By D.M.Livingston|Published Jan 5, 2026
Waterbury- A New Year, A New No. 1. The calendar has flipped, and so has the balance of power in the NVL. The new year opens with a brand-new team at the top as Woodland (Beacon Falls) continues to rewrite expectations across the league. Their historic first-ever win at Crosby wasn’t a fluke—it was a statement. At 4–0, the Hawks have earned the No. 1 spot, while longtime powers adjust to a changing NVL landscape.
Just behind them, Watertown has been quietly dominant, stacking five straight wins with efficiency and depth. Add in Torrington’s early-season win over Holy Cross, and it’s becoming clear: the NVL may no longer run exclusively through Waterbury.
Parity is here. Every night matters.
NVL Boys Power Rankings – Week 2
1. Woodland (4–0)
Historic road win at Crosby, undefeated, confident, and battle-tested. The Hawks are setting the tone league-wide.
2. Watertown (5–0)
The quietest undefeated run in the NVL. Disciplined, deep, and dangerous—don’t mistake silence for softness.
3. WCA
Defending champions remain firmly in the hunt. Tested early, steady, and still one of the league’s toughest outs.
4. Wilby
The Wildcats continue to show resilience and grit. A promising mix of athleticism and hunger keeps them near the top tier.
Waterbury HighSchool Sports Wilby Wildcats Dominate Immaculate, 77-41 improve to 3-1
5. Torrington
That win over Holy Cross changed perceptions early. Torrington has announced they belong in every conversation.
6. Crosby
Still talented, still dangerous—but early stumbles have dropped the Bulldogs slightly. Plenty of season left.
Waterbury HighSchool Sports- NVL Basketball 2026: The Order Has Shifted
7. Naugatuck
Competitive and improving weekly. A team capable of shaking up the middle of the standings.
8. Ansonia
Finding rhythm and identity. When clicking, they can challenge anyone ahead of them.
9. Holy Cross
A tough early schedule has tested the Crusaders. Expect improvement as the season settles.
10. Kennedy
Flashes of potential with consistency still developing.
11. Derby
Young, scrappy, and learning through hard minutes.
12. Seymour
Battling nightly, but searching for momentum.
13. St. Paul
Still looking to turn effort into wins.
14. Oxford
Growth mode. Competitive stretches show promise.
15. Wolcott
Rebuilding and gaining experience with each game.
Games to Watch This Week
🔥 No. 2 Watertown vs. No. 5 Torrington
🔥 No. 3 WCA vs. No. 6 Crosby
Both matchups have major implications and could completely reshape next week’s rankings.
Stay linked all season long with The Waterbury Times for weekly NVL power rankings, game recaps, and highlights.
🏀 Player of the Game honors proudly sponsored by Stallworth Counseling — supporting mental wellness on and off the court.
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