May 20, 2025

Panthers, Underdogs & Glory: Author Tom McKeown on Long Island’s Greatest High School Hoops Story

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Panthers, Underdogs & Glory: Author Tom McKeown on Long Island’s Greatest High School Hoops Story

In this episode of Locked Up Sports, we're joined by author Tom McKeown to discuss his powerful memoir, This Is Panther Country: A Memoir of Youth, Underdog Spirit, and Basketball Glory. Tom takes us back to the 1974–75 season of the Babylon High School Panthers, a small-town team that shocked Long Island basketball by winning the first-ever inter-county championship.

We talk about the epic rivalry with Amityville, the unforgettable final against South Side, and how a 13-year-old fan's view from the stands turned into one of the most heartfelt sports books in years.

It's a story of grit, community, and the unifying power of high school sports — and it's one you don't want to miss.
Buy the book:
• Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/This-Panther-Country-Underdog-Basketball/dp/1612547303

Contact the author:

Website: https://www.tommckeownbooks.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/tom.mckeown.33

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tommmckeown/

X: @tommckeown

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tmckeown61/

 

Tom McKeown

tom@tommckeown.net

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