WCA aims for a four-peat — Holy Cross reloads — Wilby returns hungry and more…

By D.M. LIVINGSTON|Published Nov 22, 2025

Last Updated Dec 6, 2025 2:10AM

Waterbury, CT- The 2024–2025 NVL season delivered one of the most competitive years in recent memory, ending with Waterbury Career Academy (WCA) capturing its third straight NVL championship, edging Holy Cross 59–56 in a thrilling final. As we head into the 2025–2026 NVL boys basketball season, the question across the league is simple:

Can anyone stop WCA from winning four straight NVL titles?

With most programs returning key pieces and several mid-tier teams rising fast, this year could be the most balanced top-to-bottom NVL race in a decade.

1. WATERBURY CAREER ACADEMY (WCA) — The Dynasty Continues?

WCA enters 25–26 as the clear favorite after dominating the league for three straight seasons. Their resume speaks for itself:

• NVL Regular Season Champions
• NVL Tournament Champions
• Wins over every major contender (Crosby, Holy Cross, Wilby, Seymour)
• One of the most athletic, physical defenses in the NVL

Their only concern heading into 25–26 is depth — but WCA has mastered player development. Expect another top-tier season and a legitimate four-peat push.

Projected Finish: 1st

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2.WILBY — The Wild Card

Wilby’s record last season was impressive, but many wins came against weaker NVL competition. Still, they beat Seymour, Torrington, St. Paul, and played WCA tight. Their athleticism keeps them dangerous every night, but consistency will determine their ceiling. Oh yea..SUMMER LEAGUE CHAMPIONS

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

Projected Finish: 2nd —

3.HOLY CROSS —

Holy Cross pushed WCA to the brink in both the regular season and the NVL Championship. They return a strong core, disciplined coaching, and one of the league’s best half-court offensive systems.

If any team has the personnel and style to beat WCA in a playoff setting, it’s Holy Cross.

Projected Finish: 3rd —

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4. CROSBY —

Crosby was streaky last year — dominant when locked in, vulnerable when cold. But with experience returning and one of the league’s most explosive offenses, the Bulldogs are positioned for a major jump.

If they defend at a higher level, Crosby could absolutely challenge WCA and Holy Cross at the top.

Projected Finish: 4th

Waterbury’s CROSBY BULLDOGS: HighSchool Boy’s Basketball 2025–26 PREVIEW

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5. SEYMOUR —

Projected Finish: 5th

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2025–26 NVL Basketball Schedule: Full Breakdown for WCA, Holy Cross, Wilby, Kennedy, and Crosby

6. ST. PAUL CATHOLIC —

Projected Finish: 6th

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7. TORRINGTON —

Projected Finish: 7th

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8. ANSONIA —

Projected Finish: 8th

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9. NAUGATUCK —

Projected Finish: 9th

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10. WOODLAND —

2024–25 Finish: 9–11

Projected Finish 10th

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11. KENNEDY —

Kennedy beats the teams they should, but struggles with every top program. Development is the key for 25–26.

Projected Finish: 11th

Waterbury HighSchool Basketball,Kennedy Eagles 2025–26 Season Preview

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12. DERBY —

Projected Finish: 12th

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13. OXFORD —

Projected Finish: 13th

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14. WATERTOWN —

Projected Finish: 14th

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15. WOLCOTT —

Projected Finish: 15th

The Waterbury Times NVL High-school Boy’s Basketball Pre-Season Power Rankings

1. WCA 
2. Wilby
3. Holy Cross
4. Crosby
5. Seymour
6. St. Paul
7. Torrington
8. Ansonia
9. Naugatuck
10. Woodland
11. Kennedy
12. Derby
13. Oxford
14. Watertown
15. Wolcott

Waterbury High School Basketball: A Definitive Guide in the Context of Connecticut State History

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Stay locked in with the Waterbury Times as we get closer to tipoff. We’ll be visiting all five Waterbury programs — WCA, Wilby, Crosby, Kennedy, and Holy Cross — for in-depth previews, player spotlights, and everything you need to know heading into the 2025–26 NVL season.

Waterbury Sports News | High School, Local & Community Sports Updates

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