Massachusetts
11 Most Scenic Small Towns in Massachusetts
Massachusetts, officially known as the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, is the most populous state in the New England region of the northeastern United States. It is bordered by the Atlantic Ocean to the east. The state capital and largest city is Boston, which is one of the oldest cities in the United States. It was the site of the first colony in New England, established by the Pilgrims in Plymouth in 1620, and later played a central role in the American Revolution. The state is also home to Harvard University, the oldest institution of higher education in the United States, founded in 1636.
Additionally, Massachusetts is dotted with scenic small towns that offer beautiful landscapes and a glimpse into America’s colonial past. These 11 are the most worthwhile to visit.
Nantucket
Nantucket, Massachusetts, is a captivating island town about 30 miles south of Cape Cod. It encompasses a variety of landscapes, including beaches, heathlands, and marshes. Originally inhabited by the Wampanoag people, Nantucket rose to prominence in the 17th and 18th centuries as a whaling hub. The legacy of this era is deeply embedded in the island’s architecture, with many of its buildings and lighthouses dating back to the whaling boom.
For those visiting Nantucket, take a trip to Brant Point Light; it has been a guiding light for sailors since its establishment in 1746. Siasconset Beach, known locally as “Sconset Beach,” has soft sands and views of the Atlantic, perfect for a relaxing day by the sea or a stroll along its blush-lined paths. Meanwhile, the Whaling Museum is an immersive exploration of Nantucket’s whaling era. It has preserved artifacts, detailed exhibits, and a fully assembled sperm whale skeleton.
Chatham
Chatham, Massachusetts, is a seaside town at the southeastern tip of Cape Cod. Known for its beaches, harbors, and historic lighthouses, Chatham’s landscape includes barrier beaches, salt marshes, and woodlands. Historically, Chatham has been a maritime center since its settlement by the English in 1664. This town’s location also made it a focal point during historical moments, including being a lookout post during World War II to guard against enemy submarines.
The Monomoy National Wildlife Refuge is a must-see in Chatham for wildlife observation, photography, and hiking. This area is a habitat for numerous bird species—a haven for birdwatchers, especially during migration seasons. The Chatham Fish Pier is another highlight. Visitors can watch local fishermen unload their catch of the day and might even sight seals frolicking nearby. Lastly, no visit to Chatham would be complete without stopping by the Chatham Lighthouse and Beach. The lighthouse, an active navigation aid, offers views of the Atlantic Ocean, while the adjacent beach is great for a peaceful walk or simply soaking in the surroundings.
Oak Bluffs
Oak Bluffs, located on the northeastern shore of Martha’s Vineyard in Massachusetts, was originally established as a Methodist camp meeting site in the 19th century. It is now a summer resort characterized by its Victorian “gingerbread” cottages, beaches, and harbors. The town’s history is deeply intertwined with the African American heritage of the island. It has been a significant center for African American intellectuals and artists, especially during the Harlem Renaissance.
In Oak Bluffs, the Martha’s Vineyard Camp Meeting Association educates visitors on the town’s origins with its colorful cottages and the historic Tabernacle at its heart. It hosts community events and religious services. A ride on the Flying Horses Carousel, the oldest platform carousel in the United States, is an experience for all ages. It captures the nostalgia of Oak Bluffs’ past. Meanwhile, Ocean Park has green lawns and views of the ocean for picnics, kite flying, or enjoying an afternoon amidst the gentle sea breezes.
Newburyport
Newburyport, Massachusetts, is nestled at the mouth of the Merrimack River near the Atlantic Ocean. Established in 1764, this coastal town flourished as a shipbuilding center and major seaport for international trade, particularly in the Federal period. This left an architectural legacy of preserved Federalist homes and buildings. The city’s waterfront played a role in the early American economy and has transformed into a spot for community and cultural events.
Visitors to Newburyport should visit Plum Island, a barrier island just off the coast. It has sandy beaches, dunes, and the Parker River National Wildlife Refuge and is a favorite among birdwatchers, beachgoers, and nature enthusiasts. Additionally, Maudslay State Park has a network of trails through manicured gardens, forests, and along the Merrimack River, ideal for hiking, birding, and seasonal floral displays. Finally, the Custom House Maritime Museum, housed in an 1835 Federal-style building, delves into Newburyport’s maritime history, with exhibits on shipbuilding, sea trade, and the US Coast Guard.
