
Seymour’s girls basketball team before its NVL semifinal victory over Wolcott. The Cats have withdrawn from the NVL tournament final, giving Holy Cross the title. (Screen shot)
Holy Cross has been declared the NVL tournament champions after Seymour was forced to withdraw from the tournament due to COVID-19 protocols, NVL tournament director and Sacred Heart athletic director Michael Madden confirmed Thursday afternoon.
The two teams were scheduled to play Friday night in Waterbury. Seymour defeated Wolcott in the semifinals on Wednesday after getting a bye into the game because Ansonia had to withdraw for the same reasons.
NVL GIRLS BASKETBALL BRACKET (FINAL)
Madden said this will not affect the boys final, which is Naugatuck at top seed Sacred Heart Friday night. Sacred Heart defeated Seymour in Wednesday’s semifinals.
Seymour ends its season 13-1, having won 10 straight to close out the year.
“Unfortunately, this is the world we live in, and the chance we took together never knowing what the next day could bring,” coach Brian Cleveland said in a statement posted online. “We didn’t get to have our final practice together. We didn’t get to play one last time together. We didn’t get to truly say goodbye to our senior class.
“The amount of pride I take in being these ladies’ coach is unparalleled. They are great kids, fun to be around, and will excel at whatever they put their mind to in life. They are winners and they prove it in everything they do, on and off the court. …Even through the heartache, I am still one proud coach.”
#ctgb pic.twitter.com/Kk2573jUuL
— Seymour Girls Basketball (@LadyCats_Hoops) March 25, 2021