VIDEO: Suffolk County Team Of The Week: Harborfields Buzzer-Beater, Smithtown Baseball Honors Beloved Coach
April 17, 2026
See Harborfields player score a dramatic buzzer-beater; East Islip volleyball brings school spirit, and Smithtown honors a lasting legacy.
A dramatic, full-field buzzer-beater in a lacrosse game, a poignant tribute to a beloved community member on the baseball diamond, and a school-wide celebration of spirit through volleyball highlighted a memorable week in Suffolk County high school sports. Each event, in its own way, captured the passion and camaraderie that define local athletics, bringing students and communities together for moments of triumph, remembrance, and spirited competition. The week's most unforgettable moment occurred in a matchup between Harborfields and Sayville, which ended in a stunning 12-10 victory for Harborfields.
The Harborfields team earned Suffolk County Team of the Week honors for their incredible finish. With time expiring, goalie Francis DiPalo launched a shot across the entire length of the field. The ball found the back of the Sayville net just as the final buzzer sounded, securing the victory and sparking a massive celebration on the field. The improbable goal was the deciding factor in a hard-fought contest and stands as a major highlight early in the season, underscoring the team's resilience and ability to create magic when it matters most.
In Smithtown, the local high school baseball rivalry between Smithtown East and Smithtown West took on a deeper meaning as the two teams came together to honor the legacy of Michael “Mick” Ackerman before their game on April 16. Players from both squads participated in a pregame ceremony for the late husband of Smithtown Board of Education member Bernadette Ackerman. A retired NYPD sergeant and a first responder during the aftermath of the September 11 attacks, Ackerman was a pillar of the local sports community, having coached youth football and baseball for many years. The ceremony included the presentation of flowers to his family, and his son, James, delivered an emotional ceremonial first pitch.
Ackerman passed away last month from pancreatic cancer linked to his service at Ground Zero. The tribute served as a powerful reminder of his lasting impact on generations of young athletes and the community as a whole. The joint ceremony by the rival teams showcased a unified front of respect and remembrance, demonstrating that some bonds are stronger than any on-field competition. His wife expressed immense gratitude for the community's continued support, which has been a source of strength for her family.
Meanwhile, at East Islip High School, the gymnasium was filled with energy for the school’s Physical Education Volleyball Championship. The tournament, which spanned several weeks, involved the entire student body, with each physical education class period producing a champion to advance to the final rounds. The competition culminated in a final showdown between the "A Day" and "B Day" champions to determine the ultimate school winner. The B Day team emerged victorious after a competitive final match, but the event was celebrated as a major success for fostering school spirit, teamwork, and sportsmanship among all participants.
Source: patch