Woods Hole
Woods Hole, Massachusetts, is a village located at the southwestern tip of Cape Cod in the town of Falmouth. Its deep natural harbor has made it an important center for oceanic research and ferry transportation to the islands. Woods Hole has been home to a community of fishermen, whalers, and oceanographers since the 19th century. The establishment of several prominent scientific institutions, including the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution in the early 20th century, solidified its reputation as a place for marine research and education. The Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution educates visitors on ocean science with its exhibits on deep-sea exploration, marine ecosystems, and the institution’s research vessels and submersibles.
Nearby, Nobska Light stands as a lighthouse with panoramic views of Vineyard Sound and the Elizabeth Islands. It offers a glimpse into the navigational importance of the area. For a nature walk with coastal vistas, The Knob, a small, rocky promontory extending into Buzzards Bay, has trails leading to secluded beaches and overlooks.
Rockport
Rockport is a coastal town on the Cape Ann peninsula. Geographically, Rockport is blessed with rocky beaches, clear waters, and vistas of the Atlantic Ocean—it is a magnet for photographers. The town has roots in fishing, shipbuilding, and granite quarrying. Over time, Rockport’s scenery attracted a vibrant community of artists, transforming it into a flourishing center for the arts by the early 20th century.
In Rockport, Halibut Point State Park is a must-visit. The park’s trails meander through a landscape of quarried granite to ocean overlooks, an up-close look at the region’s geological history. The Rockport Art Association & Museum, established to foster and celebrate the local artistic community, showcases works by regional artists across a range of mediums. The museum reflects the area’s artistic legacy and ongoing inspiration to creatives. And, no visit to Rockport would be complete without seeing Motif Number 1. Situated in the heart of Rockport’s historic Bearskin Neck, this red fishing shack is one of the most painted buildings in America.
Hyannis
Hyannis, the largest of seven villages in the town of Barnstable, Massachusetts, is the commercial and transportation center of Cape Cod. Geographically, it’s located on the southern shore of Cape Cod, with direct access to both Nantucket and Martha’s Vineyard via ferry. Hyannis has a waterfront district and is a summer retreat for the Kennedy family. The maritime history is reflected in its architecture, from historic sea captains’ homes to the bustling Main Street.
For visitors to Hyannis, the John F. Kennedy Hyannis Museum gives an intimate perspective on the Kennedy family’s life and times in Hyannis. The museum’s photographs, artifacts, and narratives reveal the connection between the Kennedys and this coastal community. The Cape Cod Melody Tent, one of the oldest continuously operated tent theatres in the United States, is an entertainment experience. A variety of performances, from musical acts to comedy shows, are hosted here within its in-the-round setting. Lastly, Kalmus Beach has excellent wind-surfing conditions due to the steady winds coming off Nantucket Sound. It is a favorite spot for both relaxation and aquatic activities.
Salem
Salem, Massachusetts, is a town famously known for the Salem witch trials of 1692. Founded in 1626, this historic town quickly became a center for Puritan activity, maritime trade, and later, the American privateering fleet during the Revolutionary War. The infamous witch trials have cast a long shadow over the town’s legacy, but Salem’s history is also intertwined with the Age of Sail when it was a wealthy national center for shipbuilding and overseas trade.
Visitors to Salem cannot miss the Salem Witch Museum. It dives into the history of the 1692 witch trials, utilizing life-size figures, lighting, and narration to bring the stories of accused witches and their accusers to life. The House of the Seven Gables, made famous by Nathaniel Hawthorne’s novel, not only explores the literary significance of Hawthorne’s work but also allows visitors to experience 17th-century architecture and learn about the house’s role in Salem’s maritime activities. Lastly, the Salem Maritime National Historic Site, the first National Historic Site established in the United States, encompasses a waterfront area that includes historic buildings, wharves, and the reconstructed tall ship Friendship of Salem.
