By Tim DeLouchrey
Sports Editor
Westford Academy’s Boys’ Basketball team defeated DCL rival Lincoln-Sudbury on February 6th in the main gym at WA by a final score of 77-51. Senior captains Dan Cornelius and Eric McCord finished with 15 and 13 points respectively.
Cornelius scored on a break away layup to open up the game for the Ghosts. Play ensued with no real edge being gained until the five minute mark when junior Scotty Callahan scored on a three-point play, converting the free throw as well. From there, Cornelius scored again, this time hitting a three, to put WA up 10-5. LS battled back however, nearly tying the game at 12-11. WA kept pushing forward however, and thanks to effective teamwork from Cornelius and McCord, were able to stay ahead 16-14 to end the first quarter.
WA came out strong in the second half, opening up with an 11-0 run highlighted by back-to-back three pointers from senior Jimmy Ward and sophomore John Glidden. Cornelius sank a mid-range jump shot to capitalize WA’s second quarter run which was eventually ended by a tough three-point play by LS. McCord came right back with a layup however, forcing LS to take their first timeout. The score at the timeout was 29-17 with WA on top. After the timeout, LS showed some signs of hope with a buzzer beating layup, but had already surrendered 7 more points to WA. The half ended with WA still winning 36-21.
The second half opened up more evenly, but the Ghosts continued to look like the better team. Cornelius continued to dominate in transition, smoothly converting his fast-break chances. Cornelius’ play combined with a three-pointer from senior Chris Imbriaco put WA up 48-26 over the demoralized LS squad. McCord then put in a layup to bring WA to the 50 point mark, putting them ahead 24 points. Cornelius continued to consistently give LS trouble with his scoring, taking three consecutive trips to the free throw line. Though he would only convert on half of his attempts, he was able to put WA up 59-31. LS retaliated with another three-point play, but junior Pat Coffey knocked in a runner at the buzzer to put WA up 61-34 going into the fourth.
The fourth quarter was fairly uneventful, as LS had already essentially been defeated. Players who don’t typically see much time on the court were given the chance to get some extra playing time, with Ward and senior Tommy Jacobsen doing the most to capitalize on the opportunity, keeping WA ahead with some sharpshooting and good decision-making.
“The first time we played them we only won by one or two points,” said McCord, “so it was definitely a good win for us.”
Both McCord and head coach Christopher Bramanti cited defense as a major component to the victory.
“Once we started playing defense, we started getting some easy baskets and that helped out our offense and once we started executing there, it was easier for us as well,” said Bramanti.
