1st Annual All–NVL Defensive Teams (2026)

Honoring the players who win games without the ball

By D.M.Livingston|TWT SPORTS DESK|Published Feb 23, 2026

Waterbury-Defense doesn’t always show up on a highlight reel. It doesn’t always trend on social media. It doesn’t always fill a stat sheet.

But in the Naugatuck Valley League, it still wins games—and more importantly, it wins championships.

That is why the TWT Sports Desk is proud to introduce the First Annual All–NVL Defensive Teams, recognizing the players who defined this season through effort, energy, emotion, discipline, and impact.

These selections were based on a combination of:

• On-court impact and matchups
• Defensive versatility and assignments
• Effort and motor on every possession
• Leadership and communication
• The eye test and key defensive statistics

This is about the players who guard the best player, dive on the floor, take the charge, rotate on time, and close games with stops.

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1ST TEAM ALL–NVL DEFENSE

J. Napiello – SR-Woodland
The engine of Woodland’s defense. Anticipation, positioning, and leadership made him a tone-setter every night.

J. Davis – SR-Watertown
A relentless on-ball defender who consistently took on the toughest perimeter assignment.

O. Fenn – SR-Torrington
Length, activity, and effort—Fenn disrupted passing lanes and guarded top wing players.

M. Weaver – SR-WCA
A defensive anchor with versatility, able to switch, protect, rebound and close out at a high level.

C. Washington – SR-Crosby
Physical, powerful, and fearless in the paint—Washington made teams think twice about attacking the rim.

A. Nealy – JR-Wilby
Energy and toughness defined his defensive presence—an impact player in both transition and half-court defense having several multi block games.

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2ND TEAM ALL–NVL DEFENSE

R. Kenney – SR-Woodland
Disciplined and consistent, Kenney’s positioning and awareness were key to Woodland’s system helping him rack up steals.

S. Barnes – SO-Wilby
High motor, strong lateral movement, and a willingness to spear head Wilby’s relentless full court trap.

J. Jackson – SR-Crosby
A tough perimeter/inside defender who made every possession uncomfortable for opposing guards and crashed the board relentlessly.

C. O’Toole – SR-Watertown
Smart, physical, and reliable—always in the right place at the right time.

C. De La Cruz – SR-Torrington
Interior strength and rebounding presence made him a key piece of Torrington’s defensive identity.

M. Robinson – SO-WCA
Pesky and speedy with an effort combined with a calmness helped to create a consistent defensive impact on the wing. A sneaky rebounder.

2026 NVL Basketball Team Awards: Best Teams, Defense, Chemistry & More in the Naugatuck Valley League

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3RD TEAM ALL–NVL DEFENSE

D. Roscoe – SR-Holy Cross
A strong team defender who understood rotations and communicated effectively. A solid perimeter defender.

S. Steward – SO-Wilby
An underclassman with elite instincts and effort beyond his years. Rotation and help defense are elite.

A. Colon – SR-WCA
Gritty, physical, and always engaged defensively. The spark plug to WCA all season

B. Brooks – SR-Holy Cross
Brought toughness and discipline to every defensive assignment. An absolute menace in the paint.

A. Davis – JR-Holy Cross
Protected the paint and rebounded with authority. Athletic and energetic.

A. Sumler – JR-Kennedy
A consistent defender who competed on every possession. Solid on ball defender

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Why Defense Matters

Every championship team in NVL history has had one thing in common:

They could get stops when it mattered most.

Defense is:

• effort when you’re tired
• discipline when the game speeds up
• trust in your teammates
• pride in doing the work that doesn’t get applause

These young men represented that standard this season.

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A New NVL Tradition

The All–NVL Defensive Teams will now become an annual TWT Sports Desk honor, shining a light on the players who commit to the hardest side of the game.

Because offense may sell tickets…

But in the NVL, defense still wins championships.

See what players just missed the All Defensive Teams.

TWT SPORTS DESK 1st Annual NVL Boys Basketball Awards — Official Nominees 2025-26

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Congratulations to all of the 2026 All–NVL Defensive Team honorees.

Waterbury High School Sports News