Six weeks ago, Smithtown East’s 13-6 victory over West Islip marked the first time East’s boys lacrosse team had defeated the Lions.
On Tuesday, history repeated itself as the Bulls came out of the gate strong and handily defeated the Lions 12-4. The win moves Smithtown East into the Suffolk County Class A semi-finals and also marks the first time West Islip has lost a county playoff game since 2003. Ironically, that loss a decade ago was also to Smithtown.
“West Islip is a legendary program and we told our guys not to rely on what we did a month and a half ago,” said Jason Lambert, Smithtown East head coach. “We came out and played with a lot of confidence today.”
That high level of confidence was evident from the opening whistle as the Bulls jumped out to an early 4-0 lead. Smithtown East had more energy and beat West Islip to several groundball, which kept the possession battle clearly in favor of the Bulls through much of the first quarter.
Smithtown East’s offense was led by sophomore Brian Willetts’ 6 goals and Joe Saggese’s 2 goals and 6 total points.
When the Lions did get scoring opportunities, Smithtown East senior netminder Brian Balkam had the answers and made 19 saves.
“He’s been great all season and when we make mistakes he’s there to erase them,” Lambert said.
Balkam attributed his success Tuesday and all season to two factors; hard work in practice and encouragement from his father.
“My dad always tells me to make it a beach ball, and that is what I did,” he said. “I saw the ball as soon as it was out of their sticks.”
The goaltender said the team also found additional motivation in playing West Islip. “They’re one of the best teams in the history of Long Island lacrosse, and in order to be the best you have to beat the best,” Balkam said.
On the horizon for Smithtown East is this season’s best, Ward Melville, who will host the Bulls Friday in East Setauket. The Patriots defeated Connetquot 16-1 on Tuesday and are considered by many to the best high school lacrosse team in the country.
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