By The Waterbury Times|Published Feb 18, 2026

Waterbury-The NVL season brought dominant runs, gritty comebacks, electric crowds, and teams that built real identities. These awards recognize the teams, not just the stars — the programs that made the league what it was this year.

---

Best Team – Woodland (20–0)

Woodland didn’t just win — they dominated. Undefeated in NVL play and proven outside the league with statement wins, Woodland set the standard from Day 1 and never let up.

---

Most Complete Team – Wilby

Wilby brought the full package every night — scoring, defense, guard play, and coaching adjustments. No obvious weakness, no easy game plan against them.

---

Next Man Up Award– WCA

Injuries could’ve ended their season — instead, WCA responded. They rallied, regrouped, and closed the year 8–1 to secure their spot. That’s resilience and belief.

---

Most Fun Team to Watch – Crosby

You never knew what you were going to get — and that’s what made it must-watch. Dunks, threes, overtime games, momentum swings — Crosby brought electricity every night.

NVL BASKETBALL TOURNAMENT PICTURE: WHERE WE STAND RIGHT NOW

---

Best Atmosphere – Wilby

On a packed night, there’s no tougher gym in the NVL. The noise, the energy, the pressure — Wilby’s home court was a true advantage.

---

Lockdown Defense – Wilby

Wilby’s trapping pressure was relentless. Full court, half court, rotations, communication — they made life miserable for opposing offenses.

---

Best Team Chemistry – Naugatuck

From the coaching staff to the last player on the bench, Naugatuck stayed connected all season. Home or away, up or down, their unity showed in how they played for each other every night.

---

Grit & Grind – Holy Cross

The Crusaders challenged themselves with a tough Connecticut Division I schedule, started 1–3, and battled their way to a 3rd place NVL finish. Physical, resilient, and battle-tested.

---

Most Improved Team – Ansonia

From a 3-win season last year to a Top 9 finish this year, Ansonia made one of the biggest jumps in the league. Growth, development, and belief changed their program.

---

🗣 Final Word

This season showed the NVL is deeper, tougher, and more exciting than ever. Different styles, different identities — but every team on this list left a mark on the league.

Respect where it’s due.

Waterbury High School Sports News