Wreckers Girls & Boys Both Victorious In FCIAC Basketball Tourney Opener
On Saturday Staples Basketball scored two wins in the FCIAC tournament opening round, with Freya Harvey and Addie Talbott leading the girls with 11 points each in their 52-36 win.
Leading the boys in their 68-55 victory were Sam Clachko with 21 points and Mason Tobias who added 18 more.
Photos By J.C. Martin, Story by Jake Sullivan For WestportLocalPress.com Click on an image to enlarge and open gallery.
The Westhill Vikings stand and face the Flag during the singing of the National Anthem.
In a rematch of foes that met just 8 days earlier, the #1 seeded Staples Wreckers welcomed the #8 seeded Westhill Vikings to "The Junkyard." This marked the first time that an FCIAC quarterfinal game had been played at the higher-seeded team's home court since 2021, when COVID regulations were still in effect. That game back on February 20 started out with Staples up 19-3 and then never looking back, culminating in a 69-47 victory just 8 days previous. This game today started off much more competitive, with Westhill drawing first blood in the first quarter with a three-pointer by Senior Tyler Maignan (19 points, 9 rebounds). Staples responded with a transition three in the corner by junior Dhilan Lowman (13 points, 5 rebounds). After a back and forth, fast-paced first quarter, Staples led Westhill 21-14.
Photos By J.C. Martin, Story by Jake Sullivan For WestportLocalPress.com Click on an image to enlarge and open gallery.
Staples started off the second quarter red hot, with 5 made baskets on their first 5 possessions. Westhill coach Roberto Nieves decided that enough was enough and called timeout after senior Matty Corrigan (10 points, 5 rebounds) secured an offensive rebound quickly followed by an open layup to make the score 33-19. Westhill senior Anthony Stevenson (16 points) then started to get going, with a pair of free throws followed up by crafty layups in the paint. The first half ended with Westhill senior Daquan Turner (13 points) drilling a deep trey to make the score 40-28 in favor of Staples.
To start the second half, Staples senior Sam Clachko (21 points, 7 rebounds, 9 assists) made his way to the foul line, knocking down a pair of free throws. On the next possession, Staples senior Mason Tobias (18 points, 8 rebounds) made a layup on a beautiful pass from Corrigan. Westhill would not go away though in the third quarter, scoring on 5 straight possessions to make the game 50-39, still within striking distance for the Westhill Vikings. After coming up short on a Clachko jumpshot to end the third quarter, the Staples Wreckers led 52-43.
Head Coach David Goldshore commands the attention of his players as he instructs them during a time out.
In the fourth quarter, the scoring continued for both teams, but at a higher rate for the Westhill Vikings. Westhill senior Dalton Olechnowich connected on a three-pointer in front of his own bench to cut the game to 58-52. That is the closest that it would get however, as Clachko and Tobias responded quickly, each with a much-needed layup. Westhill found themselves running out of time and put on a full-court press, which was well combated by Clachko and junior guard Austin Heyer (6 pounds). Weshill then found themselves having to play the foul game late, which resulted in a final score of Staples 68 Westhill 55.
Photos By J.C. Martin, Story by Jake Sullivan For WestportLocalPress.com Click on an image to enlarge and open gallery.
The Westhill bench erupts in a thrilling moment as the first half ended when a Viking player recovers from a broken play, scoring as the buzzer sounded.
Staples will advance to the semi-finals of the FCIAC tournament for the fourth consecutive year, this time squaring off against the Falcons of Fairfield Ludlowe High School on Monday, March 1 at 7:00 PM at the Wilton Fieldhouse. Staples had their only single-digit victory of the season back on February 3, when they defeated Ludlowe 53-51 after trailing for parts of the fourth quarter. This is a game that even the most casual of high school basketball fans will not want to miss!
Photos By J.C. Martin, Story by Jake Sullivan For WestportLocalPress.com Click on an image to enlarge and open gallery.
Wreckers Girls Pour It On In The Second Half For A 52-36 Win!
Photos By J.C. Martin For WestportLocalPress.com Click on an image to enlarge and open gallery.
The Lady Wreckers relied on their relentless team defense to stifle Ridgefield. After giving up double digit points in each quarter of the 1st half, the Lady Wreckers held the Tigers to single digit scoring in both quarters of the 2nd half.
Chloe Smith, Freya Harvey and Addie Talbott all finished with 3 steals. Freya Harvey and Emma Asiel led the Wreckers with 11 points each. Chloe Smith finished with 9 points, 7 rebounds and 3 blocks.
Addie Talbott tallied 7 points and 8 rebounds. Center Marley Belzer finished with 5 points and 3 blocks as she ruled the paint on both sides of the ball.
Photos By J.C. Martin For WestportLocalPress.com Click on an image to enlarge and open gallery.
