By Dominic Konareski
Voice Writer
“If I can help guide these young athletes, teach them life skills, and be someone they can look up to, then that means more than any undefeated streak,” is what Bailey Middle School boys basketball head coach Stanley Chambers said when talking about nearly a half-decade of success.
West Haven High School will enter the next school year as defending state champions at the highest level of CIAC boys’ basketball competition. The Blue Devils have been on top, either as a deep contender, or as the state has seen lately as champions.
Before making it to Mohegan Sun and playing at a professional arena, it all comes down to the regular season, but even before that you have developed. For West Haven basketball, development and success started for many of the players before they even hit their freshmen year.
Bailey Middle School has been the developmental hub for West Haven when it comes to boys’ basketball. The Eagles have flown high over the past several seasons, with the near posting a near-undefeated overall record over a three-year span. The Bailey Eagles are led by head coach Stanley Chambers as he and the team prepare for four consecutive years of near-undefeated status.
Chambers said the key factor behind the team’s sustained success comes from a combination of strong coaching, player development, and team cohesion.
“Players are committed to supporting one another, both on and off the court, which has translated into strong communication during games and the ability to perform under pressure,” said Chambers.
When it comes to Bailey, it is just a two-year window for both students and their athletic success, before graduating to the high school academic and sporting level. Coach Chambers knows his time with the players is 50% shorter compared to coaching at a high school level, so he makes sure to instill a lasting, positive impact.
“Because I only have two years with them, I prioritize building a strong team culture quickly. Leadership is encouraged, especially from returning 8th graders, who help model the program’s expectations for younger players.” Chambers also said that he wants the players to create an environment where players understand that their individual effort contributes to the team’s overall success.
When it comes to player development and skill, Coach Chambers told the Voice that he has the team focus heavily on repetition and structure. “Practices are organized, fundamentals are reinforced daily, and routines are consistent, so players know what is expected of them.”
The winning streak that has led the Bailey Eagles boys’ team to a near-undefeated last three years is something that Coach Chambers is proud of but also explained how it is bigger than just winning on the court. “This streak reflects pride, unity, and consistency. It shows that our students are committed, our program is strong, and we are building something that goes beyond basketball. It’s about creating an environment where students feel supported, motivated, and inspired to succeed – not just in sports, but in life.”
With the high school being a contender and now a state champion again for the first time in over three decades, Coach Chambers says his program is about preparation “
I truly believe that our coaching at Bailey School plays an important role in preparing players for that next step. At the junior high level, my focus is on building a strong foundation – teaching fundamentals, basketball IQ, discipline, and how to compete the right way,” he said.
Chambers also mentioned how some of his former players also went on to Notre Dame-West Haven High School as well, and overall, how several of his former players are at both the JV and Varsity levels in their respective high schools.
“Overall, my goal as a coach is to prepare players not just to make a team, but to compete and succeed at the next level,” he said. “Seeing them grow into high school contributors – and even champions – is a direct reflection of the work they put in and the foundation I build at Bailey.”
Coach Chambers’ direct effect on the young athletes at Bailey over the years as helped West Haven athletics be more successful overall, and with that Chambers will be ready to take on the 2026-27 season when it comes around.