Fitch High School Girls Basketball: Young Team Overcomes Odds, Builds Bright Future
The 2025 winter basketball season at Fitch High School was one marked by youthful energy, resilience, and surprising success. Under the guidance of Head Coach CJ Parker, the girls’ basketball team tackled a challenging schedule with determination, grew through every game, and left fans hopeful for the program’s future.
We sat down with Coach Parker to reflect on a season where inexperience met grit, and where a young core blossomed into a competitive unit capable of pushing deep into postseason tournaments.
Key Contributors: Sophomore Standout and Senior Leadership
At the heart of Fitch’s success was 5’6 sophomore point guard Synaa Waters, whose electrifying play has started turning heads beyond the local level. Averaging 15 points, 7 rebounds, 3 assists, and 2 steals per game, Synaa quickly became the team’s offensive engine and defensive disruptor.
Her efforts didn’t go unnoticed. She earned a spot on the All-Eastern Connecticut Conference Division 1 First Team and was recognized on GameTimeCT’s 3rd Team All-State and The Day All-Area 2nd Team. Such accolades attracted attention from six Division 1 college programs, signaling that her impact extends well beyond Fitch.
“Synaa’s skill and competitive spirit have been crucial,” Coach Parker said. “She controls the tempo, makes her teammates better, and plays with a maturity beyond her years.”
Alongside Synaa, senior Ada Ellis provided vital leadership. A four-year varsity player, Ada was the team’s steady presence. Known for setting the tone both in practice and games, she balanced accountability with encouragement, holding the team to high standards while uplifting her younger teammates.
“Ada brought energy and leadership that helped stabilize the team all season,” noted Coach Parker. “Though she’s moving on to play field hockey at Eastern Connecticut State University, her impact on our basketball program will be remembered.”
A Season of Overachievement Amidst Youth and Challenge
Coming off the graduation of three players who had committed to collegiate basketball programs, Fitch faced a significant rebuilding year. The departure of experienced seniors left questions about how a young squad would fare in a tough conference.
However, rather than crumble under pressure, Fitch embraced a grueling non-conference schedule designed to test their mettle early.
“Our team overachieved,” Coach Parker said proudly. “We fielded a young group, starting four sophomores and dressing three freshmen, and every game was a battle.”
The team’s toughness shone through, pushing even the toughest opponents to the limit. Despite their youth, Fitch’s players demonstrated grit, heart, and growth, often transforming games into “dogfights” where their relentless effort kept them competitive.
This tenacity culminated in Fitch advancing to the Eastern Connecticut Conference Division 1 Tournament semifinals and the second round of the CIAC Class L State Tournament—impressive accomplishments given the team’s youth and experience level.
Growth and Development: Rising Stars and Bigger Roles
While the season did not spotlight every player individually, Coach Parker emphasized how much the underclassmen developed as the year progressed.
Starting four sophomores and integrating three freshmen into the rotation created opportunities for rapid growth. Each player embraced their role, gaining valuable experience under the pressure of a tough schedule.
Though specific players beyond Synaa Waters and Ada Ellis were not singled out, the overall growth was evident.
“This season was about learning and development,” Coach Parker explained. “Our underclassmen stepped up, learned from each game, and improved their skills and confidence.”
Such progress bodes well for the team’s future, with returning players eager to build on their experience next season.
Overcoming Challenges: Injuries, Tough Losses, and Pressure Situations
While Coach Parker did not elaborate extensively on specific injuries or pressure moments, the implication was clear—the team faced adversity and met it head-on.
Playing a tough schedule, the young squad had to adapt quickly to tough losses and the physical demands of the season. Despite these challenges, the players’ resilience kept the program moving forward.
“Every challenge was met with determination,” said Coach Parker. “The young team learned to handle pressure and kept fighting in every game.”
Senior Leadership and Team Culture
With only a few upperclassmen on the roster, the senior leadership was especially critical. Ada Ellis, as a four-year varsity player, was the cornerstone of this leadership group.
Her presence helped maintain focus and foster a positive team culture amid the rigors of a difficult schedule.
“She set a great example,” Coach Parker remarked. “Ada made sure the team stayed accountable, while also encouraging the younger players to keep pushing.”
Such leadership is invaluable in a young program and laid the groundwork for a culture of growth and effort that will extend into future seasons.
Looking Ahead: Excitement for the Returning Core
The future looks bright for Fitch Girls Basketball. Returning most of the roster, including all the sophomores and freshmen who gained experience this season, means the team can continue to build chemistry and improve.
“We’re excited to build on this success,” said Coach Parker. “Our players now understand what it takes to compete at this level, and they’re hungry to grow and get better.”
With a foundation of young talent already tested in tough games and postseason play, the team’s ceiling is high. The lessons learned this year should fuel greater achievements in 2026 and beyond.
Offseason Focus: Building and Improving
Although specifics about offseason training were not detailed, it’s clear the coaching staff intends to focus on strengthening the team’s skills and chemistry.
“We want to see continued development of our underclassmen,” Coach Parker said. “The offseason is a critical time to build on the fundamentals and prepare for next year.”
Expect training to focus on skill refinement, physical conditioning, and deepening team cohesion—all aimed at improving Fitch’s ability to compete and win.
Where to Follow Fitch Basketball
For fans wanting to track the team’s progress and statistics, game stats can be found on MaxPreps, though Coach Parker noted the stats for their last game are currently missing.
Conclusion
The 2025 season was a testament to Fitch High School’s girls basketball program’s heart, resilience, and promise. Under Coach CJ Parker’s leadership, a young and relatively inexperienced team took on a challenging schedule, exceeded expectations, and gained invaluable postseason experience.
With sophomore standout Synaa Waters turning heads with her impressive all-around play and senior leader Ada Ellis setting the tone for accountability and energy, the program’s foundation is solid.
Looking ahead, the combination of returning talent, growing experience, and a culture focused on toughness and development means Fitch Girls Basketball is poised for continued success.
Fans and supporters should keep an eye on this team as they build toward even greater achievements in the coming years—an exciting future is just beginning at Fitch High School.
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