Memorable Grey Ghost Season Ends in North Final

The Westford Academy girls basketball season came to end one game short of an appearance on the TD Garden parquet. But for the Lady Grey Ghosts, it was still a year to remember.

Head coach Russ Coward’s charges grabbed a late lead against Central Catholic, but went cold the rest of the way and scored just two points in the final 4:55 of play. As a result, Westford was eliminated with a 60-51 loss on Saturday in the North Division 1 final.

“We were hoping that in the big gym (of Lowell’s Tsongas Center) they wouldn’t shoot as well,” said Coward. “But they played great, and a team like that we just tried to play them tough. I don’t think people realize how quick they are. They’re all very quick, and they attack the hoop really well.”

Despite the setback, it was a successful campaign for the Grey Ghosts, the No. 3 team in the Division 1 bracket.

While the team does graduate seven players from this year’s team, Westford also returns a strong core of players that will include Samantha Hyslip and Hannah Hackley among others.

“I’m very proud of them,” said Coward. “They kept fighting and fighting. Central is just battle tough. Obviously we wanted to go further. But we’re very proud of the girls and very proud of our season.”