Joe Black has been named the new head coach of the Staples boys basketball program, taking over from longtime leader Dave Goldshore who stepped down earlier this spring.
Goldshore’s Legacy
Goldshore guided the team to an undefeated regular season and captured two straight FCIAC titles, finishing his four‑year tenure with a 85‑19 record.
Black, who spent the last three seasons as an assistant under Goldshore, will now lead a squad that has lost several key seniors to graduation and transfer, reshaping the lineup for the upcoming campaign.
Among the departures are Sam Clachko, Mason Tobias and Matt Corrigan, who are set to graduate, while Dhilan Lowman and Austin Heyer have moved to Hotchkiss and Green Farms Academy respectively. New faces such as James Moneyhon and Henry Vessid are expected to contend for starting spots.
The team will also welcome Ryan Marcus and Declan Mayr into the mix, while Black will draw on his playing days at Fairfield Warde under coach Ryan Swaller for added perspective.
Looking Ahead
Staples’ schedule includes a tough test against West Haven in the CIAC Division I championship game that went to three overtimes, a reminder of the competitive landscape that awaits. With a fresh roster and a new coaching philosophy, the program hopes to build on Goldshore’s success and carve out its own identity under Black’s leadership.