Westford Academy bounces Newton North from tourney

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

Feb. 28, 2026 at 2:07am

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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.