Floyd’s Savannah Pantry was going to turn heads this season. Already regarded as one of the top players in Suffolk County, Pantry has recently taken her game to another level, catching fire as the early portion of the season unfolds. Her dominant performances have helped lead the Colonials to an unbeaten start and have showcased just how complete her skill set has become.
Coach Gleason is Still Helping Others
Former Shoreham-Wading River coach Liam Gleason delivered one final act of selflessness and generosity that continues to change lives. The beloved Siena College men’s lacrosse coach, who passed away last month, helped save four people through organ donation. Gleason was a registered organ donor, and WNYT confirmed with the Center for Organ Donation that four individuals received life-saving transplants as a result of his decision.
Callahan Wins His 100th
The Rocky Point High School varsity wrestling program is known for its long-standing tradition of strong performances and individual excellence, and the team added another milestone to that legacy this past week.
Christmas Comes Early for Some Islander Fans
This holiday season, Christmas came early for some young fans as members of the New York Islanders paid a special visit to Stony Brook Hospital, bringing smiles, warmth, and holiday cheer to patients and families.
Hills West's Offense Leads to a Perfect Record
With this week’s convincing 87-60 win over East Hampton, the Half Hollow Hills West varsity basketball team has opened the season undefeated and firing on all cylinders.
The Phantoms Celebrate Their Championship Teams
At a recent Board of Education meeting, the Bayport-Blue Point School District honored two outstanding varsity teams for their remarkable accomplishments during the 2024–2025 school year.
Remein Earns a Trip to the NYS Championships
Patchogue-Medford High School freshman Jameson Remien has qualified for the New York State Swimming and Diving Championships, capping off an outstanding start to his high school career.
Student Leadership Conference is a Major Success
More than 40 Suffolk County high schools were represented at the latest Section XI Student Leadership Conference, an event designed to empower student-athletes through education, mentorship, and shared experiences. Organized by Center Moriches Athletic Director Jeremy Thode, the conference brought together students, educators, and leaders from across Long Island for a full day of learning and inspiration.
Longwood Cheer Champions Head to Nationals
The Longwood Varsity Cheerleaders are officially headed to the National Championships after an outstanding performance last week at UCA’s Keystone Regional Competition in Reading, Pennsylvania. Competing at a high level for the first time this season, the Lions rose to the challenge in impressive fashion, qualifying for nationals and capturing first place at the event.
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Sachem Announces Gala Winners
The Sachem Educational Foundation has announced the honorees for its second annual gala, celebrating individuals and alumni who have made a lasting impact on the Sachem community.