By Anastasha Echavarri
News Editor
The Westford Academy Girls’ Varsity Basketball team won their first round Division 1 North sectional game against Revere with a score of 70-35 on February 27th.
They have already won the DCL Large which clinches their second straight title with a current record of 8-0. At press time they have an overall record of 19-4, and from the look of things the Grey Ghosts are ending the season on a strong note.
“We’ve had a really strong season so far and have really improved throughout the season,” said senior Shreya Makkapati.
There have been several members of the team who have stood out this season. Head coach Russell Coward praises juniors Samantha Hyslip and Hannah Hackley for being the biggest scorers for their team.
Coward also says that senior Meghan Kibblehouse has played outstanding defense and that senior Christina Nowak has been great at the power forward.
But overall, the whole team has been working extremely hard. In preparation for the tournament, Coward arranged drills that focused on strengthening offensive and defensive skills.
The team has also taken on 2 more games than usual. Instead of playing only 20 games, the Grey Ghosts played 22 games.
“This hurt our overall record, but I believe we are a much stronger tournament team as a result,” said Coward.
But all the extra training and the extra games have only better prepared the team to try to win the North Division, which according to Makkapati, is one of the most competitive divisions in Massachusetts.
Sadly, seven senior players will be graduating this year. “For the seniors themselves it’s going to be emotion as many of us have been playing together since fifth grade,” said Makkapati, “On top of that, our team this year is so close and our strong team relationship has really shown on the court.”
But with six juniors and one freshman returning next year, their experience playing varsity will help the team next year.
“Next year is definitely going to be different but I believe that when we, seniors, come back next year to visit, our team will be having the same success as we are now,” said Makkapati.
