The Westport Local Press

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Staples Basketball Defeated By Danbury In Final Moments, 63-54

Center Chris Zajac is surrounded by Danbury players after pulling down one of his 10 rebounds.

The undefeated Wreckers traveled to Danbury to take on the undefeated Hatters on Tuesday night and in the end, only one would remain undefeated. Unfortunately for Staples, that team would be Danbury. They are now the last team in the Fairfield County Interscholastic Athletic Conference (FCIAC) to post a loss. The Wreckers knew they had a tall task in challenging GametimeCT’s #5 team in the state and they would have to play their best to prevail. For most of the game they did so. Staples was in control leading by as much as 9 points late in the 3rd quarter. They lead by 6 points with a little over 5 minutes to play but that was the point at which the Hatters went into overdrive. In just the next three minutes Danbury scored repeatedly and with 2:17 left to play they had built a 5 point lead. Staples cut the lead to just two points, but in the last 1:35 of the game the Hatters were unstoppable scoring seven unanswered points to pull off a come from behind victory. Danbury had outscored the Wreckers 27-10 in the final period to remain undefeated with their 63-54 victory.

Photos By J.C. Martin For WestportLocalPress.com  Click on an image to enlarge and open gallery.

Bright spots for Staples included senior guard, co-captain Cody Sale who led the way for the Wreckers scoring 16 points. Senior center, co-captain Chris Zajac managed to add 15 ponts and pulled down 10 rebounds for yet another of his trademark double-doubles despite missing most of the first half by being in foul trouble. Freshman standout Sam Clachko's poised play resulted in him chipping in 9 points.

The Staples Wreckers will be looking to redeem themselves and get back on track Friday night at home facing the Black Knights of Stamford High School.

Photos By J.C. Martin For WestportLocalPress.com  Click on an image to enlarge and open gallery.