West Haven Wins CIAC Division I Boys Basketball Championship In Triple Overtime Thriller

The Westies outlasted previously undefeated Staples in triple overtime to win the CIAC Division I boys basketball championship.

Mar. 23, 2026 at 3:24am

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The West Haven boys basketball team won the CIAC Division I championship with a thrilling 79-72 victory over top-seeded Staples-Westport in triple overtime Saturday night at the Mohegan Sun Arena. Second-seeded West Haven defeated city rival Notre Dame-West Haven, the top-ranked team in the state at the time, in the semifinals to advance to the title game against Staples.

Why it matters

This victory marks West Haven's first state championship in boys basketball since 1987, a significant accomplishment for the program and the local community. The game was an exciting triple-overtime thriller between two highly competitive teams, showcasing the talent and determination of the players involved.

The details

West Haven (23-4) handed Staples (26-1) its first loss of the season in claiming the CIAC Division I title. Aaron Johnson Jr. led West Haven with a game-high 27 points, 8 rebounds, and 4 steals. Loshon Roman added 20 points, and Jordan Sirabionian finished with 19 points, 12 rebounds, 6 assists, and 3 steals.

  • The championship game was played on Saturday night at the Mohegan Sun Arena.
  • West Haven defeated Notre Dame-West Haven in the semifinals to advance to the title game.

The players

Aaron Johnson Jr.

The leading scorer for West Haven, with 27 points, 8 rebounds, and 4 steals in the championship game.

Loshon Roman

A key contributor for West Haven, scoring 20 points in the championship game.

Jordan Sirabionian

Recorded a double-double with 19 points, 12 rebounds, 6 assists, and 3 steals for West Haven in the title game.

Staples-Westport

The top-seeded team that West Haven defeated in triple overtime to win the CIAC Division I championship.

Notre Dame-West Haven

The top-ranked team in the state that West Haven defeated in the semifinals to advance to the championship game.

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What’s next

The West Haven boys basketball team will likely be celebrated by the local community for their historic championship victory, and the players and coaches will look to build on this success in future seasons.

The takeaway

The thrilling triple-overtime championship game between West Haven and Staples-Westport showcased the high level of talent and competitiveness in Connecticut high school basketball. West Haven's victory, their first state title in nearly 40 years, is a testament to the hard work and determination of the players and coaches, and will be a source of pride for the local community.