Basketball has successfully returned to the middle school level at West Hartford’s Sedgwick Middle School.

Sedgwick Middle School boys basketball team. Photo credit: Patrick Gustafson

By Matt Celio

What started as a bold vision quickly transformed into a thrilling reality as Boys and Girls Interscholastic Basketball triumphantly bounced back in West Hartford after nearly four decades – instantaneously becoming a cornerstone of Sedgwick Middle School Athletics and the school community as a whole.

The 2025 inaugural campaign has been nothing short of electrifying, fueled by fierce competition, including double entry in Middletown’s 21st Annual Beman Invitational Tournament, rapid team development, and unwavering support from students, families, and staff.

The Boys (6-1, 1-2 BIT) and Girls (3-4, 0-2 BIT) quickly adjusted to the full court pressure and fast break nature of this nascent Naismith adventure, navigating the challenges of structured town-versus-town and tourney play, and found their season stride. Committed coaching bred relentless determination, and these student-athletes showcased resilience, teamwork and undeniable talent, improving by leaps and (re)bounds every time they hit the hardwood.

Sedgwick Middle School girls basketball team. Photo credit: Patrick Gustafson

As the season unfolded, the squads notched key victories, sharpened their fundamentals and laid the foundation for a lasting legacy. School spirit soared, reaching a fever pitch during epic crosstown rivalry showdowns that put player dedication and progress on full display. More than just a game, this revival of interscholastic basketball has ignited a movement – one that extends beyond Sedgwick’s gym walls and promises to strengthen team chemistry and competitive fire for years to come, including at the high school level at Conard.

Kudos to Coaches Jonathan Baldwin, Marcus Burrus, Steve Garneau, Janaya Finney and Rachel Lauzier, their players, General Manager Steve Brouse, Team President Karen Kukish, Player Representative Nick Adler and all supporters whose winter has been warmed by following these hardcourt heroes through unforgettable inaugural seasons.

Sedgwick Middle School girls basketball team. Photo credit: Patrick Gustafson

Coach Lauzier summed up the season thusly: “Having the opportunity to coach [Sedgwick’s] Girls basketball team has been such an amazing experience. This is my first year coaching basketball and it has been everything I imagined and more. It’s been a pleasure watching the girls continue to improve each game, since for many this opportunity provided the chance to play on an organized team for the first time. They’ve made an immediate impact on the court. Their hustle, resilience, and teamwork is admirable, but most importantly they have fun every time they step onto the court. I’m so proud of all we’ve accomplished this season!” 

Similarly, Coach Baldwin gushed, “Our school’s first-year basketball team, made up of talented seventh and eighth graders, is making a name for itself against high-level competition! The squad has showcased determination, teamwork, and skill on the court, with two of three losses coming down to the wire in close battles. Their hard work and dedication has paid off, and they continue to improve with each game. Keep an eye on this rising squad as they push for an even stronger finish to their debut season! Go Sedgwick!”

Student-athletes report they are forging new friendships and love the atmosphere of playing in front of peers, saying it doesn’t compare to playing in other leagues. “It just feels different playing for our school,” co-captain Nathan “Mr. Clutch” McCarthy said. “The energy, the support – it’s incredible.”

Sedgwick Middle School boys basketball team. Photo credit: Patrick Gustafson

Parents convey all of the following with regard to student improvements seen as a result of the basketball team: developing a deeper love of basketball; being excited and happy to attend school; feeling a sense of pride in representing Sedgwick; increasing confidence and leadership skills at a rapid growth rate; rising to a high level of competition on the court; reaching lofty academic and behavioral standards in order to stay eligible to play; interacting positively with teammates they had never met before basketball. Teachers have also noticed the team’s influence in the classroom and hallways.

“There’s a renewed sense of school pride,” superfan season ticket holder and Grade 8 Mathematics teacher Jenn “La Matadora” Tauro remarked. “You can feel the energy. Players are engaged, focused, and holding themselves to higher standards in and out of the classroom.”

Similarly, opponents and officials communicate SMS players are performing at a high level for a first-year squad and that athletes, coaches, and families exhibit great sportsmanship at home and on the road. Veteran referee William McKernan, who has spent decades officiating games at the middle school and high school levels, even requested a private postgame administrative conversation to commend the program, calling it, “the best middle school game I’ve been a part of in decades as a parent, teacher, coach, and referee. From the opening tip-off to the final whistle, every aspect of the game stood out.” He cited the professionalism of all involved, the respect and enthusiasm of the crowd, the conduct of teams, and the overall game-day atmosphere as exceptional. The official went so far as to compare the experience to that of a high-level high school environment. He specifically asked that his compliments be passed along to the Sedgwick community, recognizing the collective effort that made the event such a resounding success.

As Sedgwick’s inaugural season continues, moments like these highlight the program’s rapid rise – not just in competition, but in culture, school spirit, and community engagement. With the fire lit and the foundation set, the future of Sedgwick basketball shines bright here at “America’s Top Middle School”™ – bring on 2026, Wildcats and hear us roar even more!

“I never imagined I would become part of something so special. Being chosen, especially as a new student, filled me with both surprise and joy. I was so excited when I made the team. I try my best and thrive while with the team, knowing I am making a difference in and a change at Sedgwick. Now, I’m here not just as a team member, but as someone who gets to be part of this growing Sedgwick history.” – Brooklyn “Nets” Brace

“Sedgwick Basketball has been a great opportunity and I have learned so much from my coaches and teammates. I had more fun than I anticipated and I’ve made so many friends. The bus rides to and from are an experience that I have enjoyed immensely, while home games are so much fun and I appreciate all of the people that support the teams. I recommend trying out for a sports team at Sedgwick. Team sports are amazing and I love every moment. Thank you to all of the coaches who volunteered their time to teach us and lead us to a super-fun season! I would 100% try out again for this or another sport.” – Kate “Swish” Fish 

“As a member of the Girls Basketball team, I wanted to express how much I enjoyed this season. Not only have I grown as a player, I have become a better teammate and I have met many new friends. This team atmosphere has allowed me to become a better athlete and I have grown to love this team as if they are my family. This basketball season has created memories that I will never forget as I leave Sedgwick next year. I also loved seeing the crowds at the Girls’ and Boys’ games cheering for the first Sedgwick basketball team in decades. I am so grateful to be granted this opportunity at Sedgwick to play basketball representing our school and I wanted to express my gratitude for this amazing team.” – Addie “Magic” Matos

“This year with Sedgwick’s new basketball teams, I have had so much fun! My team is so important to me and I have gotten an opportunity to work hard outside of academics. This opportunity has given me so many important friendships that I otherwise would not have. I am so glad that this great opportunity was provided in time for me to play before I graduate from seventh and eighth grade and head off to Conard! I’m so grateful to have this team that I can depend on no matter what!” – Zoey “Z-Money” Moore

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