By D.M. Livingston | The Waterbury Times
NVL High School Basketball | December Update
Last updated Dec 30, 2025 8:05PM
Two weeks into the NVL boys basketball season, early assumptions are already being tested. Tournament play, out-of-league challenges, and unexpected starts have reshaped the landscape, forcing a major reshuffle in The Waterbury Times NVL Power Rankings.
Crosby (4-1)Suffers First Loss of Season in 93–55 Defeat to Central
From Crosby’s statement win against Kobe Cathedral to Watertown’s stunning leap up the rankings, the opening stretch has delivered clarity—and chaos.
Updated NVL Boys Basketball Power Rankings (After Two Weeks)
- Crosby
- Woodland
- Watertown
- WCA (Waterbury Career Academy)
- Torrington
- Holy Cross
- Kennedy
- Wilby
- Seymour
- St. Paul Catholic
- Ansonia
- Naugatuck
- Derby
- Oxford
- Wolcott
2025–2026 Naugatuck Valley League (NVL) Boys Basketball Preview- The Waterbury Times Pre-season Power Rankings
Crosby Takes Control with Statement Holiday Tournament Win
Crosby has wasted no time justifying its move to the top spot.
The Bulldogs opened the season with a blow out victory over Oxford before a signature win over Kolbe Cathedral (Bridgeport) at the Anthony Ireland Holiday Tournament, defending home court at Crosby Gym against a respected SWC opponent. It was the type of early-season victory that signals legitimacy—not just within the NVL, but statewide.
Crosby’s balance, pace, and defensive discipline have separated them early, and they now sit firmly as the team to beat.
Woodland’s Perfect Start Fuels Rise to No. 2
Crashing our City love affair is out of town Woodland which has quietly become one of the most dangerous teams in the league.
Now 3–0, the Hawks have paired efficient offense with consistent execution, climbing to No. 2 in the rankings. While they may not carry the preseason hype of some local NVL powers, results matter—and Woodland has delivered.
Watertown: Early Season Surprise of the NVL
No team has climbed faster than Watertown.
Starting 2–0, the Indians have rocketed 12 spots up the rankings, emerging as the biggest surprise of the young season.
Early Favorites Weather the Storm
WCA and Holy Cross, both preseason favorites, took on an early-season gauntlet of state-level competition outside the NVL. While the results have been mixed, the long-term outlook remains strong.
With those challenges behind them, league play should now allow both programs to settle in and begin stacking NVL wins.
Wilby Finally Gets Rolling After City Water Crisis
Wilby’s season start was delayed due to the Waterbury water main break, forcing the Wildcats to the sidelines while much of the league got underway.
Now 1–0, Wilby finally returns to action tonight, hosting 2–1 Kennedy in a pivotal early NVL matchup. Expect urgency—and intensity—as Wilby looks to make up lost ground quickly.
Wilby Wildcats Win Season Opener After Water Delays Postpone Start
Suburban Spotlight: Torrington Making Noise
Don’t overlook Torrington.
Sitting at 2–0, the Red-Raiders own one of the league’s most eye-opening wins so far—a victory over Holy Cross. Torrington has flown under the radar, but that win alone confirms they are a real factor in the NVL title conversation.
What to Watch Next
- Can Crosby maintain its early dominance?
- Will Woodland stay unbeaten as league play tightens?
- Is Watertown’s rise sustainable?
- How fast can Wilby and WCA climb once fully underway?
One thing is already clear: the NVL race is wide open, and early-season reputations mean nothing once league play begins.
Stay with The Waterbury Times for weekly NVL power rankings, game recaps, and in-depth high school basketball coverage across Greater Waterbury and the Naugatuck Valley.
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