By Andy Hutchison

WESTPORT — Staples boys basketball team takes the court for a new season Tuesday, with challenges expected from the first tip-off.

“We are breaking the season down into quarters with our most important game being our first game on Tuesday night versus Xavier,” Coach David Goldshore said of the visiting non-conference opponent from Middletown. Game time is 7 p.m.

“Goal of the season to continue to build on what we have accomplished over the last two years with the hopes of playing our best game of the season on our last game of the season,” he added.

Last season, the Wreckers reached the FCIAC championship game and lost a close one to Trumbull before falling in the second round of the Division I State Tournament.

In order to get to the pinnacle in either, or both, the conference or state brackets the Wreckers will lean on their play without possession.

“We pride ourselves on our defense being our best offense. That will require us to be in the best physical shape we can to give max effort on every possession,” Goldshore said.

Back to lead the way are captains, senior guard Adam Udell, senior forward Charlie Bowman, junior guard Sam Clachko and junior forward Mason Tobias.

Wreckers who will be looked to in various roles are senior guards Nathan Smith and Ben Cukier, junior forwards Matt Corrigan and Jack Jacob, junior guards Jared Sale and Drew Hill, junior center Graham Griffin, sophomore forward Dhilan Lowman and sophomore guard Austin Heyer.

Following the Xavier game, the Wreckers head to Newtown at 7 p.m. Monday, Dec. 23. Next is the Pomperaug of Southbury Holiday Tournament Dec. 27-28 (Dec. 27 vs. Kennedy at 4 p.m.; Dec 28 consolation or title game at time TBD).

The Wreckers begin FCIAC play Friday, Jan. 3, kicking off the New Year at home at 7 p.m. against New Canaan.

Other games to circle on the schedule include a Jan. 24 visit to Wilton (last year the Wreckers overcame a double-digit deficit in the second half to win behind a 3-point barrage) and an FCIAC title game rematch Feb. 7 in Trumbull. 

Then there is the regular-season finale, Feb. 19 at Ridgefield (last year, the Wreckers upset unbeaten Ridgefield in the FCIAC semifinals). All of these games are scheduled for 7 p.m.(Game schedules are subject to change; click for the latest CIAC updates.)

Andy Hutchison has been covering school sports — including Staples athletics — as well as news and feature stories in Fairfield County, since the 1990s.