News by Tom Barton
News by Tom Barton on South Shore Press
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.
A 7th Grader is Knocking 'Em Down
North Country Road Middle School seventh grader Rosalie Manfre enjoyed an outstanding season competing on the Miller Place/Comsewogue Combined Girls Bowling Team, establishing herself as one of the program’s top performers despite being one of its youngest athletes
Nobody Beats the Wiz
This past week, the world-famous Harlem Wizards visited William Floyd and put on a show for everyone in attendance. The Wizards are a professional basketball team that is much more than your normal pass-and-shoot style of play. They are a theatrically minded, high-flying and fun-filled group that puts the wow factor back into the game.
Hamate Gate
As players have begun to report to spring camp, there has already been a rash of injuries. This season, however, they are not only happening to some superstars, but they are also the same injury. Francisco Lindor, Corbin Carroll and Jackson Holliday all broke their hamate bone this week and will miss significant time this spring
Bad Bunny is a Bust
Bad Bunny’s controversial Super Bowl halftime show has generated nearly as much buzz after the performance as it did beforehand. In the immediate aftermath, social media rushed to frame the artist’s appearance as a triumph, with phrases such as “highest-rated show ever” and “a rousing success” circulating widely.
Ducks Sign a Former Snake
The Long Island Ducks have signed former major league right-handed pitcher Harrison Francis. This will be his first season with the Ducks and his eighth in professional baseball.
Smithtown's Fitzgerald Returns to the Fighting Tomcats
American Soccer Club New York has announced the re-signing of midfielder Sean Fitzgerald to a one-year contract for the 2026 National Premier Soccer League season.
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Milestone Reached for Aschettino
A new milestone was reached this week when Taylor Aschettino recorded her 100th career hit for the Rocky Point Eagles in a victory over West Babylon Eagles.