By Finnegan Courtney

With consecutive wins over Norwalk, McMahon and Darien, the Staples Wreckers boys basketball team grabbed the 4th seed in the FCIAC tournament.

On Monday, Staples’ defense held McMahon to just 8 total points in the first half. Ryan Phelps led the team with 14 points and the Sale brothers, senior Derek and junior Cody, scored 10 each in a 58-32 rout of McMahon.

Chris Zajac considered Wednesday’s away game against a rebuilding Darien team a “must win.” Zajac added, “Darien is a good basketball team and we cannot take this game lightly.”

It was senior night for the Darien Blue Wave–and even the Wreckers were in a good mood. On the opening shot of the game, Darien senior and team manager Tripp Lyons assisted a basket by team captain Miles Drake, a showing of true sportsmanship by both teams.

The Wreckers and Blue Wave went back and forth during the first three quarters. Staples led by seven after the third quarter, but Staples set off some offensive fireworks with 19 points in the fourth. 

Darien’s Miles Drake and junior guard Simeon Doll led the way for Darien; Drake scored 18 and Doll 20. Final: Staples 66, Blue Wave 55.

The boys clinched their second ever FCIAC West division title, narrowly edging Westhill for the crown. With their fourth seed in the FCIAC tournament, they’ll take on the 14-6 Warde Mustangs tomorrow at 5:00 p.m.