Bridgehampton boys basketball wins Suffolk 'D' title

Xavier Johnson's 18 points and 11 rebounds lead Killer Bees to county championship

Published on Mar. 2, 2026

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The Bridgehampton boys basketball team won its fourth Suffolk Class D title in five years, defeating Smithtown Christian 73-39 in the county championship game. Junior Xavier Johnson led the way with 18 points and 11 rebounds, while the Killer Bees played stifling defense to pull away in the second half. Bridgehampton now advances to the Southeast Regional Final as they look to avenge last year's loss in the state championship game.

Why it matters

Bridgehampton's boys basketball team has emerged as a dominant force in Suffolk County's Class D division, winning four of the last five county titles. The Killer Bees are seeking redemption after falling short in last year's state final, and this latest county championship puts them one step closer to that goal.

The details

Junior Xavier Johnson scored 14 of his 18 points in the first half to help Bridgehampton build a 34-15 halftime lead. The Killer Bees' full-court press forced numerous turnovers, with Xavier Johnson, Eddie Dawson IV, Jordan Harding, and Jordyn Turner each recording three steals. Harding scored 10 of his 14 points in the third quarter to extend Bridgehampton's advantage. Senior Jai Feaster added 5 assists and 4 steals in the victory.

  • Bridgehampton won the Suffolk Class D championship on March 2, 2026.
  • The Killer Bees will face the winner of Section IX and Section II in the Southeast Regional Final on March 14, 2026 at Longwood High School.

The players

Xavier Johnson

A junior at Bridgehampton High School who led the Killer Bees with 18 points and 11 rebounds in the county championship game.

Carl Johnson

The head coach of the Bridgehampton boys basketball team, guiding them to their fourth Suffolk Class D title in five years.

Alex Davis

A senior at Bridgehampton High School who dealt with a hamstring injury but provided valuable leadership for the Killer Bees.

Vaughn Beresford

A senior captain for Smithtown Christian who suffered a broken ankle earlier this season but was allowed to take the ceremonial opening tipoff in his final varsity game, demonstrating good sportsmanship.

Mike DeRosa

The athletic director at Bridgehampton High School who had surgery to remove a brain tumor after the team's run to the state final last season, and whose tumor has since returned, forcing him into an induced coma.

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What they’re saying

“Our thoughts and prayers go out to a young man and a young family.”

— Carl Johnson, Bridgehampton boys basketball coach (Newsday)

“That loss in states really motivated us to come out with the aggression we had.”

— Xavier Johnson (Newsday)

“We all grew from last year. We're more aggressive this year. We got a taste of the states last year, and now we want to win it.”

— Xavier Johnson (Newsday)

What’s next

The Bridgehampton Killer Bees will face the winner of Section IX and Section II in the Southeast Regional Final on March 14, 2026 at Longwood High School, as they look to avenge last year's loss in the state championship game.

The takeaway

Bridgehampton's boys basketball team has established itself as a dominant force in Suffolk County's Class D division, winning four of the last five county titles. The Killer Bees' run to the state final last year has fueled their determination to win it all this season, as they continue their quest for a historic championship.