Sandwich
Sandwich, established in 1637, is the oldest town on Cape Cod. Geographically, Sandwich is along the Cape Cod Bay at the eastern end of the Cape Cod Canal and has a mix of coastal landscapes, marshes, and wooded areas. This town was part of the early Plymouth Colony and played a role in the American glass industry during the 19th century. The town’s architecture, including numerous well-preserved colonial homes, churches, and the Dexter Grist Mill, reflects its long and varied history.
For visitors eager to explore Sandwich’s nature, Heritage Museums & Gardens houses gardens, a restored antique carousel, and a collection of American folk art. It embodies the spirit of American innovation and design. The Sandwich Glass Museum illuminates the town’s contribution to the American glass industry with live glassblowing demonstrations and antique glass collections. Another top attraction is the Green Briar Nature Center and Jam Kitchen. It invites guests to explore walking trails, enjoy educational programs about local flora and fauna, and experience the tradition of jam-making.
Edgartown
Edgartown is on the eastern shore of Martha’s Vineyard, known for its Greek Revival homes and beaches. As the island’s first colonial settlement, founded in 1642, Edgartown grew to prominence in the 18th and 19th centuries as a whaling hotspot, with its prosperity reflected in the grand homes and buildings that line its streets. The town’s harbor, once teeming with whaling ships, now welcomes yachts and fishing boats.
The Martha’s Vineyard Museum, recently relocated and expanded, provides insights into the island’s maritime heritage and Indigenous cultures. A short ferry ride to Chappaquiddick Island is an escape to a quieter part of Martha’s Vineyard, with unspoiled natural landscapes, the historic Cape Poge Lighthouse, and stretches of beaches. Meanwhile, the Felix Neck Wildlife Sanctuary has miles of trails through meadows, woodlands, and salt marshes, along with opportunities for bird watching, guided kayak tours, and educational programs about the local ecosystem.
Manchester-by-the-Sea
Manchester-by-the-Sea is a New England coastal town located on Cape Ann, north of Boston. The town dates back to its settlement in 1629. Initially known simply as Manchester, the “by-the-Sea” suffix was officially adopted in the 19th century to distinguish it from other Manchesters. The town’s geography includes beaches, rocky shorelines, and forests. Manchester-by-the-Sea used to be a place for shipbuilding and fishing. It has transformed into a summer retreat for Boston’s elite, with grand estates and mansions dotting its landscape.
Singing Beach is one of the town’s most beloved natural attractions, famous for the unique “singing” sound the sand makes when walked upon. Its views and clear waters make it the spot for a day of relaxation and swimming. Nature enthusiasts will find Agassiz Rock a fascinating destination, where glacial action has created granite formations and a forest setting for hiking. The Manchester Historical Museum, housed in the 18th-century Trask House, houses artifacts, photographs, and exhibits that tell the story of the town’s maritime heritage.
The scenic small towns in Massachusetts blend the old with the new, gifting visitors who travel to them natural and architectural beauty. Towns like Nantucket and Sandwich serve as prime examples, where the essence of New England’s colonial past and natural splendor is palpable in every street, beach, and historical edifice. These locales, among others, underscore Massachusetts’ multifaceted identity. It is the charm and tranquility of the state’s small towns that enrich its narrative.
Massachusetts
Eight high school takeaways from the midst of the state tournaments, plus a new Attleboro football coach – The Boston Globe
Throw in Newton North winning its first state gymnastics title in 54 years, two Natick runners (and one from Oliver Ames) capturing New England titles, a last-minute goal from St. John’s (Shrewsbury) boys’ hockey to eliminate BC High, and plenty of overtime thrillers, and you get an all-time action-packed day.
Find all the scores here, and take a moment to browse all of our coverage:
Not seeing your team’s highlights in Takeaways? Here are all the ways to submit scores and stats to Globe Schools via phone, email, and social media.
▪ With a deep 3-pointer in the first quarter of Greater New Bedford’s 68-43 win over Springfield International, junior Jai-Ana Silva became the program’s leading scorer, surpassing Stephanie Antoine’s 1,493 points, set in 2012. Silva finished with 31 points and now sits at 1,513. Earlier this season, she became the fourth female 1,000-point scorer in school history.
▪ With 30 points in a 90-68 win over Quincy, Beverly senior Jacob Klass surpassed Peter Wynne’s scoring mark of 1,351, set in 1981. Klass, who reached 1,000 earlier this season, has 1,371.
