By D.M.Livingston|Published Nov 20, 2025

Wilby Wildcats 2025–26 Basketball Preview: A Summer Championship Raises Expectations

Waterbury, CT- After a strong 2024–25 campaign and a competitive run that ended with a state playoff loss to New London, the Wilby Wildcats enter the 2025–26 NVL season as one of the league’s most intriguing teams. They were already viewed as a tough, athletic squad capable of beating anyone on the right night — but their summer performance changed everything.

Wilby didn’t just look good; they won a Summer League Championship, including a signature victory over NVL title contender Holy Cross. That win turned heads across the league and signaled that Wilby may be ready to move from “solid” to “dangerous.”

Wilby Wildcats: Summer Champions Set Tone for 2025/26 Season After Thrilling Waterbury YMCA Run

---

A 2024–25 Season Defined by Grit

Wilby’s 16–4 record last season reflects a team that rarely backed down:

• Wins over Ansonia, Seymour, Kennedy, Derby, Woodland, Watertown, Wolcott, and others
• Tough battles with NVL heavyweights
• Competitive outings against WCA and Crosby
• A postseason push that ultimately ended against a strong New London program

Wilby’s biggest challenge last year was consistency. They showed elite potential but struggled to maintain that level over long stretches. The raw talent was there — they just needed discipline and growth.

They found both this summer.

---

The Summer Championship that Raised the Ceiling

Wilby’s summer title run wasn’t a fluke. The Wildcats looked:

• More physical
• More disciplined
• More confident
• More balanced offensively

And the biggest headline:
Wilby defeated Holy Cross, one of the NVL’s traditional powerhouse programs.

That win gave the Wildcats a huge confidence boost entering 2025–26. It showed they can execute, stay composed late, and match up with any rosters.

For a program that’s fought hard to break into the NVL’s upper tier, the summer performance was a statement.

---

---

---

Projected NVL Standing: 2nd

Wilby has the upside to move into the top three — even top two — if they carry their summer momentum into the winter. They’re a classic “dangerous under-the-radar” squad that nobody wants to face in February.

Want More Waterbury Student Athletics-

---

Final Takeaway

The Wildcats are entering 2025–26 with something they haven’t had in years: real expectations. They’re tougher, more confident, and coming off a Summer championship that shows exactly what they’re capable of.

If Wilby builds on that foundation, the NVL could have a brand-new contender on its hands.

Stay linked as we head to the East End and check out the 25/26 CROSBY BULLDOGS BOY HIGH-SCHOOL BASKETBALL SEASON PREVIEW