It had been a long time since the boys’ cagers had made a run for the conference and state titles.

This year’s power  lineup of basketballers managed to change that. Captains Judah James, Pierre Moudourou, and Tyren McCrea, all seniors, spearheaded an aggressive 2016 season that saw 21 wins versus  3 losses.

The team had not made an appearance at the state tournament since 2007. Many factors play into why Danbury had such a successful year in 2016, despite having several powerful players over the years.

“I think what made this year so unique is that we were such a close-knit group from coach to player,” said Moudourou of the relationship between players and Coach Casey Bock.

“It wasn’t just winning that made it special, it was how much fun we had playing together,” he continued. “Overall, I feel we had a tremendous season and helped bring the program back to where it used to be 25-30 years ago, as this was Danbury’s best season since 1994. We didn’t consider ourselves teammates. We considered ourselves brothers.”

Despite losing the FCIAC Championship narrowly to Westhill, the Hatters fought long and hard through the regular season, and then through three terrific matches in the Class LL postseason. Danbury blew out most teams before falling in the semi-finals to eventual 2016 state-champion Hillhouse.

“I do think we fell to Hillhouse,” said James. “it’s difficult to win a game with 20 turnovers with an athletic team like them. We all enjoyed playing with each other and competing to the bitter end.”

Hillhouse has been possibly the most aggressive team in the LL league for several years. Danbury prepared all season to take the previous state champions down.

“They were a very talented team, but if we matched their intensity the first half, we would’ve been in much better shape,” McCrea said. “What made this year special was the bond we had on court; it couldn’t have been any better.

“We did something very special that hasn’t been done in a long time, and it ended up bringing Danbury back on the map,” McCrea continued. “My favorite part of the season was just seeing a sold-out crowd and being able to play in huge games this year. Our team next year should be very strong.”

Next year’s team has much to live up to, but also loses four key seniors, including all three captains and star senior Scott Nesbitt.

“You have to look out for Marcus Fox of course, and also Marvin Payton,” Nesbitt said. “But I believe that some of the even younger guys like Cameron Snow, Denali Burton, and Jordan Brown will have a big impact on whether we’re going to be a big team next year.”

Bock, in reflecting on the season, said he was pleased and proud.

“I was very happy this year,” Bock said of his team. “The players turned the program around and created an excitement in the school and community about basketball that has been missing for 20-plus years,” Bock said. “We were FCIAC regular-season champions, and had a powerful group of seniors who made a great run.”

Now that the season is over, the team, especially the seniors, are taking time to reflect on what they achieved.

“There was no better way to celebrate a win, than when the fans and Hatters Hooters stormed the court,” Moudourou said. “It’s the best way to celebrate a close win or a win with great significance. What better way to fill your memories senior year with optimism and joy, with your brothers and friends?”