By D.M.Livingston|Published Nov 25, 2025

Waterbury, CT-The Kennedy Eagles are ready to soar into the 2025–26 basketball season with a mix of homegrown talent and the hunger to improve on last year’s hard-fought campaign. After finishing last season with a series of tight games—highlighted by a thrilling win over Naugatuck (64-61) and a strong late-season run including a 66-55 victory at Seymour—the Eagles are looking to turn those close losses into wins this year.

Season Outlook

Kennedy kicks off the season on the road against Lewis Mills on Friday, December 12, followed by Woodland Regional on December 16. Early road tests will set the tone for a team eager to establish consistency, sharpen their defense, and create a balanced scoring attack.

This year’s schedule offers a mix of familiar conference rivals and strong non-league opponents:

• Key Early Games:
  • 12/18 vs Seymour at home — a chance to avenge last year’s narrow 64-59 loss.
  • 12/22 @ Wilby — a tough WestSide vs NorthEnd matchup that could set the Eagles up for momentum in league play.
• Holiday Stretch:
  • 12/27 @ Platt Tech and 12/29 vs Crosby provide opportunities to test depth and team chemistry before the New Year.
• January League Battles:
  • Home games against St. Paul Catholic (1/7) and Watertown (1/9) will be pivotal as the Eagles aim to climb the Naugatuck Valley standings.
  • 1/28 @ Seymour provides a rematch to measure growth and strategy adjustments.

Returning Challenges & Opportunities
Kennedy’s 2024–25 season was filled with close calls. Games like the one-point loss to Naugatuck (61-60) and a 54-48 loss to St. Paul Catholic showed the Eagles could compete at a high level but struggled to close out tight contests. This year, improved late-game execution, defensive discipline, and sharpshooting from key returning players will be critical.

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Final Thoughts

Kennedy Eagles fans have plenty to be excited about. With a challenging but winnable schedule, a focus on growth, and the drive to turn last year’s close losses into victories, the 2025–26 season promises competitive basketball and plenty of highlight moments. If the team can tighten its late-game execution, the Eagles have the potential to soar in both league and non-league play.

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