Smithtown West boys basketball's Michael Cascione leads Bulls to Suffolk Class AA crown

Senior Michael Cascione last suited up at Stony Brook University for Smithtown West’s football team, suffering a loss in the county final. He said at the Suffolk basketball’s media day that he was “angry” as he entered the basketball season.

Months later, he returned to Stony Brook, this time for the boys basketball team. And after he delivered a 28-point master-class Saturday, he wasn’t angry anymore.

“I’m so happy; you don’t understand,” Cascione said. “I’ve wanted this my whole high school career. When I was a freshman, I was like, ‘I want to win a county championship,’ and I did it.”

Cascione’s 28 points, along with 11 rebounds, eight assists, four steals and three blocks lifted top-seeded Smithtown West to its first county title in program history, beating No. 2 Half Hollow Hills, 98-68, to lift the Suffolk Class AA crown. Smithtown West lost in the county championship in each of the last two years before Saturday’s triumph.

FINAL: Smithtown West beats Hills West, 98-68, to lift the Suffolk AA title for the first time in school history.

An unbelievable day. Coach Michael Agostino received the best welcome from his team upon entering the tunnel as well.

A huge moment for this program. pic.twitter.com/P8M2g24mqy

— Michael Sicoli (@Michael__Sicoli) March 7, 2026

“It’s elation, it really is,” Smithtown West coach Michael Agostino said. “I want to win every game I’m participating in, and I didn’t think I’d feel better about one win over another. But this one feels better.”

Smithtown West will face South Side in the Long Island championship game at 5 p.m. Tuesday at Farmingdale State.

As dominant as Cascione was from start to finish, Smithtown West (22-1) flexed its depth from the jump. Junior Luke Brown came off the bench and scored 14 of his 16 points in seven minutes from the first quarter to the second quarter, finishing with seven rebounds and four assists.

Smithtown West led 47-24 at halftime before senior Casey Burton took his turn at the helm. He had 16 of his 19 points in the third quarter, finishing with 12 rebounds. Senior Evan Lutzer added 12 points, five rebounds, three assists, two steals and a block as the Bulls took a 34-point lead into the fourth quarter.

“I am always of the impression it can be anybody any day,” Agostino said. “Today was Casey’s turn, today was Luke’s turn. Evan Lutzer, I thought, was tremendous … Those supporting guys really stepped up today for the moment.”

Senior Ethan Saintjean and junior Anderson McMorris led Hills West (21-2) with 17 points, and senior Jack Vafeas added 14 points. With key contributors in McMorris and sophomore Christian Jean (15 points) returning, Hills West coach Bill Mitaritonna expressed pride in what his core established this winter.

“This senior class of Jack Vafeas, Ethan Saintjean, Vince Corso, Kamari Vernot, Jake Luppy and Tyler Dunst really did a great job in setting the tone for the future of Hills West basketball,” Mitaritonna said. “Coming back three years ago, it was hard to believe that we’d be able to get here so quickly, but we did.”

For Cascione, the moment was made even sweeter in winning alongside his younger brother, Jax (eight points). When the elder Cascione blocked a shot and hit a three-pointer to end the first half, he celebrated and went right to Jax at half court.

HALFTIME: Smithtown West 47, Half Hollow Hills West 24.

I’m running out of words to describe Michael Cascione. I’ll let the video of the final play of the half speak to it.

Block. Shot. Celebration. pic.twitter.com/oAnoHt18NH

— Michael Sicoli (@Michael__Sicoli) March 7, 2026

“It doesn’t get better than that,” Michael Cascione said. “We compete every day . . . I just love my brother so much. He’s just like a best friend to me.”