LI Lacrosse Journal
March 1, 2026
3 min read
No. 25 Ranked Bayport-Blue Point Phantoms Team Preview
March 1, 2026
3 min read
A devastating loss to Kings Park in the Suffolk County title game didn’t give the Phantoms’ 13-4 record an empty-calorie feel whatsoever, though if you were to ask the competitors inside that building, they might say otherwise. That’s just called “not meeting the standard,” which the Bayport-Blue Point program has prided themselves in developing that ‘standard’ over the last several years. Head Coach Doug Meehan has only been at the helm since 2019, and his impact is not to be overstated. Meehan was tabbed Suffolk County Coach of the Year in his inaugural season, and a couple of years later, he guided the Phantoms to a 21-1 record and a New York State title in 2024. The bar doesn’t get higher than that, but that doesn’t mean Meehan isn’t consistently trying to raise it anyway. That’s the sign of a great coach and a healthy program; a program that is well positioned to make the playoffs once again in 2026, this year making the move to Class D.
It feels like a true passing of the torch moment offensively for Bayport-Blue Point this season, who graduated several more key pieces of that magical 2024 team. All-American attackman Connor Curran and All County midfielder Traigh Tomassone are out the door and on to the college level, leaving the keys to the offense to two extremely skilled sophomore attackmen: Jamison Hawkins (27 G, 11 A) and Jack Shanahan (21 G, 11 A). Both players stepped up in a huge way down the stretch last year, impressively carrying the confidence and on field IQ of an upperclassman. Hawkins was particularly sharp around the mouth of the cage, constantly finding ways to score as a dodger or an off-ball cutter. Shanahan was a true utility guy in his freshman year, creating offense from the midfield, from behind the net, you name it. With much more opportunity upcoming this season for this duo, they are both poised for breakout seasons. The Phantoms are also pleased to welcome back senior midfielder Colin Clark (18 G, 6 A) to the mix, who should provide experience and stability to the first midfield line. As for the Bayport-Blue Point defense, an ongoing goalie battle for the starting job remains the most interesting headline going into the 2026 season. The program graduated net minder Andrew Snyder a year ago, leaving Coach Meehan with a decision between two stout goalies: junior Camden Larson or sophomore Billy Eisfeld. Losing multi-year starting defensemen Sean Coffey and Ryan Athearn as well doesn’t help, either, but the Phantoms do bring back junior Pat Ahern and sophomore Brayden Waldbauer to step into elevated roles. “One of our best off-seasons in my tenure…they come with a work ethic, they are willing to learn, and the energy has been great,” Coach Meehan expressed to LILJ. Guided by the next wave of young talent coming through the program, Bayport-Blue Point can find themselves right back in the playoff mix come May. The Phantoms begin the regular season with non-league games against Pelham on 3/21 at SUNY Maritime and home against Commack on 3/23 before opening up league play against West Islip on 3/25.
