By Andy Hutchison

WESTPORT — With just one game in the books — an 86-25 win over Cheshire — there is a lot in store for Staples girls basketball this winter.

That first outcome is, however, a taste of how talented the Wreckers are; this experienced bunch dominated its Division II, non-conference counterparts so don’t be surprised to see continued winning ways as the schedule unfolds.

Captains are senior guards Freya Harvey and Sadie Katzner, senior guard/forward Emma Asiel, senior center Marley Belzer and junior forward Chloe Smith.

Substitutes who stand to make notable contributions include guard Addie Talbott, guard Sami Selig, forward Maeve Best, guard Kennedy Do, and forward/center Riley Caney.

Coach Tommy Sparks said his goal for the season is for the Wreckers to improve every day.

“This year, our team is equipped with tons of experience. In addition to returning two All FCIAC players in Chloe Smith (First Team) and Freya Harvey (Third Team), five other returning players logged significant minutes on varsity last year,” Sparks said. “This will help us manage adverse situations throughout the season.”

The Wreckers are a cohesive bunch and stand to thrive given the familiarity between teammates.

“As a group, we have developed more chemistry and understand our roles and how to maximize them,” the coach said.

Sparks gives high praise to players up and down the lineup and is optimistic this depth will translate to success.

“Guards such as Emma Asiel, Sami Selig, and Sadie Katzner can score in bunches. Marley Belzer is consistent around the rim with good post finishes and is a great passer out of the post. We have a diverse, high IQ group of talent that can affect the game on both sides of the ball by making tough shots and creating pressure on defense,” he said.

“Guard and defensive menace, Addie Talbott has a good chance to be one of the top steals leaders in the state. Forward Riley Caney has returned from injury to add height to the lineup. Sophomores Maeve Best and Kennedy Do will also contribute this season,” the coach added.

The Wreckers earned some significant postseason experience last winter, including overcoming a 19-point deficit to shock St. Joseph 62-60 in the FCIAC quarterfinals before losing to Ridgefield 42-38 in the semis.

Staples’ next game this winter is an interesting matchup that stands to ultimately help prepare the team for the playoffs. The Wreckers take on Amity of Woodbridge, another D-II foe, at Crosby High in Waterbury in the Anthony Ireland Holiday Classic today (Dec. 20) at 6 p.m.

“This will be a great test for us to determine where we are. Amity is a good team with size and speed,” Sparks said.

Among the tough FCIAC games on the slate are Jan. 16 versus visiting Stamford, Jan. 23 at Greenwich, Feb. 10 home against Trumbull, and Feb. 23 on the road at Ridgefield (all at 7 p.m.).

Andy Hutchison

^{_{Andy Hutchison has been covering school sports — including Staples athletics — as well as news and feature stories, since the 1990s. He is the sports editor at the Newtown Bee. He writes for the Monroe Sun. He was director of communications and radio color commentator for the Bridgeport Sound Tigers (now Islanders) hockey team. He has won numerous writing awards, including regional and national first-place honors.}}