The William Floyd Colonials boys’ varsity basketball team is headed back to the Suffolk County Championship game.
The Colonials earned their return to the county final with a 73–66 victory over Walt Whitman in a semifinal playoff matchup this weekend. With the win, William Floyd improved to 20–2 overall after finishing league play at 15–1. The Colonials have now won four straight games and 21 of their last 22 contests, continuing a dominant stretch that has defined their season.
Defense has been the driving force behind William Floyd’s success, particularly in recent weeks. Aside from their opening night loss, the Colonials have held every opponent to 66 points or fewer. Ironically, Saturday’s semifinal also marked their third-highest scoring output of the year, highlighting a balanced performance on both ends of the floor when it mattered most.
The game opened with both teams feeling each other out offensively, as defenses controlled the tempo early. Shots were hard to come by, and possessions were physical and deliberate. The first quarter ended with William Floyd holding a slim 9–8 advantage. Scoring picked up slightly in the second quarter, but neither team could create separation, and the game went into halftime tied at 26.
Coming out of the break, the Colonials made key adjustments that changed the momentum of the game. William Floyd erupted for 27 points in the third quarter, attacking the basket, finishing through contact, and capitalizing at the free-throw line. That offensive surge, paired with disciplined defensive pressure, allowed the Colonials to build a double-digit lead.
Walt Whitman attempted to respond with a scoring flurry in the fourth quarter, but the damage from the decisive 27–11 third-quarter run proved too much to overcome. William Floyd remained composed down the stretch, making timely plays to close out the win and secure a spot in the championship game.
JJ Smith led the way with a dominant all-around performance, finishing with 25 points, 11 rebounds, and a steal. Sharod Sutton Jr. was close behind with 23 points and set the tone with his physical play, leading the team in free throws and consistently attacking the rim. Jesse Durham added 11 points, while Ja’Quan Thomas chipped in 10. Josiah Wade and Gavin Winters rounded out the scoring with two points apiece.
The Colonials, the No. 1 overall seed and League I champions in each of the past four seasons, will now face Bay Shore in the AAA Large School Championship on Saturday, March 7, at 5 p.m. at Stony Brook University. Bay Shore finished the season 18–4 overall and 15–2 in league play. The teams split their regular-season series, with William Floyd winning 64–53 at home and Bay Shore taking a 64–62 victory in its home matchup.
With confidence high and momentum firmly on their side, William Floyd enters the championship game focused and battle tested. The Colonials will look to rely on their defensive identity, balanced scoring, and playoff experience as they chase another county title in front of a crowd at Stony Brook.