Westford Academy Unified Basketball faced a tough loss against Newton South High School at home on Wednesday, Oct. 22, with a final score of 52-36. This game brings the team’s season record to 0-4.
On the court, the game featured three players and two partners per team. Players handled shooting and steals, while partners focused on rebounding and dribbling. The teams substituted players every four minutes during the two 20-minute running halves, keeping the game fast-paced and dynamic.
Newton South started strong and scored within the first two minutes. However, Westford player James McGowan quickly responded by scoring a layup.
WA player Suhas Anantha led the game with 12 points scored and grabbed numerous rebounds.
Newton’s early dominance came mainly from layups, but WA began to find its rhythm toward the end of the first half, which ended 26-16 in Newton’s favor.
In the second half, WA made notable plays with layups from Sean Welch, Eric Godfroy, and Jamison Roth, but Newton South kept their pace with quick rebounds, allowing them to score more frequently. WA’s baskets kept them not too far behind, with the score being 32-22 midway through the second half.
Despite Westford’s defensive attempts, Newton scored multiple times towards the end of the second half and significantly increased their lead.
WA Head Coach Joe Van Gelder expressed pride in the team’s effort and progress, specifically highlighting improvements in passing.
“I am very proud of how hard everyone has been playing. We have seen some great improvements from the start of the season to now. Our passing is something that has improved significantly,” Gelder said.
The crowd’s energy was boosted throughout the game by the JV Boys’ Soccer team, who were cheering loudly along with the rest of Westford’s bench. At halftime, the gym filled with music as “Sweet Caroline” by Neil Diamond played. The players and soccer team members danced along.
“Being a part of this team has been an amazing experience,” freshman buddy Lexi Sullivan said. “I’m so glad I’ve been given this opportunity to make so many new connections.”
This game, ending with a 52-36 loss for WA, was the team’s last home game. Their final game took place at Waltham High School on Tuesday, Oct. 28, at 4:00 pm.
