By TWT Sports Desk|Published Feb 20, 2026
Waterbury-The stage is set. The lights are bright. And in the NVL, nothing is guaranteed once the ball goes up. Here are the matchups, storylines, and predictions as teams battle for survival and legacy.
(3) Holy Cross vs (6) WCA
Holy Cross Crusaders
Preseason No. 3 and they delivered exactly that. Led by a dynamic junior backcourt of Jones and Clements, this is a hungry team chasing that elusive NVL crown.
WCA Spartans
Winners of 8 of their last 9, this senior-led group is on a mission. Turner, Weaver, and Rodrigues are trying to put WCA in the same historic conversation as Waterbury powers like Sacred Heart and Crosby Bulldogs by capturing a fourth straight NVL title.
Prediction:
👉 WCA 69, Holy Cross 67
2026 NVL Boys Basketball Tournament — Playoff Matchups & Predictions
(2) Wilby vs (7) Crosby
Wilby Wildcats
Preseason No. 2 and Summer League champs, this underclassman-heavy squad with S. Steward and R. High leading the way, have met every expectation and is eyeing the start of a dynasty run.
Crosby Bulldogs
Led by one of the city’s elite seniors, Casleem Washington, and brightest young star J. Benjamin Crosby is out for revenge after a 30-point loss last month—and looking to get Coach Nick Augelli back to another title game.
Prediction:
👉 Wilby 75, Crosby 71 ( disclaimer Wilby Graduate 99 lol )
(4) St. Paul vs (5) Naugatuck
St. Paul Falcons
Maybe underrated… maybe overrated… but definitely motivated. The Bristol squad led by C. Dagata wants to silence critics and add a basketball championship to last year’s baseball state title.
Naugatuck Greyhounds
Arguably the toughest team in the NVL. Physical, disciplined, and determined to avenge a midseason loss to St. Paul and reclaim their early-2020s dominance. E. Smalls, M. Kichen, and O. Massicotte will be a tough out.
Prediction:
👉 Naugatuck 62, St. Paul 55
(1) Woodland vs (8) Ansonia
Woodland Hawks
A perfect 20–0 season and chasing history. But the pressure is real—especially against a team that nearly knocked them off just two weeks ago. J. Napiello leads this Senior laden team.
Ansonia Chargers
The best turnaround story in the NVL. From just 3 wins last year to a dangerous playoff squad that can beat anyone on any night. They’re coming back to finish what they started. PG J. Nakhome and Freshman Phenom M. McNeil looking to shock the whole league with a win.
Prediction (UPSET ALERT 🚨):
👉 Ansonia 66, Woodland 62
Final Take
Upsets are brewing. Legacies are on the line. And the NVL crown is wide open.
Who survives and who goes home?
We’re about to find out.
The Waterbury Times- Waterbury,CT Local News 
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