WATERBURY SOPHOMORES DELIVER ” CLUTCH MOMENT” IN CLASS V CLASS TOURNAMENT

THE WATERBURY TIMES|TWT SPORTSDESK|PUBLISHED APR 5, 2026

WATERBURY– On a Good Friday in Waterbury talented area hoop stars hit the North End Rec Center hardwood floor in the Class v Class tournament. Stars from Wilby, Crosby, Holy Cross, Ansonia, Torrington and other NVL teams joined forces in an exhibition pitting class v class. 4 teams divided into Freshman, Sophomore, Junior, and Seniors played in a one day jamboree style event put together by Born2Hoop organizer Jordan Craig, who said “This event is about showcasing the talent from our area and creating a positive opportunity for these players”. Now that the HighSchool regular and postseason has wrapped, this was one last time to see these players before next season.

The day was full of high energy, hustle, and a little trash talk (remember this is Waterbury after all) but it was all in love as for those that followed the league this season got to have a fantasy NVL basketball experience. We saw WCA Sophomore M. Robinson pass to rival Crosby J. Benjamin for an assist, We had a back court tandem of City Rivals Wilby’s Madden Fox & Holy Cross J.Jones on the Junior TEAM, and the twin Freshman standout McNeal brothers from Ansonia make the trek up Rt 8 to play along side Holy Cross freshman Cam Ortiz for this star studded event.

Game One saw the Freshmen face the Sophomores in a battle of the future of this league. Filled with 1st team and 2nd team All NVL players and All TWT Sports Desk Defensive Teams winners, the underclassmen set the tone for day winning a close 1st game. WCA Ju Robinson, the Freshman who took the league by storm, tried his all but the Sophomores led by Wilby trio of High, Steward, & Barnes was too much overcome.

Game 2 was the upperclassmen time to shine as the Juniors took on the Seniors. A heavy-laden Holy Cross team led by E.Clements, A Davis, and our TWT Sports Desk Wing of the Year Julian Jones couldn’t over come the Championship pedigree of Senior TEAM. Led by NVL Senior of the Year Woodland’s John Napeillo, Torrington’s Owen Fenn, and WCA Mekhi Weaver the Seniors would advance to face the Sophomores in the Championship Game.

Game 3 would lose its intensity quick as the Freshman & Junior game became more fun and fancy than focused and intense. This allowed us to see Holy Cross freshman Cam Ortiz on full display. The cat may be out of the bag as it seems the Crusaders may already be reloaded before any new freshman step in the building. He along with WCA Ju Benjamin would be named co-Freshman MVPS. Setting up 3 years of SPARTANS V CRUSADERS with these two playing major roles in the future.

The Final- Seniors v Sophomores-

This game would have been a top 3 game if it took place in the regular season. It featured everything you want from a title game. Big time shots, big time runs, and as Sophomore J. Benjamin put it after his tough lay-up with less than 20 secs left that gave the Sophomores the lead and win, ” Clutch Moments “.

WATCH HOW THIS INSTANT CLASSIC ENDED here_

From the Hills to the Valley

Torrington’s SR -Owen Fenn who gave his all and tried to will the Seniors to victory. After being unstoppable for portions of the game scoring in double digits, O. Fenn had a chance to win it at the buzzer. When his floater rimmed out and the final buzzer sounded, the passion of our local basketball was on full display. In frustration he ripped his shirt disappointed in not making the shot. (Did we mention this was an exhibition?) That is how it goes in the Hills and the Valleys.

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The day would ultimately belong to the Sophomores but the true winners? Every fan, parent,& alumni of Waterbury and NVL Basketball. The Future is bright.

Wilby R.High & Crosby J. Benjamin co-mvps setting up another rivalry in the City as the Bulldogs & Wildcats have 3 years of talented players going at it.

This year’s Class v Class made one thing clear. THE NVL IS IN GOOD HANDS FOR YEARS TO COME. We look forward to all the Spring/Summer league action and we will be ready to tip of the 2026-27 NVL Regular season in 8 months.

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