The Staples boys basketball team fell 1 game — and 3 overtimes, and just 7 points — short of a perfect season.
But the Wreckers’ battle last night will be remembered for decades.
In what may be the most dramatic state championship game in Connecticut history, coach Dave Goldshore’s top-seeded squad lost 79-72 to #2 West Haven, in the Division I final at the Mohegan Sun Arena.
It took triple overtime for the Blue Devils to deny the Wreckers their first state crown since 1937.
The contest — which drew a raucous crowd from Westport — had a Hollywood-style string of dramatic moments.
Staples had chances to win — with 3-pointers and foul shots — near the end of regulation, and all 3 overtimes.
Instead, they were left with a runner-up plaque, a 26-1 season (including their second straight FCIAC league championship), and memories of a spectacular season that inspired the school, legions of younger children, and the entire town of Westport.
Congratulations, men. The scoreboard may not show it. But you are true champions.
(Click here for a full report on the game by The Ruden Report. It is behind a paywall.)
The 2025-26 Staples High School boys basketball team. (Photo/Diane Lowman)
=================================================
Want your child to have a cellphone with basic functions — but not the many distractions of a smartphone?
For the second year in a row, OK to Delay Westport is sponsoring an Alternative Device Fair.
The event (April 9, 1:15 to 6 p.m., Westport Library) will include a variety of phone options.
Vendors like Pinwheel, Gabb, Bark and Troomi will demonstrate devices, and answer questions.
Two speaker panels will provide additional information.
The day includes a raffle with items and gift certificates from local businesses, and light bites from The Granola Bar.
==================================================
Congratulations to Corporal Shawn Wong Won: Westport Police Department’s 2025 Officer of the Year.
He joined the force nearly 13 years ago, after reaching the rank of lieutenant in the Norwalk Police Department.
The WPD says, “From the first day Corporal Wong Won walked through the Westport Police doors, he has been an exemplary officer. Every member of the department can attest to the positive achievements, acute knowledge and refined skills he brings to Westport.
“As a corporal and field training officer, Corporal Wong Won brings new officers into the fold while offering steady, solid advice. He has proven to be a model officer for all to look to in both the way he conducts himself within the department and with the public alike. Further, Corporal Wong Won has a wealth of experience to offer his peers and supervisors.
“No task is too great for Corporal Wong Won. There is no task he does not give his complete effort to, while always maintaining a positive attitude. Corporal Wong Won is capable, driven, and most importantly, willing to help his fellow officers whenever the need arises.
“Corporal Wong Won has proven throughout his career that he routinely goes above and beyond the call of duty. His attitude, work ethic, intelligence, physical capabilities, empathy, leadership, and genuine character are the divine qualities of a noteworthy and commendable officer.”
Corporal Shawn Wong Won (center) with (from left) 1st Selectman Kevin Christie and Police Chief David Farrell.
==================================================
Westport will be one of over 3,000 communities holding a “No Kings” rally next Saturday (March 28, 12 noon to 2 p.m., Jesup Green).
The event includes speakers, music, face painting and more.
Organizer Pamela Clark says, “We anticipate a very large turnout — bigger than ‘No Kings 2’ in October.”
Part of October’s “No Kings” rally on Jesup Green. (Photo/Jerry Kuyper)
==================================================
Yesterday’s Roundup noted the correct date — Sunday, March 29 — for the soccer clinic for youngsters in kindergarten through 6th grade (10:30 a.m. to noon, Wakeman Field). However, we said “tomorrow,” rather than “next week.”
It’s organized by Bedford Middle School 8th grader Allyson Post. Donations ($25 per player) support the soccer program at Bridgeport’s Columbus School, for grades K-8.
To register through Full Court Peace, click here. Click “Donate,” and note “Soccer Clinic” in the notes. Then click here, so organizers can plan for each age group.
==================================================
Lauri Weiser calls today’s “Westport … Naturally” photo “the first lights of spring,” at the Lansdowne condos.
(Photo/Lauri Weiser)
================================================
And finally … on this date in 1963, the Beatles released their debut album, “Please Please Me,” in the UK.
It took another year for Beatlemania to reach the US.
But we’ve never been the same.
(If we please you every day with our “06880” Roundup — and everything else — please please us with a tax-deductible donation. Please click here. Thank you!)
