Stafford Boys Basketball Team Enjoying Best Season in Over 30 Years

Led by new all-time scorer Colin Tozier, the Bulldogs have a 17-3 record heading into the NCCC tournament.

Feb. 23, 2026 at 10:10pm

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The Stafford boys basketball team is having its best season since 1992, finishing the regular season with a 17-3 record and ranked No. 1 in Division V. Senior Colin Tozier broke the school's all-time scoring record with 1,626 points, and the experienced Bulldogs squad is led by a trio of juniors and seniors.

Why it matters

Stafford's strong season marks a resurgence for the program, which hasn't had this level of success in over three decades. The team's performance and Tozier's record-breaking accomplishment have generated excitement in the community and raised expectations for the postseason.

The details

Stafford's only losses this season have come against tough opponents like Avon, Ellington, and Granby. The Bulldogs will open the NCCC tournament on Wednesday with a quarterfinal game against East Granby, and they could face conference rivals Somers and Coventry in the Division V state tournament.

  • Stafford finished the regular season at 17-3, its best record since going 18-2 in 1992.
  • Colin Tozier broke the school's all-time scoring record of 1,624 points, set in 2009, in a 56-53 win over Somers on February 22, 2026.
  • The NCCC tournament quarterfinals will take place on Wednesday, March 4, 2026, with the semifinals on Friday and the finals on Monday, March 9, 2026.
  • The Division V state tournament will begin on March 4, 2026, with qualifying rounds.

The players

Colin Tozier

A senior at Stafford High School who broke the school's all-time scoring record with 1,626 points. Tozier is known as a fierce competitor who plays hard on both offense and defense.

Ryan Fitzgerald

The head coach of the Stafford boys basketball team, which is enjoying its best season in over 30 years.

Hayden Palozej

The previous holder of Stafford's all-time scoring record, with 1,624 points, set in 2009.

George Melnick

The former long-time coach of the Stafford boys basketball team, who led the Bulldogs to an 18-2 record in the 1992 regular season.

Ellington

The defending Division IV state champion, whose 46-game win streak was snapped by Old Lyme on February 21, 2026.

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What they’re saying

“We have a lot of juniors and seniors here – it's probably the most experienced team I've had in a while. They're very professional, do what they're supposed to do. They play with a lot of confidence.”

— Ryan Fitzgerald, Head Coach, Stafford High School

“He's just a fierce competitor. Everyone talks about his scoring, which is phenomenal, but I love watching him on defense. He never takes a play off – defense, rebounding, steals. The first time I met him it was in a summer league game and he broke his collarbone diving for a ball. He plays hard.”

— Ryan Fitzgerald, Head Coach, Stafford High School

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.