The Bay Shore Marauders boys' basketball team captured the Long Island championship once again, defeating a familiar opponent in the Baldwin Bruins boys' basketball team 66–62 on Wednesday night at Farmingdale State College.
Bay Shore controlled the game from the opening tip, leading wire to wire against the defending Long Island champions. Although the Marauders maintained the lead throughout, Baldwin continued to battle and kept the contest close in the closing moments. The Bruins trimmed the deficit to just two points in the final seconds, putting pressure on Bay Shore to secure the victory at the free-throw line.
That is when Corey Faines delivered in the clutch. Faines calmly knocked down two critical free throws late in the game to seal the 66–62 win for the Marauders and secure the Long Island title. He finished as the game’s leading scorer and played a pivotal role in ending Baldwin’s run as defending champions.
Bay Shore’s offensive performance was particularly impressive against a Baldwin defense that had stifled opponents throughout the season. The 66 points allowed by the Bruins marked the second-highest point total they surrendered all year. The only team to score more against Baldwin this season was the Smithtown West Bulls boys' basketball team, which put up 72 points in a win on opening day. In addition to claiming the championship, the Marauders also snapped Baldwin’s 16-game winning streak.
History also favored Bay Shore in the matchup. The victory marked the Marauders’ 20th win of the season and brought back memories of their previous meeting with Baldwin in the Long Island championship game two years ago. That victory was significant for the program, as it marked Bay Shore’s first Long Island title since 1981.
With the championship secured, Bay Shore now turns its attention to the next round of the state tournament. The Marauders will face the Mamaroneck Tigers boys' basketball team from Section I in the Southeast Regional Final on Saturday at Yorktown High School. A win there would move Bay Shore one step closer to a state championship.