Colonials defeat Walt Whitman in semifinals, advance to finals

The No. 1 William Floyd Colonials boys varsity basketball team, led by head coach Will Slinkosky, has advanced to the Class AAA Suffolk County Championship game with a 73-66 victory over Walt Whitman in the semifinal round of the Section XI Class AAA playoffs on Friday evening, Feb. 27. The first half was a tightly contested affair, with Floyd and Whitman playing to a 26-26 tie going into halftime. In the third quarter, the Colonials took control over the game by going on a 19-2 run and outscoring their opposition 27-11 overall. Up 16 points to start the fourth, Floyd faced one last push from Whitman, who managed to cut their lead down to single digits with less than a minute remaining. Despite the late push by Whitman, the Colonials continued to play tough and held on for the 73-66 win.

JJ Smith had a monster game, leading the Colonials with a 25-point, 11-rebound, double-double that came along with three successful three-point baskets. Sharod Sutton also had a big game, posting a double-double of his own with 23 points, 11 rebounds, and four assists in the win. Additionally, Jesse Durham finished with 11 points and Ja’Quan Thomas finished with 10 points, respectively.

The Colonials will now play in their third consecutive Suffolk County Championship game, continuing what has been one of the most successful stretches of playoff competition in program history. They’ll be playing against No. 3 Bay Shore, one of their most bitter rivals, in the championship game. Floyd and Bay Shore split their season series, with each team picking up a win on their home court. Floyd has faced Bay Shore in each of the previous two playoff tournaments, losing an overtime thriller to them in the 2024 Suffolk County Championship game and then defeating them in the semifinal round of the Class AAA playoffs last season.

The Suffolk County Championship game will take place on Saturday, March 7. at 5 p.m. at Stony Brook University. Tickets cost $9.40 each (fees included) and can be purchased online in advance. Children 12 and under are free. There will be QR codes available at the gate for purchase.

The William Floyd Colonial roster includes: seniors JJ Smith, Sharod Sutton, Ja’Quan Thomas, Josiah Wade, Jesse Durham, Evan Commodore and Naz Williams; sophomores Kyren Duff, Daniil Ufimskiy, Gavin Winters and Curtis Edwards; freshman include Devonte Medlock, Collin Smith and Robbie Thomas. Coaches: Will Slinkosky (head coach), and assistant coaches Thomas Stines and Harrison Bak.