Eyes on a Suffolk County Championship

Let’s take a look at 5 schools who have their sites set on a section xi class AA title.

Northport            Section XI

Last season with Covid it changed the playoff format. But don’t believe that was why Northport defeated Brentwood. Northport had many weapons, they are a team that always seem to know their identity. They play into their strenghts.  Nickx Watts Nickx Watts 6'7" | PF Northport | 2022 NY  is their main strength . We have written him up as a POY candidate. He is a force in the middle. Excellent footwork and scores inside. He can bang inside. His positioning in sealing his man or posting him is outstanding. Dylan McNaughton is a strong rebounder with a nice touch around the rim. With his size Dylan is a tough match up. J J Ahlstrand brings his football toughness to the court. Has elite athletic ability which he uses as a lockdown defender. Brendan Carr scores the ball in a variety of ways. Can score from all three levels. As a sophomore he hit 2 big threes in the championship game. A player to watch this coming season.

Brentwood               Section XI

Brentwood is a usual fixture not only in the Suffolk county final but in the conversation for Long Island champion. The New York State player of the year Jordan Riley is now at Georgetown but they have a nucleus to continue their success. Zatai Townsend is ready to take the role of leader. He plays on both ends of the court. He can stretch the floor with his shooting ability. But he is at his best when he is attacking the basket. Very good vision in finding the open man. Aaron Nyantakyi is an athletic leaper. Can score from all three levels. Is quick off his feet. This enables him to scoreon put backs. Solid defender on and off the ball.

Smithown West       Section XI

Patricks Burke Patricks Burke 6'2" | PF Smithtown West | 2023 NY  is a major player for player of the year in Suffolk. He can score inside. He has the range to stretch the defense. Excellent rebounder. Opponents will have the never ending question do you try stop him and let the others beat you. Or do you give him his and hold the others down. One of the players to benefit will be Tyler Anderson. Very athletic leaper. Handles the ball well and gets into the paint. He also can pull up and stick the pull up jumper. Joey Mitchell super fast guard. A strong hard nosed defender. Relocates well and is very capable of hitting open three.

Half Hollow Hills East       Section XI

The modified playoff last year had league 1 vs league 2. League 3 vs league 4. The winners earned a modified Suffolk championship. Though it was different Hills East and all the other winners earned their championships. Hills East returns this year with a really good chance of adding another banner.They have two all county returning players.  Xavier Lewis Xavier Lewis 5'8" | PG Half Hollow Hills East | 2022 State NY is a super quick guard. Has deep range and an elite mid range  game. He gets into the lane and has a deadly floater. Excellent ball handler and is extremely unselfish. Derek Varlack could be the most improved player this coming season. He was already very talented but under the radar. He is not anymore. At a recent event against Molloy and St Joe by the sea he was the best player on the court. Derek is smooth with the ball. He is a crafty scorer. Sammy Gerstman is a player that loves the challenge. He will not be denied going to the rim to score or crashing the boards. He has an excellent mid range game off the bounce. Adam Kirschenblatt is a big man who can step out and drill threes. Uses his bulk to rebound the ball. Bryce  Hamilton adds his defensive ability to the team. Good on the ball defender and gets to the basket. Chris Connell  makes the right play from the high post. Has the ability to stretch the floor with his ability to shoot the three. Excellent in pick and roll or pop sets. Jalani Anthony is a strong rebounder and a good presence inside. Louis Mathurin brings a football mentality to the court. A workhorse on both ends of the court on the glass. Can score inside with toughness and good footwork.

Bellport               Section XI

Bellport had a good showing in the playoffs last season. Their young team was able to play a few extra games and get some big game experience. Javin Riddick showed he is ready for prime time. He is an electric player with a quick first step. Goes hard to the basket. His head is always up looking to make a play. Has deep three range. Samir Bell  is excellent in transition. Has a strong body. Hard to take off of ball. Can alter shots with his size and jumping ability.