By D.M. Livingston|The Waterbury Times|Published Dec 8, 2025

— NVL Tip-Off Edition

Waterbury-Last season, Holy Cross reminded the entire NVL that they are never out of the fight. A 19–5 campaign, statement wins over Crosby, Naugatuck, West Haven, Woodland, and St. Paul, plus a deep run into March put the Crusaders right back in the region’s elite conversation. They were fast, physical, disciplined — and in the biggest moments, they were just tougher.

But now it’s a new year, a new roster, and a schedule that wastes zero time testing them.

🔰 A BRUTAL OPENING STRETCH

Holy Cross starts the season on the road at North Haven (12/9) and then welcomes Ludlowe (12/10) — a back-to-back that’ll reveal their early identity fast.
Then comes a trip to Windsor (12/13), one of the strongest programs in Connecticut.

By December 20, we’ll know exactly how battle-ready this group is.

🏠 THE CROSS RETURNS HOME

On December 16, the Crusaders make their NVL home debut against Ansonia, followed by the always emotional matchup vs Crosby (12/22) — a game that never disappoints.
They close the 2025 calendar with two dangerous non-conference opponents:

• Bloomfield (12/27)
• West Haven (12/30)

These aren’t tune-ups. These are gut-checks.

🔥 THE NVL GAUNTLET

January and February bring the real test:
Trips to St. Paul, Crosby, Seymour, and Central — plus home battles against Watertown and other NVL contenders.

Your complete guide to the 2025–26 NVL HighSchool Boy’s Basketball season: Power Rankings, team previews, and the definitive history of Waterbury hoops.

The league is deeper than last year. WCA is the defending force. Crosby is reloaded. Naugatuck is athletic. Kennedy is improving. Wilby is scrappy.

🎯 SEASON OUTLOOK

Holy Cross enters 2025–26 as:

• A Top 5 contender in the NVL
• A dangerous March matchup for anyone
• A team with the pieces to make this a special run — if the chemistry clicks early

The path is tough. The expectations are real. The Crusaders are built for both.

All the talk is done. The schedule is set. The Crusaders are laced up and locked in.
Now it’s time for Waterbury to show up, get loud, and set the tone for the winter.

Holy Cross Basketball returns Tuesday — and the city moves with it.

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