By Gabriella Gerig

TRUMBULL – Coming into Friday’s game, Staples was on the outside looking in to participate in the FCIAC tournament. Staples was ranked ninth in the league, and only the top eight teams are invited to the county’s post-season tournament. The Wreckers beat perennial powerhouse Trumbull, 35-23. Their FCIAC record now sits at 6-5.

Senior captain McKenzie Didio led the team with 14 points; fellow senior captain Sydelle Bernstein notched ten.

Points were at a premium in the first quarter; however, Didio exploded following the break with six points within the first four minutes. These quick baskets enabled the Wreckers to go into halftime with a 17-13 lead. 

Staples continued to expand on their second quarter success, leading Trumbull by as many as 10 points late into the third quarter. Although the Wreckers lead appeared decisive, Trumbull made two quick baskets with 20 seconds left in the third quarter to cut the lead to five. 

In the fourth quarter, Staples outscored Trumbull by seven points for the decisive win.

Two of the four remaining games—Stamford and Norwalk—will determine Staples future opportunities in the postseason. Staples will play Stamford at home on Feb. 8.