Bridgehampton boys basketball wins Suffolk 'D' title behind Xavier Johnson's double-double
Xavier Johnson of Bridgehampton drives to a basket in the first quarter of a Suffolk Class D championship against Smithtown Christian on Sunday March 1, 2026 in Patchogue. Credit: Michael A. Rupolo Sr.
The Bridgehampton boys basketball team warmed up wearing shirts donning the phrase, #BubbaStrong. It’s to support athletic director Mike DeRosa, who had surgery to remove a brain tumor after the team’s run to the state final last season.
A year later, the tumor came back, forcing him into an induced coma this week.
“Our thoughts and prayers go out to a young man and a young family,” Bridgehampton boys basketball coach Carl Johnson said. “So, we decided to wear ‘Bubba Strong’ throughout the playoffs.”
That playoff run began with a county title as top-seeded Bridgehampton won its fourth Suffolk Class D title in five years, beating No. 2 Smithtown Christian, 73-39, at St. Joseph’s University in Patchogue.
With no Class D teams in Nassau, Bridgehampton (19-2) advances to the Southeast Regional Final against the winner of Section IX and Section II at noon on Saturday, March 14, at Longwood High School.
Junior Xavier Johnson dominated early with 14 of his 18 points coming in the first half as Bridgehampton led 34-15 at the break. He also pulled down 11 rebounds, helping the Killer Bees get one step closer to a return to the state final.
Bridgehampton lost to Panama, 78-69, in the state Class D final last year.
A cool moment: Smithtown Christian senior Vaughn Beresford suffered a broken ankle this winter against Pierson.
— Michael Sicoli (@Michael__Sicoli) March 2, 2026
Today he took the opening tip-off in his final varsity game. Smithtown Christian intentionally travelled to give the ball back to Bridgehampton.
Good sportsmanship. pic.twitter.com/YYYhkfiG20
“That loss in states really motivated us to come out with the aggression we had,” Xavier Johnson said.
Junior Jordan Harding scored 10 of his 14 points in the third quarter to help Bridgehampton pull away. Sophomore Eddie Dawson IV had nine points.
Senior Jai Feaster led all players with five assists and four steals. Xavier Johnson, Dawson IV, Harding and junior Jordyn Turner each had three steals as turnovers plagued Smithtown Christian against a full-court Bridgehampton press.
Junior Jerry Webb Jr. led Smithtown Christian (12-9) with 11 points. Senior captain Vaughn Beresford, who suffered a broken ankle earlier this season, began the game with a ceremonial tipoff in a show of sportsmanship between both sides.
Bridgehampton won largely without star senior Alex Davis, whose minutes were managed as he deals with a hamstring injury. Turner played a larger role in his place, recording 13 points and six rebounds.
“We just want the [hamstring] to heal right,” Carl Johnson said. “He was a little tight today, but he came in and gave it his best. His leadership shows out there; everyone is a little calmer when he’s out there.”
The Killer Bees will hope he’s at full strength for what they hope is a historic run to a title.
“We all grew from last year. We’re more aggressive this year,” Xavier Johnson said. “We got a taste of the states last year, and now we want to win it.”
Michael Sicoli covers high school sports for Newsday. He graduated from Quinnipiac in 2022 and left with a master’s degree in sports journalism in 2023.
