News by Tom Barton
News by Tom Barton on South Shore Press
American Pride is Back and It's Missing a Tooth
American pride surged back into the spotlight this weekend in a way many people feel has not been experienced since the 1980s. For those who remember that era, the Cold War years were marked by a powerful sense of national identity and unity, a feeling that being American meant something unmistakable and shared. Over time, that spirit has felt muted. This weekend, however, it returned in dramatic fashion.
The Big Upset
The Commack varsity boys basketball team pulled off a major upset to advance in the playoffs this weekend. Commack handed second-seeded North Babylon a tight and hard-fought 54-52 loss.
Farrow's Clutch Three Advances Floyd
The William Floyd girls’ varsity basketball team earned the right to continue its championship pursuit Friday night with a thrilling playoff victory over Huntington. The Colonials captured a hard fought 55-51 win in a quarterfinal matchup that remained tight from start to finish, matching the intensity expected at this stage of the postseason.
William Floyd Advances with a Defensive Clinic
The top-seeded William Floyd boys’ varsity basketball team is moving on in the playoffs after earning a convincing quarterfinal victory on Thursday afternoon. The Colonials leaned on their trademark defense to shut down Sachem East and secure a 58–46 win, advancing to the next round of postseason play.
William Floyd Celebrates the Olympics
This week, as Olympic fever swept across the globe, the William Floyd School District joined in the excitement with its own celebration of the Winter Games. While many of the world’s greatest athletes gathered in Milan Cortina, Italy, for the opening ceremony of the 2026 Winter Olympics, William Floyd Elementary School hosted a memorable version of its own Winter Olympics opening ceremony.
Coaches of the Year and the Team to Beat
The William Floyd varsity wrestling team continues to impress. Less than a month after winning the League I dual meet championship for the first time in more than 40 years, the William Floyd boys’ varsity wrestling team made history once again by capturing the League I Tournament title for the first time since the 2001–02 season.
Bellport Runs to States
Bellport High School’s girls varsity track and field 4x200-meter relay team is headed to the New York State Track and Field Championships after an impressive first-place finish at the Section XI State Qualifier. The state meet will be held on March 6 at the Ocean Breeze Athletic Complex, one of the premier indoor track facilities in the country.
HR Futures Bring Fun and Value
Baseball is right around the corner, and while much of the sports world is still shaking off its Super Bowl haze and gearing up for March Madness, sportsbooks have quietly rolled out futures markets for America’s pastime. Among the most popular offerings are home run leader futures, a wager that blends star power, projection, and opportunity for value.
Is 3B the New Tight End?
Position scarcity is a major topic among fantasy baseball managers, and year after year the strategy pays dividends for disciplined owners. Much like having a dynamic tight end in football, rostering an elite bat at a premium position can feel like a cheat code. In the past, second base and catcher were the easiest spots to gain an edge, but this season third base looks like a barren wasteland.
Miller Leads Three Village Swim
The Three Village boys swimming and diving team captured its league championship and finished third at the County Championships last week, capping an outstanding overall season. The Patriots showcased depth and consistency all winter and were rewarded with multiple postseason qualifications and record-breaking performances.
Pat Med's Stars Choose Their Next Stop
Patchogue-Medford High School recently held a National Signing Day ceremony to recognize five student-athletes who officially committed to continue their academic and athletic careers at NCAA Division I and Division II institutions. The district congratulated Sophia Fox, Colin Jennings, Kayla Newman, Addison Ruland, and Hailey Stratton on reaching this important milestone in their athletic journeys.
Losquadro Takes Home the Bronze
Shoreham-Wading River sophomore Joseph Losquadro captured a bronze medal in boys sabre last week at the Suffolk County Individual Fencing Championships, delivering one of the most inspiring performances of the tournament.
Ducks Sign a Rookie of the Year
Getting a young superstar is always a big deal and this week that is exactly what the Ducks were able to do. Earlier in the week the Long Island Ducks announced that they signed infielder Henry Kusiak. Kusiak begins his first season with the Ducks and his third season in professional baseball. The 24-year-old brings a bat that will be very welcomed to the lineup, and he can play multiple positions, giving coach Ford many options, as the club prepares for another Atlantic League campaign this summer.
Back-to-Back Gold Medals
The Half Hollow Hills combined fencing teams put on an impressive display and delivered a strong overall performance at the County Championships. Competing against the top programs in Suffolk, the Hills fencers showcased depth, consistency, and high-level individual talent throughout the event.
Prediction Markets Lead the Big Game
The Nevada Gaming Control Board reported earlier this week that $133.8 million was wagered with the state’s sportsbooks on this year’s Super Bowl. It marked the weakest Super Bowl handle for Nevada since 2016, when $132.5 million was bet on the Broncos versus the Panthers. Nevada’s figures included both in-person and online wagering, as well as future bets that were placed throughout the year in Las Vegas.
Floyd Cheer Excels at Nationals
The William Floyd varsity cheerleaders have advanced to the semifinals of the 2026 UCA National High School Cheerleading Championship in Orlando, Florida.
William Floyd Sends Four Athletes to States
The William Floyd High School varsity indoor track team is sending four student-athletes to the Section XI state qualifying competition. Allana Morgan, Angelle Sainteus, Brianna Smith, and Coral Macchia each earned a spot at the meet.
New Royalty on the Sidelines
Port Jefferson School District has hired its new head football coach, as Craig Perrino will take the reins as the new leader of the Port Jefferson Royals varsity football program.
Replacing a Legend
There is a familiar face stepping into the role of new head coach at William Floyd High School. While it is never easy replacing a legend like former coach Paul Longo, the district has named a successor who will continue the program’s long-standing tradition of excellence.
Record Setting Rebounds
There is a new school record at Half Hollow Hills West following a fascinating and dominant performance under the boards. Senior forward Kamari Vernot set a new Hills West boys basketball single-game record with 27 rebounds in a 78–62 victory over Hauppauge last week.
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Joe the Box Celebrates America First Spirit
“Joe the Box” has become one of Suffolk County’s most recognizable America-First personalities, turning The America First Warehouse in Ronkonkoma into what supporters call “the most patriotic venue in all the land.”