Staples’ Sam Clachko goes up for two points during the Wreckers’ 48-46 loss to visiting Ridgefield on Friday. / Photos by Mark Sikorski

By Andy Hutchison

WESTPORT — Returning to the hardwood following a week off, the Staples High boys basketball team Friday night suffered its first defeat of the campaign.

The Wreckers battled to the finish in a 48-46 setback at the hands of the visiting Ridgefield Tigers in the FCIAC clash. The Tigers improved to 5-1.

Adam Udell scored 14 points and Sam Clachko added 13 to pace the Wreckers’ offense. 

Staples’ Nathan Smith shoots a 3-pointer in Friday’s game, one of a trio of 3s he scored against Ridgefield.

Nathan Smith hit a trio of 3-pointers for nine points and Nick Sikorski added a shot from behind the arc.

Staples trailed 24-19 at halftime and 38-32 going to the fourth.

The Wreckers (3-1) will visit New Canaan at 7 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 9, and return home to face Brien McMahon of Norwalk at 7 p.m. Friday, Jan. 12. (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.

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