Westford Academy Girls’ Basketball outlasted the Concord-Carlisle Patriots (CC) in an intense stalemate on Monday, Jan. 10, ultimately bagging a 33-30 win.

Although WA passed and rebounded well in the first quarter, they were unable to make many baskets due to the strong CC defense. Likewise, CC seldom scored as WA’s defensive pressure decreased CC’s shooting accuracy. After a string of baskets and free throws from WA seniors Carly Davey and Kiani Barnard-Pratt and WA junior Alanna Saunders, the quarter ended with a slim WA lead of 10-9.

The second quarter paralleled the first. WA senior Abby Chambers rebounded the ball well, giving the Ghosts more possessions throughout the quarter. However, as CC was able to make several layups with simultaneously little offensive assertion from WA, CC took a 17-15 lead at the end of the first half.

“We started off slower than we would have liked in the first half. Something we have to improve on is getting out of our own heads. We tend to play scared in the first half,” Saunders said.

The second half brought upon new energy from WA. Their passing and rebound games remained strong, and Davey and Barnard-Pratt were especially aggressive in recovering the ball and making sure WA maintained possession for the majority of the third quarter. Chambers additionally made several three-pointers. However, CC’s defense persisted, and the Patriots made up for any point deficit with layups. The third quarter ended 26-26, leaving one more eight-minute quarter for both teams to break the tie. 

In the fourth quarter, WA continued their offensive aggression, attempting more baskets and consistently making more two-pointers. However, CC opposed a WA basket with a basket of their own, keeping the score incredibly close. Ultimately, a foul from CC sealed the win for WA. Davey made both free throws, increasing the WA lead with mere seconds left on the clock.

After a slow first quarter, Coach Russ Coward is proud of how the team finished the game.

“Concord played very well defensively. […] In the second half, we were a lot more physical. We went after the ball a lot harder, we attacked the basket, and even if we were not hitting shots, we were constantly putting pressure on [Concord-Carlisle],” Coward said. 

He hopes that the team will bring the same energy on Tuesday, January 11 at their away game against Cambridge Rindge and Latin at 7 p.m.

“I hope that the confidence from playing well in the second half will carry over tomorrow. Cambridge is always a tough place to play at, so hopefully, we’ll come out ready to play,” Coward said.