Basketball Star Honored At Alma Mater

HAMPTON BAYS, NY — A former Hampton Bays basketball hero was honored at his alma mater recently.

"To inspire student-athletes and pay tribute to one of its own, the athletic department of the Hampton Bays School District honored former Hampton Bays High School basketball star William Harvey, Class of 1979, at a ceremony on Feb. 1," the district said.

A banner celebrating Harvey’s athletic accomplishments was dedicated by the men’s basketball league, and the varsity basketball team, athletic department and Town of Southampton presented him with certificates of achievement, the district said.

“Mr. Harvey is an example of grace,” said Superintendent of Schools Lars Clemensen.

Harvey told the crowd assembled that he was humbled by the honor. “None of this would have been possible without great coaches, teammates and friends,” he said.

According to the district, during Harvey’s time at Hampton Bays, he set a number of impressive basketball records, including averaging 25 points per game, scoring a total of 1,664 career points, scoring the high number of points in one game — 62 — holding two national free throw records for a single game, and being named All-State and All-County. In addition to playing basketball, Harvey was also a member of the varsity football and baseball teams during his high school years.

After graduation, Harvey attended the University of West Georgia and the University of New Mexico. An avid golfer, he has been a member of the Professional Golfers’ Association of America since 1989 and is the head golf professional at the Ladera Golf Course in New Mexico, officials said.

Photo courtesy of the Hampton Bays School District.