WASHINGTON, Conn. — While the year has changed, one thing remains the same: the decades-long rivalry between Nonnewaug and Shepaug. While this rivalry for the 2023-24 year started in the fall, it hasn’t lost its excitement quite yet. The winter months are when the rivalry really comes alive.

Packed gyms, loud student sections, spirited friends and family watching the doubleheaders, and the “Pride in the Tribe” encase the local gyms twice this winter — the first of which comes up quick on Friday, Jan. 5. 

The Shepaug Spartans will host the Nonnewaug Chiefs for a doubleheader basketball matchup. After junior varsity action, the varsity girls game will be at 6 p.m., followed by the varsity boys at 7:30.

Last year, the Chiefs showed up in full force at the opposing school’s gymnasium.

“One year, we had more fans than Shepaug did,” said Nonnewaug athletic director Declan Curtin. “We are a larger school and have a larger fan base, and hopefully this tradition can continue.” 

To create more excitement, last winter a fan bus carried Nonnewaug fans to the Shepaug gym after hosting in the library the opportunity to make signs and posters, face paint, and other spirit activities in the hopes to pack the gym — and packed it was. 

Nonnewaug’s side of the gym was a sea of blue as the theme was a blue-out, and the Spartans’ side was a mass of black as they started chants to add to the atmosphere. 

The girls picked up a win by a big margin on both rivalry nights last season. The boys weren’t as lucky in their two matchups, but regardless of the outcomes, players love the atmosphere of the night. 

“It’s very exciting with all the fans and the support they give,” said junior center Matt Shupenis. “We’re looking to bounce back after the loss we had last year. We’re ready.”

“It’s always a special night when both the girls and boys play in the same venue,” Curtin said. “Usually when the girls are home, the boys are away, or vice versa. But since both schools have a great basketball culture, everyone stays to watch both games. It really is a great atmosphere.” 

This upcoming rivalry night should be exciting. Both games feature teams that are tight in the early-season Berkshire League race, as the Nonnewaug girls are 2-3 and the Shepaug girls are 1-3 in the league, while the Nonnewaug boys are 2-2 and the Shepaug boys are 2-1 in the league.

“I think the girls have the opportunity to win,” Curtin said. “As for the boys, they have a bit of a tougher time, because Shepaug had a nice run in the [2023 Division V] state tournament, but I know they are all super excited for the opportunity to face off against them again.”

The teams will do it all over again later this season when Nonnewaug hosts its red-out night against Shepaug on Feb. 2.

Tickets to the Jan. 5 basketball doubleheader at Shepaug are digital-only and there will be no cash accepted for admission. Tickets can be purchased via GoFan by clicking here.