MONROE, Conn. — The Monroe Parks and Recreation Department Travel Basketball program, now in its third year, allows young Monroe basketball players to compete at a higher level, and in more games than its regular youth league.
The 2025-2026 season featured five teams, each with a dedicated group on volunteer coaches and a support system of great parents, according to Director Missy Orosz.
“These teams are selected each September when we hold tryouts for boys and girls currently in grades five through eight,” she said. “With this being a newer program, we do not know each season who will actually come.”
Orosz said these teams compete in the Milford Knights Travel Basketball League, Hoop Fest and the Tip off Tourney, and the eighth grade boys team also competes in the Fairfield County Basketball League, along with playing five additional home games against area teams in the Masuk High School gym on select Saturdays.
“Through this season our teams have collected some hardware, made improvements in their play and lasting memories with their teammates,” she said. “All five of these teams are getting ready for the final tournament of the season when they participate in Hoop Fest.”
The eighth grade boys recently captured the Silver Division championship in the MKBL League with a win over Westport PAL.
“This team is led by coaches Jed and Josh Wittenberger, who have volunteered their time for the past three seasons with each group of new players,” Orosz said. “This season also started out with a championship in the preseason when they participated in the Sideline Cancer tournament hosted by the Pomperaug Basketball Club.”
The roster includes James Domack, James Ely, Carter Fenton, Michael Gorman, Brady Josephson, Caden Kozera, Jackson Mok, Joey Sullivan, Jeffrey Vargovchik and Hunter Oliveras.
“Our sixth grade girls team is led by coaches Josh Domack and Bob Anderson,” Orosz said. “This is their second year together and the girls improve each game.”
The team includes Michelina Anderson, Clara Czaplinksi, Brooklyn Domack, Nora Eannotti, Charlie Kaplan, Avery Nilan, Ava Nrekic, Denis Smith, Lyla Soli and Whitney Stripey.
“The fifth and sixth grade boys red team is led by coaches Ryan Glick, Ross MacLean and Russell Bodden,” Orosz said. “During the Tip Off Tourney they captured second place in their division. Every game since, they have been doing well against tough competition.”
The team includes Alexander Bodden, Isaiah Bodden, Jaxon Caramanica, Matthew Domenici, Colin Driscoll, Brandon Glick, Harrison Grant, Ewan MacLean, Kenneth Morales and Andrew Wassmann.
“Our fifth and sixth grade boys black team is led by coaches Brian Chap and Scott Appleby,” Orosz said. “This a scrappy bunch and they play with heart and intensity each game. They are getting ready to participate in the Hoop Fest tournament.”
The team includes Dominic Appleby, Dylan Chap, Luca DePiano, Archer Dewey, Michael Diaz, Jake Hackney, Hendrix Halapin, Darin Portela, George Sbirakis and Teddy Sweezey.
“The fifth grade girls team is a brand new team of athletic players,” Orosz said. “They hustle and are quick due to many of them playing soccer and field hockey during the fall and spring seasons, but they decided to give basketball a chance. While the beginning was tough to get wins, their heart and determination were seen at every game.”
The girls recently captured second place in their division in the MKBL tournament, earning medals.
“This team is led by coaches Mike Kyrytschenko and Jaime Bosworth,” Orosz said.
Players include Brady Bentz, Jordan Bosworth, Teagan Cassidy, Stella Hackney, Mackenzie Krystolovich, Lillian Kyrytschenko, Mya Lopes, Lily Rapacioli, Madison Rivera and Winnie Yearwood.
“We are very lucky to have such dedicated volunteer coaches and the support of the Masuk High School Athletic Department to help us keep the cost low for families,” Orosz said. “There are a lot of individuals collaborating behind the scenes to grow this program each season.”
For information on tryouts for the 2026-2027 season this September, visit the Monroe Parks and Recreation Department website by clicking here.
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