Suffolk County Team Of The Week: Huntington Names New Coach, Deer Park Star Honored, Signing Day Celebrated

SUFFOLK COUNTY, NY — A new era for Huntington boys basketball, major recognition for a Deer Park football standout and another wave of college commitments across Suffolk County highlighted this week in local high school sports.

Huntington Names Michael Ferreira Boys Basketball Coach

Huntington officially ushered in a new chapter for its boys basketball program with the hiring of Michael Ferreira as the Blue Devils’ new varsity head coach.

Ferreira arrives after a successful tenure leading the Syosset girls basketball program, where he captured Nassau County and Long Island championships and guided the team to the state finals.

Huntington physical education teacher Jake Torres was appointed varsity assistant coach, while Joe Crocco will return as junior varsity head coach.

The Blue Devils will compete in Section XI League III next winter against Northport, Smithtown East, Half Hollow Hills East, Deer Park, Bellport, East Islip, West Babylon and Comsewogue.

Ferreira has already begun offseason workouts with players as Huntington prepares for summer league competition and fall league play ahead of the official season.

The program’s transition comes with optimism as Huntington looks to build toward playoff contention in one of Suffolk County’s toughest leagues.

Deer Park Senior Earns National Football Foundation Honor

Deer Park High School senior Brandon Bailey was recognized as a Scholar-Athlete by the Suffolk Chapter of the National Football Foundation during the organization’s Scholar Athlete Brunch at the Marriott Melville Long Island.

The recognition capped an accomplished football career for Bailey, who served as a team captain while earning first-team All-Division honors in 2024 and second-team honors in 2025.

Bailey also maintained a weighted GPA of 95.58 and received the Deer Park Football Falcon Award.

Beyond football, Bailey has been active in the National Honor Society, Italian Honor Society, Black Student Union, Student Booster Club and Falcon Leaders Club. He also volunteers as a PAL youth football coach and with his church youth group.

“Brandon has shown tremendous pride and commitment to the Deer Park football program,” head coach Cody Ciolino said. “He has represented himself both on and off the field with class and is the perfect example of what we look for in a player.”

Bailey will continue both his academic and athletic journey at the University of Delaware.

North Babylon Celebrates College Signing Day

North Babylon High School honored seniors continuing their academic and athletic careers during College Signing Day on May 1.

Student-athletes were recognized alongside family members, coaches, teachers and administrators as they celebrated commitments to colleges and universities across the country.

Those recognized included:

• Keira Shaw — SUNY Geneseo (cross-country/track and field)
• Kamille Black — Molloy University (track and field)
• Jordan Peck — Harvard University (track and field)
• Isaiah Exantus — Molloy University (track and field)
• Tristan Wojt — Ithaca College (football)
• Matthew Cordaro — Dean College (football)
• Madison Mlynarkiewicz — Mount Saint Mary College (softball)
• Jake Walsh — Farmingdale State College (basketball)
• Olivia Badini — Misericordia University (cheerleading)
• Maddy Johnson — Wagner College (cheerleading)
• Matthew Brito — College of Staten Island (soccer)
• Adriano Ochoa — SUNY Oswego (wrestling)
• Aidan Walsh — Mitchell College (baseball)
• Tristan Garcia — SUNY Cortland (baseball)
• Tommy Morton — American International College (baseball)
• Adrian Iglio — American International College (golf)
• Alyssa Cuevas — SUNY Maritime College (lacrosse)
• Mackenzie Ryan — University of Rhode Island (dance)

Don’t See Your Team Highlighted?

Patch is compiling weekly sports highlights from districts across Suffolk County. Coaches, athletic directors, and school communications staff are encouraged to send scores, milestones, and standout performances for inclusion in future roundups.