Bridgehampton runs its way into state Class D final

BINGHAMTON — Alex Davis looked over to the Bridgehampton bench, gestured with his hands to say, “It’s over,” and pumped his fist in excitement.

The junior guard had just stolen a pass at midcourt and finished a layup in transition to give the Killer Bees a nine-point lead with 30 seconds left in the state Class D boys basketball semifinals. Davis had 18 points and six rebounds to lead Bridgehampton to a 63-53 win over Loudonville Christian (Section II) on Friday morning at Visions Veteran Memorial Arena.

Bridgehampton (22-1) will face Panama (Section VI) in the final at 6 p.m. on Saturday. The Killer Bees are looking for their first state title since 2015. Panama defeated Sackets Harbor (III), 74-53, on Friday.

Davis had three steals, including one that he took the other way for a layup to give Bridgehampton a 57-49 lead with 1:53 left.

“That’s how we play basketball. We like to run,” Davis said. “We’re a transition team. If we’re not running, it can be harder to get things going. When we’re all running down the court, nobody can stop us.”

Bridgehampton had nine steals and dominated the fast breaks to control the game. The Killer Bees held Loudonville Christian (16-7) scoreless for the first 4:35 of the game as they jumped out to an 11-0 lead.

Jai Feaster added three steals and Jordan Harding had two.

Feaster landed awkwardly after a layup attempt at the start of the fourth quarter and was favoring his left knee, but he remained in the game. With 2:11 left, Feaster made a contested floater in the lane to give the Killer Bees a six-point lead. He finished with 14 points and six assists.

“Right after I got hurt, Alex told me he needed me,” Feaster said. “I just had to push and give everything I had for the team. I can always go home and take an ice bath.”

Harding had nine points and seven rebounds, and his brother, Jaylen, had six points and seven rebounds. Xavier Johnson added eight points and nine rebounds. The trio combined for 11 offensive rebounds.

“They’ve been the most consistent rebounders all year,” coach Carl Johnson said. “Jordan’s our leading rebounder, Xavier’s not too far behind and Jaylen is probably one of the best rebounders for his size . . . We shot 9-for-25 from the free throw line. You don’t win too many games like that, so rebounding was important.”

Davis made three of those free throws in the final minute to help ice the game.

“Making free throws is the most important thing in the playoffs,” Davis said. “Everyone looks at it as the easiest thing to do, but it plays a big part. Missed free throws count toward losing a game.”

Feaster and Davis both said playing in an arena like Visions Veterans Memorial, which can seat up to 7,000, was a new experience for the team and that they were surprised by how big and bright the stage was. It didn’t stop them from closing out a massive win and reaching the state final.

“It doesn’t matter where we are or what happens. We’re ready,” Feaster said. “Whether we’re not getting the calls we want, we don’t like the court or we don’t like the ball, we’re gonna play our hardest.”