Bridgehampton Killer Bees Leave Glen Falls With Another New York State Class D Basketball Title

On Saturday, March 21st, the Bridgehampton Killer Bees boys basketball team (22-2) defeated the New York Mills Marauders (22-4) for the title of New York State Class D Champions during the finals of the New York State Public High School Athletic Association tournament at the Glens Falls Civic Center. The 62-49 victory against the Marauders marks the 9th state title for Bridgehampton and its first in nearly two decades.

Though the Killer Bees never gave up the lead during the championship, the game was a nail bitter leading up to halftime with Bridgehampton slightly ahead 21-18. The Killer Bees really turned up the heat during the second half, scoring 41 points and edging out the Marauders, who were the defending Class D champs. The Bees had the support of the East End, with a 100-plus crowd from the Bridgehampton area cheering them on, many of whom were wearing yellow “Bee-lieve” t-shirts.

Racking up 31 points, 8 rebounds, and 5 steals during the championship, Charles Manning Jr. was chosen as the most valuable player of the Class D Tournament. The honor runs in the family, as his father Charles (Maurice) Manning was named MVP three consecutive tournaments during his time as a Killer Bee.

“It was a very emotional game for me,” Manning Jr. told Newsday. “It’s mind-blowing.”

Josh Lamison, who scored 17 points and had 13 rebounds, was also named to the all-tournament team.