▪ Concord-Carlisle senior goalie Sam Griswold made 44 saves, including the 1,000th of his career, in a 2-1 win over Woburn.
▪ Hoosac Valley senior Qwanell Bradley joined the 1,000-point club on a 3-pointer during a 78-59 Division 5 first-round win over Pacific Rim Charter.
▪ A pair of Bulldogs reached 100 points in Canton’s 9-0 smackdown of Somerset Berkley. Senior defenseman Teddy Shuman got there with a goal and three assists, and senior center Joey Ryan also reached the mark with three helpers.
▪ Taunton junior Jamie Vallarelli matched the school’s points record, joining Jeff Gallagher (’94) with 139, by notching a goal and adding an assist on the overtime tally that kept the Tigers’ season alive with a 3-2 win over Middleborough.
The single-digit seeds are starting to fall.
Saturday saw the first three top-five seeded teams sent home, with No. 3 St. John’s Prep boys’ hockey getting taken down by No. 14 Arlington Catholic in Division 1 action — the highest seed sent home through the first five days of the tournament.
The highest-ranked team to be bounced from the Division 2 boys’ hockey bracket became No. 5 Woburn. It fell, 2-1, to No. 12 Concord-Carlisle, which got an incredible 44-save performance from senior Sam Griswold and goals from Ben Brooks and Joe Grasso.
Division 3 also saw a top-five falter, as No. 5 Pembroke was clipped by No. 13 Norwood, 3-1, in the second round. John Lynch, Anthony Parise, and Mark Trahon provided the goals.
Not to be left out, Division 4 boys’ hockey also saw a significant upset, with No. 23 Bourne riding Jackson Palmborg’s 26 saves to a 3-2 first-round win over No. 10 Hudson.
On the hardcourt, No. 24 Pembroke boys’ basketball didn’t mind a morning ferry ride to Martha’s Vineyard, taking down the ninth-seeded hosts, 65-50, behind Will Farrell’s 24 points.
▪ Seventh-grader Effie Parsons found the net with 31 seconds left in overtime as No. 2 St. Mary’s girls’ hockey escaped a strong upset attempt from No. 18 Winchester, which led, 2-1, before Alyssa Norden tied it up in the third period.
▪ Reading sophomore Payton Curran not only delivered the equalizer in the final minute of regulation, but provided the overtime winner to lift the Rockets to a 3-2 girls’ hockey win over Waltham.
▪ Nantucket’s Gaven Smith forced overtime against Swampscott with a 3-pointer with nine seconds left in regulation, but the fourth-seeded Big Blue rode 26 points from Connor Chiarello and 25 from Teddy O’Neill to a 67-61 win over the No. 29 Whalers.
▪ No. 25 Bishop Fenwick girls’ hockey nearly upset No. 8 Bishop Stang, which would have eliminated both of last year’s Division 1 finalists, but the Spartans survived, 1-0, on junior Alexis Pettinato’s overtime winner.
▪ Braden LaChance netted the overtime winner for Taunton, which survived Middleborough, 3-2, in the third matchup between the two programs in 12 days. The Tigers won, 4-1, on Feb. 16 at Aleixo Arena before Middleborough prevailed, 4-0, on Feb. 18 at Bridgewater Ice Arena.
▪ Nico Santella scored on a stick-side snipe with 42.2 seconds left to propel St. John’s (Shrewsbury) past BC High, 2-1, in a Division 1 second-round matchup of Catholic Conference rivals.
Cal Atherton, Newburyport — The senior erupted for 31 points, guiding the Clippers to a first-round win over the defending Division 2 champions, Somerset Berkley.
Allen Brown Jr., Holbrook — The senior poured in 32 points, the highest total reported to the Globe on Saturday, to lead the Bulldogs past Boston Prep, 66-45 and into the second round.
Amelia Crowe, Pentucket — Amelia Crowe caught fire from deep, draining eight 3-pointers en route to 27 points and a 40-33 first-round win over Seekonk.
Addy Harrington, Duxbury — The senior produced one of the night’s three hat tricks, scoring thrice in a 4-2 second-round win over Melrose.
Levi McNally, Barnstable — Just a sophomore, he netted a hat trick for the Red Hawks in a 5-2 first-round win over Minnechaug.
