By D.M.Livingston|TWT Sports Desk|Published Feb 23, 2026

WATERBURY, CT — It was a hard-fought battle, but (3) Holy Cross came up just short in the Naugatuck Valley League quarterfinals, falling 56–53 to (6) WCA. The Crusaders’ season continues to be defined by grit, effort, and standout performances, even in defeat.

Key Performances

• E. Clements led the team with 19 points and 5 assists, orchestrating the offense and keeping Holy Cross in striking distance throughout the contest.
• J. Jones added 11 points, attempting to stretch the floor and provide perimeter scoring, though the outside shot proved inconsistent.
• A. Davis recorded a double-double with 10 points and 10 rebounds, while also contributing a block to anchor the paint.
• B. Brooks chipped in 6 points and 10 rebounds, controlling the glass and creating second-chance opportunities.

Despite these strong individual efforts, the Crusaders struggled to close out the game in the final minutes. WCA’s clutch shooting and defensive stops kept Holy Cross from regaining the lead in a game that was competitive from tip-off to the final buzzer.

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Tough Loss, but a Strong Showing

While the defeat ends Holy Cross’ run in the 2026 NVL quarterfinals, the team showed determination and teamwork. The Crusaders fought hard, never letting the top-seeded opponent run away with the game, and demonstrated why they remain a respected force in the league.

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Coach and players can take pride in their effort, with multiple players recording double-doubles and impactful stats across scoring, rebounding, and playmaking. It was a classic NVL battle that came down to a few critical plays in the final minutes.

Waterbury High School Sports News