VIDEO: Suffolk County Team Of The Week: Harborfields Buzzer-Beater, Smithtown Baseball Honors Beloved Coach

SUFFOLK COUNTY, NY — A dramatic last-second goal, a schoolwide championship filled with energy, and a meaningful community tribute highlighted this week across Suffolk County high school sports.

WATCH: Harborfields Earns Team Of The Week After Buzzer-Beater Moment

Harborfields delivered the most unforgettable moment of the week in a 12-10 win over Sayville, earning Suffolk County Team of the Week honors.

With time winding down, goalie Francis DiPalo launched a full-field shot that found the back of the net at the buzzer, sealing the victory and igniting a celebration on the field.

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East Islip Volleyball Championship Showcases School Spirit

At East Islip High School, the gym was filled with energy as the Physical Education Volleyball Championship brought the entire student body together.

Students competed within their class periods over several weeks, with each class producing a champion that advanced to the final rounds. The tournament culminated in an A Day vs. B Day championship matchup to determine the overall school winners.

The B Day champions — Brayden Bannen, Thomas Gomez, Haley Hannigan, Christian Horeis, Lily Kern, Owen Madden and Elea Pollock — rose to the occasion, securing the title after a competitive final.

“Congratulations to the winners and to all participants for their effort, sportsmanship and enthusiasm,” physical educator Nicole O’Connor said. “This tournament was a true celebration of teamwork, perseverance and school spirit.”

Smithtown Celebrates Championship Athletes At Board Meeting

The Smithtown Central School District recognized a wide range of winter sports achievements during its April 14 Board of Education meeting, honoring championship teams and standout athletes. Director of athletics Jason Lambert introduced the honorees.

Recognized athletes and teams included:

The Smithtown High School West boys basketball team, which captured both Suffolk County and Long Island championships.

High School East race walker Sophia Alvarez was recognized as a Suffolk County champion and New York State bronze medalist.

The girls' bowling team, which finished second in Suffolk County while completing its second consecutive undefeated season.

Trishna Desai earned All-County, All-Long Island, and All-State honors, and High School East wrestler Matthew McDermott was recognized as a Suffolk County champion, New York State finalist, and Nationals finalist.

The boys swim and diving team, which placed runner-up at both the Suffolk County Championships and Long Island Challenge, also earned All-American status in the 200 freestyle relay and set the fastest public-school time in New York State history.

The recognition highlighted the depth of talent across the district and capped off a highly successful winter season.

Smithtown Baseball Teams Honor Late Community Coach, First Responder

The Smithtown East and West varsity baseball teams came together on April 16 to honor the life and legacy of Michael “Mick” Ackerman before their game at Smithtown East.

Ackerman, the late husband of Smithtown Board of Education member Bernadette Ackerman, was remembered with a pregame ceremony that included the presentation of flowers to his family. His son, James, delivered the ceremonial first pitch.

“Grateful doesn’t begin to cover it,” Ackerman said. “Our community, friends, teachers and so many in Smithtown continue to lift my family up in so many ways I can’t put into words.”

A retired NYPD sergeant, Ackerman was widely respected for his service both on and off duty. He was among the first responders in the aftermath of September 11, and was later diagnosed in August 2025 with Stage 4 pancreatic cancer linked to his time at Ground Zero. He died last month.

Beyond his service, Ackerman was deeply involved in the local sports community, coaching youth football with the Smithtown Bulls and baseball with the Nesconset Panthers and Smithtown/St. James Little League, while also supporting his daughter’s travel softball teams.

The tribute reflected the lasting impact he had on the community and the generations of athletes he helped guide.

Don’t See Your Team Highlighted?

Patch is compiling weekly high school sports highlights from districts across Suffolk County. Coaches, athletic directors, and school communications staff are encouraged to send scores, milestones, and standout performances for inclusion in future roundups.