Westford Academy Boys’ Basketball kicked off their season beating Billerica 62-52 on Thursday, Dec. 19, starting their season record off strong 1-0.
The Ghosts came out strong right off the bat with aggressive offense from junior Liam Arnold and senior captains Nate Pitts and Vishal Rampur.
With 3:30 left in the first quarter, WA had an early lead of 11-7 as Billerica called the first timeout. Arnold made a clutch-and-one, finishing the three-point play by making his free throw, increasing WA’s lead before the first quarter ended. Despite the minimal offensive movement on both sides, WA closed the quarter with a 17-14 lead.
“We have […] seven seniors graduating, so it is important that we develop younger guys – especially if they can contribute now,”head coach Christopher Bramanti said. “I do feel like the team’s chemistry is headed in the right direction.”
The second quarter was uneventful, however sophomore Nipun Kodeboyena and senior Jesse Moran subbed into the game and both sank a handful foul shots. Nipun took control of WA scoring and Pitts continued to take a variety of shots. The half ended with WA up by eight points, the score being 32-24.
Entering the third quarter, the Ghosts brought energy out onto the court. Senior Chris Butts was subbed into the game, working hard on defense. WA worked well together on the court and senior Alex Wilson hit a shot, forcing Billerica to call a timeout with 4:45 remaining in the third.
Billerica attempted to crawl back from their eleven point differential, but consistent rebounding and a monstrous block by Rampur concluded the third quarter, the score being 49-38.
“I think the team should focus more on just continuing to work hard and try to elevate every practice,” Pitts said. “As we continue to play with each other more, we will trust in one another and build more team chemistry.”
The fourth and final quarter was spent mostly at the free throw line for the Ghosts. Billerica could not control their fouling, sending seniors Andrew O’Brien, Jesse Moran, Pitts, and junior Jack Bussey to the free throw line repeatedly.
With three seconds remaining in the game Billerica called their final timeout. Soon, the buzzer sounded, with WA winning 62-52.
“There are always things we can improve on, but I feel that this game helped create our identity in being a team that is going to work hard and go the extra mile to win,” Pitts said. “Whenever a team plays us we want them to think ‘this team is going to give a dog fight, this game won’t be easy.'”
WA Boys’ Basketball will now direct their focus to their home opener game on Monday, Dec. 23 against Shrewsbury at 7 p.m.
