Records tell one story. Development tells another.

By D.M.Livingston|TWTSportsDesk|Published Jan 31 2026

Waterbury- As the Kennedy Eagles (2–11) prepare to host Oxford (4–11), the standings suggest a matchup between two teams fighting uphill. But for Kennedy, this season has never been about the win–loss column alone—it’s been about learning the cost of competing.

The Eagles are a young group, short on seniors and built largely around scrappy sophomores and juniors who have been thrown into the fire night after night. Several losses have come by five points or fewer, games decided by a missed assignment, a late turnover, or one possession that slipped away.

Those close losses hurt—but they also teach.

NVL HighSchool Basketball-Will Woodland Run the Table?

This is trial by fire basketball, the kind that forges habits, toughness, and poise that don’t show up immediately on the scoreboard. While the playoff picture is mathematically grim—Kennedy would need to win out to even enter the conversation—the Eagles have continued to compete, refusing to fold as the season wears on.

Much of that fight has come from the backcourt.

T. Morrison and A. Sumler have been the engine, shouldering the load offensively while setting the tone defensively. Their leadership, despite their youth, has kept Kennedy competitive in games that could have easily gotten away early.

Oxford comes to town tonight looking for momentum of its own, but for Kennedy, this game represents another chance—another rep—to turn hard lessons into future wins.

Waterbury Career Academy Faces Season-Defining Two-Game Stretch, Playoffs hopes on the Line

The record may not show it yet.

But the foundation is being poured.

Waterbury High School Sports News