News by Tom Barton
News by Tom Barton on South Shore Press
Is There a New Ace in Town?
The New York Mets have a new ace, and fantasy owners have been accustomed to viewing Freddy Peralta as a near-ace for some time. The move to a more pitcher-friendly park should help, but do not overreach, because the reality is that the lineup around him is roughly the same and the bullpen is likely worse at protecting his leads. Peralta has been a standout for years, and slotting him in as a high-value fantasy arm is easy. The question is just how high he should go.
Super Bowl Props - Sometimes Boring Pays
My early thinking on the Big Game centers around the belief that I have that both of these defenses will steal the show. The Seahawks have allowed just 68 points in their last seven games that were not against the Stafford–McVay Rams, while the Patriots’ run defense has allowed 87, 79, and 48 rushing yards in their last three games.
Have We Seen This Before? Super Bowl Preview
The Big Game is all set, and despite new coaches, new quarterbacks, and new players, it feels like we are watching history repeat itself. The Patriots are once again led by a defensive-minded coach, yet their best player is a young, up-and-coming signal caller who is expected to finish near the top of the MVP voting.
Long Island Ducks Sold to Texas Company
The Long Island Ducks have been a staple on the Island for decades, but a major change was announced this week. The Ducks will no longer be a Long Island–owned business after longtime owner Frank Boulton sold the team to a Texas-based company. REV Entertainment, the official sports and entertainment company of the Texas Rangers, has purchased the Long Island Ducks. In its press release, REV stated, “The acquisition of the winningest franchise in Atlantic League history — and a four-time league champion (2004, 2012, 2013, 2019) — marks a significant expansion of REV’s growing team ownership portfolio.”
Coach Longo is Back on the Sidelines
The winningest coach in Suffolk County football history has chosen a new school. Paul Longo will take over the football program at Shoreham-Wading River following his legendary career at William Floyd. Longo is expected to be officially named the Wildcats’ new head football coach pending approval by the Shoreham-Wading River Board of Education later this week.
What a Week for McCormick
Bay Shore Girls Varsity Indoor Track standout Maggie McCormick has earned national recognition for her remarkable performances, being voted National Girls Indoor Performer of the Week in MileSplit USA’s poll for the week of December 29, 2025, through January 4, 2026. A closer look at her accomplishments during that span makes it easy to understand why she received the honor.
More Records Fall for Pat-Med Track
There was another record setting weekend this past week for the Patchogue-Medford School District. The High School indoor boys track and field standouts Evan Fraser and Colin Jennings broke three long-standing school records, marking an exciting moment for the program during the winter season.
A Seawolves Legend Hangs Em Up
Stony Brook women’s lacrosse legend Kylie Ohlmiller ’18 announced her retirement from the sport on January 22, bringing to a close one of the most accomplished careers in lacrosse history.
William Floyd Track Earns League 1 Title
The William Floyd High School boys’ varsity track team has clinched the League I winter track championship. Under the leadership of head coach Ed Noll described the achievement as a “total team effort,” noting that every athlete played a role in securing the overall title.
Ducks Welcome Back a Suffolk County Star
The Long Island Ducks announced the signings of Suffolk native pitcher and infielder Chad Pike and pitcher Jacob Asa. Both players begin their second season with the Ducks and third in baseball.
Everything that is Old is New Again
The stage is set for Super Bowl 2026, as fans will get a rematch of Super Bowl XLIX with the Seahawks facing the Patriots. The opening line, released immediately after Seattle’s conference championship win, listed the Seahawks as 3.5-point favorites. Within the first hour, it was difficult to find many bettors willing to back New England.
Half Hollow Hills Fencing as Dominant as Ever
The Half Hollow Hills boys fencing team has clinched the League I Championship, further cementing its status as one of the premier programs on Long Island. With the title secured, the team has now captured its fourth consecutive league championship, continuing a stretch of dominance that has defined the program in recent seasons.
Burgueno Chooses to Stay Close to Home
This past week, Ward Melville senior Elliot Burgueno was honored at the All-American ceremony for high school and college All-Americans at the National Soccer Convention in Philadelphia and also made an important decision on where he will play next year.
Sachem North Wins 1st League Title Since 2013
The Sachem North wrestling team has captured its first League II Championship in more than a decade, earning the program’s first league title since 2013. The milestone victory capped off a dominant regular season for the Arrows, who rose to every challenge placed in front of them throughout the winter.
Coach Healey Wins His Milestone 100th
William Floyd High School varsity bowling head coach James Healey recently reached a personal milestone by earning his 100th career victory in a 34-2 win over Bellport. During the match, senior Nicholas Powers rolled a game-high 255, while sophomore Gino Conforti added a strong 224, helping secure the landmark victory for both the coach and the program.
Bellport Girls are Off and Running
The Bellport girls varsity winter track season is off to an impressive start, with multiple athletes turning in top performances across several events. n fact, some of the girls have been historically good to begin the new year. Senior Arielle Ross has led the way early, posting one of the strongest runs in program history.
He's Back - The Ducks Resign Flores
The Long Island Ducks have announced the signing of catcher Ronaldo Flores, marking his return for a second season with the club and his seventh year in professional baseball.
Roberts Talents are There but is he Worth the ADP?
The New York Mets traded for talent this week and landed one of the most physically gifted players in baseball when they acquired Luis Robert Jr. from the White Sox.
Belli Back to the Bronx
The New York Yankees believed they had the best offer on the table for their star outfielder to return and chose not to budge during negotiations. In the end, that strategy proved successful, as Cody Bellinger and the Yankees agreed Wednesday to a five-year, $162.5 million contract that keeps him in pinstripes for the foreseeable future.
Hills West Girls Track Team Impresses Again
The Hills West girls indoor track team had a strong day of competition this season at the Stanner Games, delivering several standout performances against elite competition.
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Duke Favored to Cut Down the Nets in '27
The confetti has barely settled for the Michigan Wolverines, but in the world of sports betting, there’s no offseason. Oddsmakers across the country have already released early lines for the 2027 NCAA Tournament, and to little surprise, the Duke Blue Devils sit atop the board as the early favorites.