By D.M.Livingston|Published Feb 12,2026

Waterbury-A packed Reggie O’Brien Gym set the tone on Senior Night in Waterbury’s North End as Wilby and WCA delivered the kind of atmosphere that defines NVL basketball.

The intensity actually started early in the JV matchup, when a hard-fought jump ball turned into a test of strength and grit as neither player would let go. The benches erupted in applause, the crowd roared, and the energy in the building never came down. WCA took the JV contest — but it only built anticipation for the varsity showdown the entire city had been waiting for.

Delayed earlier in the season due to water main breaks, the matchup lived up to every bit of hype: the three-time defending NVL champions vs the Summer League champions. Pressure defense vs senior poise. North End pride on the line.

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First Half: Spartans withstand the storm

WCA weathered Wilby’s relentless trapping defense early and led 20–18 at the end of the first quarter.

Senior M. Weaver led the Spartans with aggressive drives and rebounding, finishing the opening quarter with a game-high 8 points.

The second quarter opened with WCA going on a 12–4 run, taking advantage of the Wildcats’ difficulty setting up their press. But Wilby responded.

• Sophomore S. Steward knocked down a huge three to cut the deficit to 32–25
• Junior S. Garner added key second-chance buckets to keep Wilby within striking distance

Then came the moment that shifted everything: Steward banked in a 70-foot buzzer beater at the half, sending the gym into a frenzy and tying the game 37–37.

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Third Quarter: Wildcats take control

Wilby came out of halftime on fire.

The Wildcats opened the third quarter with a 9–0 run, extending it to 12–0 when including the halftime heave. Momentum fully swung to Wilby as their defense intensified and their offense found rhythm.

Tensions rose midway through the quarter after an offensive foul involving A. Turner (WCA) and R. High (Wilby) led to a brief benches-clearing moment. Coaches, administrators, and security quickly de-escalated the situation, and double technical fouls were issued.

From there, Wilby stayed composed and in control.

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Fourth Quarter: Wildcats close it out

Wilby stretched its lead to double digits and never looked back, securing a convincing 87–67 victory.

Despite the earlier heated moment, sportsmanship prevailed late as WCA’s A. Turner helped a Wilby player off the floor after a hard foul — a reminder that, in the North End, the rivalry is fierce but respect remains.

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Player of the Game

🏀 Rob High (Wilby)
20 points | relentless energy | defensive leadership

High’s performance, powered by intensity and leadership, lifted the Wildcats all night. He is the Stallworth Counseling Player of the Game.

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What it means

• WCA still needs one more win to clinch its postseason position

NVL BASKETBALL TOURNAMENT PICTURE: WHERE WE STAND RIGHT NOW

• Wilby has all but secured the No. 2 seed in the NVL Tournament

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Final Word

This was more than a regular-season game.

It was North End pride, playoff intensity, and NVL basketball at its best.

It’s a North End thing. All love at the end of the day.