2026 CIAC Championships Recap

Nick Cozzolino | Thursday, March 26th, 2026

March was action-packed in Connecticut with hoops. Across all five CIAC divisions, the State Tournament brought a rollercoaster of action, upsets, and emotions. In the end, West Haven, Windsor, Sports and Medical Sciences Academy, Windham Tech, and Stafford all walked away with State titles. Here's the rundown for last weekend: 

Division I

West Haven outlasted Staples 79-72 in a triple overtime thriller on March 21st to capture the program’s first State Championship since 1987. It was an unforgettable game. A classic where both teams continued to answer each other, finding ways to extend the night. Staples had chances late in regulation and in overtime, but West Haven was relentless and eventually created enough separation in the third overtime with timely stops and clutch free throws. Aaron Johnson Jr led the way with 27 points on 11 for 14 shooting, adding 8 rebounds and 4 steals. Jordan Sirabionian filled the stat sheet with 19 points, 12 rebounds, 6 assists, and 3 steals while Loshon Roman added a productive 20 points. Staples got strong efforts from Mason Tobias, who had 21 points, and Dhilan Lowman, who knocked down five threes, scoring 17 points. In the end, West Haven’s depth and composure were enough to finally close out the long battle. 

Division II 

Windsor rolled past Bunnell 78-52 on March 22nd in a game won by pressure defense and complete control from the start. This matchup had recent history that added to the rivalry since the two schools battled each other in a State Football Championship earlier this year.  However, Windsor made sure this game never got too close. A 14-2 run to close the first quarter helped the Warriors keep control from the start. Bunnell did trim the margin in the third, but Windsor quickly answered and never looked back. Ji Gary led with 22 points and six made threes. Missoni Brown added 16 points, 7 assists, and 5 steals. Alex Weaver also made his impact felt with 13 points, 5 assists, and 6 steals. For most of the game, Bunnell struggled with 20 turnovers and didn't find enough offensive rhythm to threaten a Windsor group that was sharp on both ends. 

Division III 

Sports & Medical Sciences Academy beat Stratford 71-54 on March 22nd for their first boys State Basketball Championship in program history. SMSA set the tone early. They used a strong defensive start to put Stratford in an early hole. Stratford made just four field goals in the first half, which led to SMSA to go up 29-17. The Tigers mounted a comeback in the third quarter and closed the margin to single digits, but Elijah Williams answered with a banked fading three at the buzzer to end the quarter. Williams was tremendous all night, finishing with 22 points, 11 rebounds, 6 assists, and 3 blocks. Jaylen Del Valle added 13 points and 7 rebounds. JaShaun Jernigan scored 10. Xzavion Rios contributed 9 points and 5 steals. Stratford leaned heavily on Myles Bertrand’s 26 points and Tylor Bonaventura’s 15 points and 10 rebounds. 

Division IV 

Windham Tech pulled off the biggest upset of Championship weekend, knocking off previously unbeaten Woodland 73-62 on March 21st. The victory gave Windham Tech its first State Title and made the Mighty Tigers the first Tech School Boys Basketball State Champion since 1967. Woodland grabbed an early 19-14 lead in the first quarter, but Windham Tech erased it and took over with a 12-2 run to start the second quarter. From there, the Mighty Tigers stayed in control and didn't allow Woodland to gain any momentum back. Colby Dunnack dominated inside with 20 points, 19 rebounds, and 6 blocks. Brady Marsh matched him with 20 points of his own with 8 assists and 5 steals, becoming the school’s all-time leading scorer. Gabe Crespo chipped in with 14 points. Windham Tech’s physicality, rebounding, and inside presence was the difference against an unbeaten Woodland team that hadn't faced an opponent like this all season. 

Division V 

Stafford closed out Championship Weekend with a 64-59 win over Hartford Public on March 22nd, capturing the program’s first Boys Basketball State Title since 1953. This hard-fought battle stayed tight well into the fourth quarter. Hartford Public continued to answer every time Stafford seemed ready to pull away. After Hartford Public cut the lead to 59-57 with just over a minute left, Colin Tozier shook free in the corner and drilled a huge three with 54 seconds left, delivering the biggest shot of the game. Hartford Public answered with a layup, but Stafford got the final word when Bryce Gudeman scored inside in the last seconds to seal it. Tozier finished with 31 points and five threes, leading Stafford’s offense all night. Gudeman also controlled the glass with 19 rebounds, while Gavin Lacobucci added 11 points and 6 assists. Hartford Public got 22 points and 11 rebounds from Jaiden Booth and 16 points from Jonathan Mitchell. Stafford’s late execution and dominant rebounding helped bring home a long-awaited championship.