On Wednesday March 11, 2026 the Bay Shore Men’s Basketball team went up against the Baldwin Bruins for the Long Island Championship title. This competition took place at Farmingdale State College. The overall score was 66-62, making Bay Shore the Long Island Champs. 

Bay Shore Marauders did more than just earn a coveted title, their success was the result of both mental and physical preparation. Senior, Trey Blair, explained how he mentally and physically prepared for the game. 

“I usually prepare physically and mentally by working out before and after practice, taking care of my body, and I pray before games and try to visualize myself doing well,” said Blair. 

Throughout the season, the Marauders faced challenges that tested their resilience. Junior Joe Labonte handled setbacks by learning from his mistakes. 

“I turn a tough loss into motivation by using it as fuel to work harder the next day in practice,” Labonte said. “We think about what we could’ve done better as a team from things like defense, hustling and making free throws.” 

Coach Williams, the head coach of the Bay Shore High School men’s basketball team, previously led the team to the 2023-24 state championship game. Discipline played an important role in his coaching style, as well as their ability to win the Long Island championship yet again. 

“Discipline starts in the classroom and is related to everything involved with being a good student first.” Williams said. “Secondly, it relates to the discipline to work daily on not only the deficiencies of a player’s game but also the things a player does well. Without discipline, it is almost impossible to become a successful student-athlete”. 

Williams also emphasized that the foundation of the program is teaching players how to work together on and off the court. 

“Basketball is a team sport, and therefore teamwork is everything when it comes to being successful and setting realistic team goals,” Williams said. “It is important for the coaching staff to first teach our students how to play basketball the right way, with an emphasis on fundamental and traditional team play. Teaching them the five basic offensive and defensive positions and how they all work together allows them to witness the beautiful symphony of basketball when properly orchestrated.” 

Labonte has experienced the benefits of working with his teammate, understanding how their team bond has helped them grow.

“We stayed together and acted like a family,” said Labonte. “We kept helping each other, encouraging each other, motivating each other and pushing one another to keep going. My teammates and coaches helped us stay together through the hard times when things weren’t going our way, and that support made a big difference.” 

As a player, understanding the role that you take on, and embracing it is vital in how you lead yourself, and how the team will lead, and Coach Williams makes sure of that. 

“The first step to helping a player understand and embrace their role is by building player-coach trust,” said Williams. “This is accomplished through off-season training and spring and summer league games. Based on their level of commitment, their roles and playing time will be defined by their improvement, talent, attitude and effort.”  

Williams continues to guide his team toward championships and lasting success. Their recent win of the Long Island Championship was more than just a score for the Bay Shore Marauders, it’s the result of months of determination and hard work.