Staples Wreckers Team Spotlight

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Staples Wreckers enter the heart of the season undefeated at 4-0 and playing some of the cleanest, most balanced basketball in Connecticut. Staples combines disciplined scoring, aggressive guard play, and stronger interior presence, allowing them to control tempo and dictate pace. The offense flows through multiple weapons who can finish from the inside, outside, or in transition, making them difficult to scout. On defense, Staples has been disruptive, forcing turnovers and turning them into points. The Wreckers numbers show a team that shares the ball, values possessions, and executes shot selection at a high level. Veteran leadership mixes perfectly with rising underclass talent, allowing the roster to play both physical and fast. Staples has displayed depth, chemistry, and defensive grit that few teams have matched so far. Their 4-0 start positions them at the top of early FCIAC contenders. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":["not_in_db"],"_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"field_62cca28ffa4e7","player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"Chloe Smith ","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"field_62aba4c9ecf2f","player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"2027","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"field_62aba4ddecf30","player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"5'11u0022","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"field_62aba4e8ecf31","player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"12122","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"field_62aba4f0ecf32","player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"Staples High School ","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"field_62aba4fdecf33","player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_program":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_program":"field_62d20e723441a","player_evaluations_0_player_details":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details":"field_62aba4afecf2e","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-695f22c4aec3a"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Chloe Smith has emerged as the centerpiece of Staples undefeated start, leading the team with 20.0 points per game. She ranks first in total points with 80, and she is doing so with incredible efficiency, shooting 50% from the field. Smith is also Staples most reliable free throw shooter, converting 73% at the line, which makes her a late-game security blanket when protecting leads. Beyond scoring, Smith contributes defensively with 2.5 steals per game, using length and anticipation to disrupt passing lanes. She is also a reliable three point option, connecting on 43% from deep, which stretches defenses and opens driving lanes for teammates. Smith's versatility makes her nearly impossible to guard: she scores from the perimeter, finishes at the rim, and runs the floor well. Her energy and toughness elevate Staples overall intensity, setting the tone in both halves. As the season continues, Smith's two-way dominance positions her as one of the most impactful juniors in Connecticut. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":["not_in_db"],"_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"field_62cca28ffa4e7","player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"Freya Harvey ","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"field_62aba4c9ecf2f","player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"2026","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"field_62aba4ddecf30","player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"5'7u0022","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"field_62aba4e8ecf31","player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"12125","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"field_62aba4f0ecf32","player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"Staples High School ","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"field_62aba4fdecf33","player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_program":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_program":"field_62d20e723441a","player_evaluations_0_player_details":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details":"field_62aba4afecf2e","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-695f22c4aed22"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Senior leader Freya Harvey has been the glue of Staples roster and contributes meaningfully in nearly every statistical category. She is the teams second leading scorer, averaging 12.3 points per game while also grabbing 4.8 rebounds. Harvey is also Staples primary playmaker, dishing out 5 assists per contest and already totaling 20 on the season. Her ability to drive, kick, and make reads enables Staples offense to flow smoothly and remain unselfish. Harvey is also a strong defender, averaging 2.3 steals per game and using experience to anticipate plays before they develop. She brings poise and control to the court, keeping the Wreckers composed during momentum swings. Her scoring efficiency continues at the foul line, where she converts 60% of her attempts under pressure. With her leadership and all-around impact, Harvey is the player who ties every element of Staples system together. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":["not_in_db"],"_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"field_62cca28ffa4e7","player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"Addie Talbott","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"field_62aba4c9ecf2f","player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"2028","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"field_62aba4ddecf30","player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"5'6u0022","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"field_62aba4e8ecf31","player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"12123","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"field_62aba4f0ecf32","player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"Staples High School ","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"field_62aba4fdecf33","player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_program":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_program":"field_62d20e723441a","player_evaluations_0_player_details":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details":"field_62aba4afecf2e","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-695f22c4aedd4"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Sophomore standout Addie Talbot has taken a huge leap this season and is proving to be one of the most dynamic young guards in the FCIAC. She is averaging 9.0 points per game while shooting an efficient 50% from the field. Talbott is also Staples defensive spark, leading the team with an incredible 5.8 steals per game and already totaling 23 thefts. Her instincts and anticipation allow her to turn defensive pressure into instant transition opportunities. Offensively, Talbott is a key facilitator, averaging 2.5 assists and ranking second on the team in total dimes. She contributes meaningfully in the boards as well, grabbing 4.3 rebounds per game as a guard. Talbott has developed into a dependable three-point shooter, knocking down 36% of her attempts from deep. Her combination of scoring threat, defensive disruption, and ball handling poise makes her a foundational piece of Staples future and present success. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":["not_in_db"],"_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"field_62cca28ffa4e7","player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"Marley Belzer","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"field_62aba4c9ecf2f","player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"2026","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"field_62aba4ddecf30","player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"6'0u0022","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"field_62aba4e8ecf31","player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"12120","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"field_62aba4f0ecf32","player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"Staples High School ","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"field_62aba4fdecf33","player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_program":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_program":"field_62d20e723441a","player_evaluations_0_player_details":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details":"field_62aba4afecf2e","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-695f22c4aee80"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Senior center Marley Belzer gives Staples the interior anchor every top tier team needs. She leads the Wreckers in rebounding at 6.0 per game and has already totaled 24 boards across the first four contests. Belzer is as efficient as they come, shooting 61% from the floor: best on the team and one of the highest marks in the state. She finishes well around the rim and creates second-chance opportunities by attacking the offensive glass. Belzer is also a capable passer, averaging 2 assists and helping facilitate offense with the defense collapse inside. Defensively, she leads Staples in blocks per game at 0.8 and disrupts drivers and post scorers alike. Her physicality protects the paint and forces opponents into tougher shots. Belzer's experience, toughness, and discipline give Staples much needed balance between their backcourt scoring and front court production. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":["not_in_db"],"_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"field_62cca28ffa4e7","player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"Emma Asiel","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"field_62aba4c9ecf2f","player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"2026","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"field_62aba4ddecf30","player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"5'6u0022","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"field_62aba4e8ecf31","player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"12125","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"field_62aba4f0ecf32","player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"Staples High School ","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"field_62aba4fdecf33","player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_program":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_program":"field_62d20e723441a","player_evaluations_0_player_details":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details":"field_62aba4afecf2e","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-695f22c4aef3f"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Senior guard Emma Asiel has provided key perimeter presence and defensive toughness in Staples undefeated start. Asiel is shooting the ball well from long range, connecting on 33% of her three point attempts and giving Staples needed spacing on the wings. She also contributes defensively, ranking among team. leaders with 0.8 blocks per game: an unusually strong number for a guard. Asiel uses her length well to contest jumpers and disrupt lanes. While her scoring numbers are not as high-volume as some of her teammates, her ability to hit timely shots stretches opposing defenses. Asiel's senior poise keeps Staples steady in half-court sets and pressure situations. She is a trusted rotational piece who understands matchups and plays within the system. Her contributions, both visible and subtle, help make Staples a complete multi-dimensional team. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>With elite balance, disciplined coaching, and a mix of star power and depth, Staples looks like a legitimate FCIAC title threat. If the Wreckers continue defending, sharing the ball, and shooting this efficiently, there may not be many teams in Connecticut capable of slowing them down. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->