'Strength And Unity': Students Honor Basketball Coach Killed In Crash

SAYVILLE, NY — The beloved assistant coach of the William Floyd High School varsity boys basketball team who died in a tragic car crash in December was honored by varsity players who looked up to him at a recent gathering at Sayville High School.

Darrell Sumpter was driving a 2002 Cadillac westbound in the left lane of Sunrise Highway, just east of Horseblock Road, when the vehicle swerved and struck a 2021 Ford utility truck traveling in the right lane, according to Suffolk police.

Months later, the players Sumpter had such an impact on celebrated his memory as Sayville and William Floyd boys' varsity basketball gathered at Sayville High School so share a pasta dinner as a gesture of sportsmanship and unity between the schools.

The event, organized by Sayville Booster Club's Laura Skelly and Floyd Assistant Coach Will Slinkoski, took place after Floyd's game against Brentwood on Jan. 27.

The Sayville players wanted to show support for the Floyd team, many of whom they have competed with for years through CYO and travel basketball leagues on Long Island. In these leagues, the Sayville players had come to know Coach Sumpter, whose impact was felt long before high school competition, the district said.

"This dinner was the true essence of sportsmanship in action," said Sayville Director of Athletics Dr. Ryan Cox. "Our boys’ basketball program, booster club, families, and school community demonstrated genuine empathy and compassion, coming together to honor Coach Sumpter’s memory. This gathering wasn’t just about basketball; it was a heartfelt celebration of our community's strength and unity, reminding us that the game is a shared journey of resilience and friendship. The act itself demonstrated the character and values of our players and the greater Sayville community, and the values we look to instill in all our students in the Sayville School District."