David Sack's physicality leads Smithtown East over Brentwood in Suffolk boys basketball
David Sack of Smithtown East attempts a third quarter free throw in a non-league matchup against host team Brentwood on Sunday December 28, 2025. Credit: Michael A. Rupolo Sr.
It takes a football player to know that dominating the trenches can win the game — even in other sports.
Smithtown East forward David Sack is used to physicality, as he spends his fall playing both defensive end and offensive tackle for the school’s varsity football team. Once the winter season rolls around, the senior brings his 6-4 frame and lineman strength to its boys basketball squad, where he is a mismatch both in the paint and on the glass. His physical presence was felt yet again for Smithtown East as it defeated host Brentwood, 62-50, in non-league play Sunday afternoon.
Sack’s statistical line from Sunday’s win is not particularly gaudy at first glance, but he did a little bit of everything, posting 10 points and 10 rebounds with three assists and a steal. Numbers aside, it was his timing that made the difference, as he took over the game late.
Eight of Sack’s 10 rebounds came in the second half, including seven in the third quarter. Six of those rebounds came within a three-and-a-half minute span during the middle of the period. By providing several second chances for his team, Sack’s rebounding enabled a 19-6 run for the Bulls, giving them a 47-32 lead with 1:19 left in the third frame.
“Rebounding is such an integral part of basketball and our success as a team,” Sack said. “I take a great amount of pride in being a team player. It’s about us as a team. Individually, we don’t look at our own. If one person lays back, then the rest of the team doesn’t work.”
His offense was also timely, as it was his scoring that sparked the aforementioned run. While holding a 28-26 lead with 33 seconds left in the second quarter, Sack hit a layup through traffic to enter halftime up by two possessions. Just 15 seconds into the second half, Sack got the ball in the low post, spun inside on his defender and finished a flashy layup to go up 32-26. With 5:08 left in the third frame, Sack pulled down an offensive rebound and drew a foul before making both free throws, continuing a streak of 13 unanswered points by Smithtown East (4-2).
Guard Abraham Donovan led Brentwood (3-3) with 18 points.
JJ Polanco led the Bulls with eight assists, including five in the first half. He added five rebounds and two steals with four points. Fellow guard Devin Saxon led all scorers with 19 points.
“Just because I’m not getting my points doesn’t mean I can’t get others the ball,” Polanco said. “Seeing my boys make their shots and get their points feels great.”
Mike Anderson is a high school sports reporter who has covered 12 sports so far at Newsday. He was the sports editor of Stony Brook University's campus newspaper for two years.
