Westford Academy bounces Newton North from tourney

Girls basketball team advances in Div. 1 state tournament with 64-50 win

Published on Feb. 28, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

The 13th-seeded Westford Academy girls basketball team defeated fellow Dual County League member Newton North 64-50 in the Div. 1 state tournament round of 32. Kaitlyn Pepin and Phoenix Philbrick each scored 16 points to lead the Ghosts, while Maddie Smith added 13 points with two 3-pointers in the fourth quarter.

Why it matters

Westford Academy's victory over Newton North highlights the competitive nature of the Div. 1 state tournament, as two league rivals faced off with a spot in the next round on the line. The Ghosts' ability to advance despite being a lower seed showcases their resilience and talent.

The details

Guided by Kaitlyn Pepin and Phoenix Philbrick, the 13th-seeded Westford Academy girls basketball team defeated fellow Dual County League member Newton North 64-50 in the Div. 1 state tournament round of 32. Pepin and Philbrick each scored 16 points to lift the Ghosts, while Maddie Smith pocketed 13 points, including two 3-pointers in the fourth quarter, to help sink the No. 20 Newton North squad.

  • The game was played on Friday night.

The players

Kaitlyn Pepin

A player for the Westford Academy girls basketball team who scored 16 points in the win over Newton North.

Phoenix Philbrick

A player for the Westford Academy girls basketball team who scored 16 points in the win over Newton North.

Maddie Smith

A player for the Westford Academy girls basketball team who scored 13 points, including two 3-pointers in the fourth quarter, to help defeat Newton North.

Newton North

The No. 20 seed in the Div. 1 state tournament, who lost to Westford Academy 64-50 in the round of 32.

Westford Academy

The No. 13 seed in the Div. 1 state tournament, who defeated Newton North 64-50 in the round of 32 to advance.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

The takeaway

Westford Academy's victory over fellow Dual County League member Newton North showcases the competitive nature of the Div. 1 state tournament, as the lower-seeded Ghosts were able to advance despite facing a tough opponent. The team's balanced scoring effort and resilience in the face of a league rival highlight their potential to make a deep run in the tournament.