By D.M.Livingston|The Waterbury Times| Published Dec 5, 2025

Last updated Dec 6, 2025 11:44PM

Waterbury -Connecticut high school basketball has a storied history dating back to the early 1920s, with CIAC championships creating a snapshot of dominance and excellence across the state. Waterbury has consistently been a hub of basketball talent, with multiple high schools making their mark in state competition. This guide chronicles the achievements of Waterbury’s key programs—Wilby, Crosby, Holy Cross, Sacred Heart, Waterbury Career Academy (WCA), and Kennedy Eagles—within the broader context of Connecticut high school basketball.

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1. Early Foundations (1920s–1940s)

Waterbury basketball roots stretch back to the early CIAC tournaments.

• Wilby High School first captured attention in 1923, narrowly defeating Naugatuck, 21-20, for the Class A title.
• Crosby High School and Holy Cross emerged later, often competing in Classes L and M, reflecting the smaller school sizes.
• During this era, Waterbury teams often competed with New Haven, Bridgeport, and Hartford schools, which dominated state titles in Classes A and L.

Key context: Waterbury’s presence on the scoreboard during the formative years cemented the city as a basketball hotbed in Connecticut.

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2. The Rise of Modern Programs (1950s–1970s)

Post-WWII, Waterbury’s high schools became state contenders:

• Wilby added a notable 1953 Class L championship, beating New London 62-53, establishing them as a competitive CIAC program.
• Holy Cross gained prominence in Class LL (large schools), consistently challenging Hartford, Bridgeport, and New Haven programs.
• Crosby also emerged as a contender, capturing multiple Class I/II titles in later decades.

During the 1960s–70s, Waterbury teams often faced off against powerhouse New Haven programs (Hillhouse, Wilbur Cross), showcasing the city’s elite talent. These decades marked the transition from small-school success to competitive statewide relevance.

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4. Sacred Heart: Legacy and Closure

Sacred Heart became a dominant force in Connecticut high school basketball:

However, the school closed in 2021, ending an era of Waterbury basketball dominance. Sacred Heart’s legacy lives on in the players, alumni, and the city’s basketball history, but current competition now focuses on the remaining schools.

• CIAC Titles: Multi Championships 2013-2021 (S, M, L)
• Notable Finals Wins: Defeating Notre Dame-Fairfield, Valley Regional, and others

• Class S, M, and L titles: Between 2014 and 2017, Sacred Heart captured multiple CIAC championships, defeating Notre Dame-Fairfield, Valley Regional, and others. As well as a title in the 1980s
• Sacred Heart’s modern dynasty represented Waterbury’s ability to develop elite athletes and consistently compete at the top level.

Significance: Sacred Heart’s multi-class success demonstrates the evolution of Waterbury basketball programs from local contenders to statewide dynasties.

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4. Waterbury Career Academy (WCA) & Kennedy Eagles ( Present )

• WCA: Rising as a competitive Class III contender, winning the 2023 CIAC title against Bloomfield 74-58.

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• Kennedy Eagles: While less historically dominant than Wilby or Crosby, Kennedy has produced standout athletes contributing to the city’s basketball legacy.

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These schools reflect the diversification of Waterbury basketball talent, now spread across multiple institutions with competitive programs in all CIAC classes.

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5. Crosby High School: Consistent Contender

• Crosby has repeatedly reached the finals in Classes I and II, including titles in 2005 (defeating Trinity Catholic, 56-54) and 2008 (82-79 over Trinity Catholic).
• The program consistently develops elite players and competes with Fairfield County powerhouses, keeping Waterbury relevant in statewide high school basketball discussions.

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6. Holy Cross & Wilby: Traditional Powerhouses

• Wilby High School: Early state titles in the 1920s–1950s, plus modern competitiveness in Class LL/L.
• Holy Cross: Several Class LL titles in the 1980s–1990s, often facing Bridgeport and New Haven rivals.

Both schools laid the foundation for Waterbury’s basketball reputation, balancing local dominance with strong statewide performances.

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7. Waterbury in the Statewide Context

• Connecticut basketball heavyweights: New Haven programs (Hillhouse, Wilbur Cross), Bridgeport (Weaver, Warren Harding), Hartford (Bulkeley, Weaver), and Fairfield County schools have historically dominated.
• Waterbury’s impact: Despite smaller enrollment, the city has produced multiple CIAC champions across all classes, demonstrating elite coaching, community support, and talent development.
• Modern relevance: Sacred Heart, WCA, and Crosby maintain Waterbury’s presence in statewide playoffs, bridging historic success with contemporary competitiveness.

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8. Key Takeaways & Legacy

1. Early Success: Wilby’s 1923 title set the precedent.
2. Multi-School Dominance: Waterbury programs consistently compete across CIAC classes (L, M, S, I–V).
3. Sacred Heart Dynasty: 2014–2017 CIAC titles across multiple classes cemented modern relevance.
4. Pipeline to Talent: The city continues to develop players capable of competing statewide, reflecting strong youth programs and community investment.
5. Historical Significance: Waterbury is among Connecticut’s top basketball cities, producing state champions in every era of CIAC competition.

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Looking Ahead: The 2025 Season

With Sacred Heart no longer competing, Waterbury basketball continues to thrive through programs like Crosby, Waterbury Career Academy (WCA), Holy Cross, Wilby, and Kennedy. These schools are now the torchbearers of the city’s rich basketball tradition, competing across CIAC divisions and keeping Waterbury relevant in statewide competition.

As the 2025 season begins, fans can expect exciting matchups and rising talent from these programs, each carrying the pride, history, and competitive spirit that have defined Waterbury basketball for over a Century!

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