Thursday, October 1, 2026
North Babylon’s boys basketball team has emerged as one of the most complete and focused programs in Suffolk County, blending experience, talent, and chemistry under the steady leadership of head coach Rakeem Vanterpool.
Now in his fourth year at the helm after spending eight seasons as an assistant, he has guided the Bulldogs to an impressive 9–3 overall record and a perfect 8–0 mark in League 2.
Expectations were high coming into the season. The Bulldogs returned three starters and welcomed key contributors from a strong JV group. From the start, the goal was clear: win the league.
“Our practices are harder than the games,” Vanterpool said. “If they can bring that energy to practice every day, the games will come easy.”
North Babylon opened the season with a narrow 67–61 loss to Mt. Sinai on Dec. 6, but quickly found its stride. A 92–50 win over Newfield on Dec. 11 set the tone, with senior Cameron Serrano scoring 21 points. Serrano continued to shine in a Dec. 16 victory over Huntington, pouring in 25 points in a 57–38 win, and followed that with 34 points in a 78–57 triumph over Sachem North. Despite setbacks against Longwood and Southampton late in December, the Bulldogs closed the calendar year strong with an 81–56 win over John Jay, highlighted by Serrano’s 29 points and 25 from senior Jake Walsh.
January has been dominant. North Babylon crushed Lindenhurst 71–33 behind 29 points from Walsh, then overwhelmed Ward Melville 96–62 as Serrano and Walsh combined for 63 points. A balanced 68–43 win over Commack and an 85–73 victory over Copiague Jan. 14, a game in which all five starters scored in double figures, showcased the Bulldogs’ depth and versatility.
Serrano, a senior, leads the county in scoring at 27 ppg after scoring 30 against Copiague. “He is the engine of the team,” Vanterpool said. “He is the heart and soul of the offense. When he attacks downhill, it is so tough for opponents to defend him.”
Senior captains Aidan Walsh and Jake Walsh provide leadership and balance. Aidan is a do-it-all forward who rebounds, defends, shoots from the perimeter, and consistently makes the right play. Jake, an all-conference selection last year, is one of the county’s premier shooters. Currently leading Suffolk in three-pointers, his ability to stretch the floor has been crucial.
The supporting cast has been just as important. Junior forward Lance Petit is nearly a double-double machine, averaging seven points and 12 rebounds. “Anything that comes off the rim, he’s there,” Vanterpool said.
Junior point guard Sean Lanier has found his rhythm, using his 6-foot-2 frame and length to impact both ends of the floor. Junior Will Wilfolk provides instant offense off the bench. Earlier in the season, Jake Walsh was forced to miss three games due to injury and Wilfolk stepped up nicely in his place. “Those three games really allowed us to have trust in him,” Vanterpool said of Wilfolk. “He and Niko Martin give us excellent minutes off the bench. I’m proud of the growth I’ve seen from both.”
