Julia Friedman ’11
Staff Writer
The Staples High School girls’ basketball team faced Darien last Wednesday where they claimed a 40-37 victory.
Co-captain Suvi Puritpatarrapan ’10 (21 points, 1 rebound, 3 steals, 1 block) opened the game with two three-pointers and a runner to the basket in the first quarter. “After those overtime losses we’ve been searching for a finisher, someone to create an atmosphere that is positive on the court and that gets others involved. That was the kind of performance she gave. Suvi played like a first-team all-FCIAC player in this game,” said Head Coach Ed Huydic.
On the other end, Darien’s captain, Leanne Stone ’10, dumped in three baskets from back-to-the-basket post moves. This brought the score of the first period to 14-10 with Staples leading.
Both teams struggled to find opportunities to score in the second period. Puritpatarrapan was Staples’ only scorer, contributing two buckets. Darien was unable to find the touch they needed on the inside, as they went 0-5 from the paint. The half ended as Staples held the lead 18-12.
The Wreckers began to pull away from the Blue Wave in the third as they established a 34-25 lead. Staples’ demonstrated their offensive depth, with scoring from Puritpatarrapan, co-captain Maddy Krakowiak ‘10 (8 points, 8 rebounds, 4 assists, 3 steals, 2 blocks), Chelsea Salamone ’10 (2 points, 4 rebounds, 1 assist, 3 steals), Nicole Brill ’11 (1 point, 10 rebounds, 4 assists, 3 steals) and Jaclyn Katz ’11 (6 points, 1 rebound, 3 assists, 3 steals).
The forth quarter was when the Blue Wave made their comeback. Darien applied half court pressure and ran two people to the ball, trapping Staples’ guards as soon as they crossed the line.
With 17 seconds left on the clock, Staples called time out. The score was 38-37, Staples leading by just a point. Staples came back out, passing well on offense where they were able to spread the floor, avoid traps, and work the ball around the Darien defenders. Katz was then able to find an opening on the baseline and drove in for a lay-up.
“We have been having trouble finishing in games where we have a lead in the forth quarter. We need to further work on our offensive schemes and spreading the floor to find opportunities. We didn’t do that until the final 45 seconds when we were able to spread and avoid the double team and then have Katz be the hero with a drive to the basket and a nice floater,” said Huydic.
Friday, the Wreckers will match up against Norwalk. “Norwalk an energetic team, respective of skill, and look to run and create chaos. This is the kind of game where we are just looking to go in and take care of business and play our game. If we do that, we should emerge okay,” said Huydic.
