Phantoms Lacrosse Takes First Long Island Championship

Two days after a thrilling in the Section XI Class C title game, the Phantoms were crowned Long Island champions for the first time in the eight-year history of their program, as they defeated Cold Spring Harbor, 13-6.

The win was especially sweet for Bayport-Blue Point High School Athletic Director Tim Mullins, who has seen lacrosse in Bayport grow from a hobby to a lifestyle for many players. He credits the hard work the volunteers of the Bayport Youth Lacrosse program for laying the foundation for success at the high school level.

"To accomplish what we have within eight years of starting the program, it’s a tremendous feat," he said. "Not only for the players and the coaches, but for the Bayport youth lacrosse program. It’s for those people who had the initiative. We’re reaping the rewards of this, but there’s a lot of people behind the scenes of this championship."

Mike DeBlasio and Brian White led the scoring for the Phantoms, as they have all season. DeBlasio scored five goals and added three assists, and White contributed three goals and four assists of his own as Bayport broke a 5-5 tie at halftime with six unanswered goals in the third quarter to blow the game open.

The Phantoms (13-5), who were playing in unfamiliar territory, completely controlled the play in the second half.

"We dominated the ground balls and time of possession, and when you do that you can do whatever you want with it," said Mullins. "We were able to capitalize on the opportunities."

They advance to play Bronxville in the New York state semifinals on Wednesday at White Plains High School at 8 p.m.

"It's going to be tough, no doubt about it," said Mullins. "But our kids have been facing adversity all year long. They've been kind of flying under the radar. These kids have a never say die attitude and I think they got a little taste of what it's like and they want to keep it going."