By Ethan Walshe
Staff Writer

Westford Academy boy’s varsity basketball won Tuesday against Boston Latin with a final score of 77-61. This was the teams first game after they won the recent UMASS Lowell Tournament on December 30th against Acton Boxborough.

Before the game even began, Head Coach Ed Scollan was honored with a commemorative 300 win basketball by the teams co-captains senior Mark Cornelius and junior Matt Ellis. This win came during the quarterfinal against Lowell High School during the previously mentioned recent UMASS Lowell Tournament.

Sophomore Justin Mount scored Westford’s first point with a free throw. This was after the team was already down a few points. Westford spent about half of the quarter chasing BL until Mount stole the ball and scored to tie the game. Westford’s defense looked solid despite allowing many offensive rebounds that they most likely could have prevented. Nevertheless, Westford would go on the lead the quarter with a score of 19 to 7. The team would hold on to this lead for the rest of the game.

The second quarter was also productive for the Ghosts, holding the opposing team to only 11 points. Matt Ellis would lead Westford’s scorers with seven points to contribute to the teams score, including two free throws after a technical foul was called on BL’s coach. Westford would match their first quarters score, finishing the first half with a score of 38 to 18.

During half time the Westford Academy girl’s tennis team was honored with the hanging of their banner for their championship win back in June.

Boston Latin were on the chase for almost the entire game, having another comparatively unproductive quarter in the third by scoring again only 11 points. This could be attributed to Westford’s impressive performance on defense. Junior Ryan Jann would lead Ghosts scorers with six points, contributing to Westford yet again scoring 19 points in the quarter. The ending score of the period was 57-39 Westford.

During the fourth quarter, it became very obvious that Boston Latin were on the attack, hoping to take the lead to win the game. They came out very aggressively and tried very hard to steal passes and contest shots. However, towards the closing minutes when it became apparent that they could not win, they spent much of their time fouling, which allowed Westford to continue rack up the score. The final score was Westord, 77, Boston Latin, 61. Ellis would lead Westford’s scorers with 19 points.

Westford’s next game is Friday, January 7 at Arlington High School