SMITHTOWN – Signed, sealed, & delivered. The Bulls are Suffolk County Champions for the first time in program history! The Smithtown West varsity boys’ basketball team took on Half Hollow Hills West in the Suffolk County Final on Saturday afternoon.
The West Bulls are a member of the New York State Public High School Athletic Association (NYSPHSAA) and compete in League III. The boys are led by first-year head coach Michael Agostino. In his first season, Agostino led the Bulls to a 22-1-0 record, placing them at the top of League III.
A Suffolk County title has eluded the Bulls for a while now. They’ve been playing well the last few years, so it’s not for lack of effort. The Bulls reached the title game the last two seasons but fell short. Having come so close but not winning left a sour taste for Smithtown West.
The Bulls are a dominant team; they’ve always been a top contender in Suffolk County. This season was no different. They put up a 22-1-0 record with their only loss coming in game two of the season against Baldwin. The loss was by a 10-point deficit, which is not bad at all. West outscored its opponents this season 1,744 to 1,242. Their highest-scoring regular-season game was a 97-51 win over West Babylon. The lowest score they held their opponent to was a 70-24 win over East Islip.
For Smithtown West, the Class AA playoffs began on February 20 versus West Islip. The Bulls’ offense had a knack for the basket that night, beating Islip 95-61. Up next was league opponent Half Hollow Hills East. HHH East ranked fourth in League III standings this year. The Bulls picked up the win by a closer margin, winning 72-58. The ‘W’ earned them a spot in the Suffolk County championship game. Their opponent? Half Hollow Hills West.
On Saturday, March 7, Smithtown West arrived on the campus of Stony Brook University to compete for a Suffolk County title. HHH West, a non-league opponent, had itself a strong year, finishing the regular season with a 21-1-0 record. The two first-place West teams were set to battle it out for a title.
The Bulls were led by none other than Michael Cascione. Yes, that Michael Cascione, the very same Michael Cascione who dominated on the football field in the fall. He’s also a phenomenal basketball player as well. Cascione led the Bulls with 28 pts, he accounted for 9 FGS, 2 3PTS, 4 FTS, 8 assists, and 11 rebounds. Scoring came from everybody and the Bulls were feeling it. From the arc, the Bulls completed 11 of their 3-point attempts.
Anyways, the Bulls emerged victorious over HHH West, winning their first Suffolk County title in program history by the score of 98-68. The Bulls handed Hills West their second loss of the season with the title win. The scene at Island Federal Credit Union Arena was euphoric as the Bulls bench stormed the court to celebrate their monumental win as a team.
The Bulls’ season had more to come, as they now had an opportunity to compete for the Long Island championship. Another neutral site location at Farmingdale State College, the Bulls battled for title number-two against South Side at 7:30p.m. The Bulls emerged victorious, defeating South Side to win the Long Island Championship. A 65-50 win is in the books for the Bulls.
Congratulations to the Smithtown West varsity boys basketball team on winning the Suffolk County Championship!