Cam Melone, Hanover — The senior went for 5 points, scoring twice and assisting thrice in a 6-1 second-round win over Lynnfield.
Georgia Murray, Bishop Feehan — The junior scored a natural hat trick in the first period and finished with four goals in a 6-2 second-round win over Acton-Boxborough.
Celia Neilson, Bishop Fenwick — The senior captain contributed across the board, providing 23 points, 6 rebounds, 6 assists, and 8 steals for the top-seeded Crusaders in a 58-27 waxing of Wilmington.
Jackie Pohl and Jenna Oman, East Bridgewater — Pohl, a sophomore, and Oman, a junior, were everywhere in a 63-39 first-round win over Bellingham. Pohl finished with 20 points, 7 rebounds, and 8 assists, and Oman had 15 points, 10 rebounds, 4 assists, and 3 steals.
Attleboro High has a new football coach. Lamont Penn, a Bridgewater-Raynham assistant under Eian Bain, will take over the Bombardiers. They went 3-8 last year under Jim Winters, who helmed the program for four seasons, going 14-30.
Penn served as Norwood’s offensive coordinator from 2018-21. He was introduced to the team Friday.
Providence junior Jon Mignacca, a Bishop Feehan graduate from Seekonk, won the Big East high jump championship, clearing 6 feet, 8.25 inches (2.04 meters) to beat out UConn’s Enaji Muhammad (6-7).
▪ UMass Dartmouth sophomore Ancil Alexander, a Taunton graduate, was named Little East Conference Field Athlete of the Year for men’s indoor track after taking second at the LEC Championships in the shot put (51 feet, 3.75 inches). He won the event three times during the season.
▪ UMass Dartmouth freshman Michael Veegh, a Bishop Stang graduate from Tiverton (R.I.), was named Little East Conference men’s indoor track Rookie of the Year. He won the 400 at the LEC Championships (50.54 seconds) and was part of the second-place 4×400 relay (3:28.67). He was also named All-LEC first team.
▪ Keene State junior Tyler Bolaske, a Palmer graduate, was tabbed as the Little East Conference’s male Track Athlete of the Year after leading the Owls to their first indoor championship since 2008. Bolaske won the mile at the LEC Championships in 4:11 and was runner-up in the 800 (1:59.25).
Georgia Murray, Bishop Feehan, 4
Addy Harrington, Duxbury, 3
Levi McNally, Barnstable, 3
Riley Bergeron, Acton-Boxborough, 2
Brayden Boczenowski, Arlington Catholic, 2
Cate Buckler, Barnstable, 2
Abigail Burke, Notre Dame (H), 2
Payton Curran, Reading, 2
Hannah D’Angelo, Pembroke, 2
Luke Dickson, Medfield, 2
Colman Donohue, Hingham, 2
Will Doucette, Canton, 2
Ryan Elrick, Canton, 2
Jack McCourt, Catholic Memorial, 2
Cam McKenna, Hingham, 2
Cam Melone, Hanover, 2
Joe Pumphret, Winthrop, 2
Nolan Russell, Arlington, 2
Sabrina Stone, Milton, 2
Ella Sullivan, Pembroke, 2
Connor Hines, Hanover, 3
Cam Melone, Hanover, 3
Joe Ryan, Canton, 3
Teddy Shuman, Canton, 3
Abigail Burke, Notre Dame (H), 2
Kellen Labanara, Canton, 2
Hunter McClain, Bourne, 2
Sam Griswold, Concord-Carlisle, 44
Stephen Camara, Arlington Catholic, 33
Jackson Palmborg, Bourne, 26
Jaxson Fleming, Catholic Memorial, 24
Jim Lyman, Winthrop, 22
Colin McCarthy, St. John’s Shrewsbury, 21
Lydia Barnes, Methuen/Tewksbury, 18
Dom Conte, BC High, 18
John Snider, Arlington, 15
Vivienne Melo, Bishop Stang, 14
8. Basketball leaderboard
Allen Brown, Holbrook, 32
Cal Atherton, Newburyport, 31
Jacob Klass, Beverly, 30
Elian Rodriguez, Salem, 30
Mike Berry, Cape Cod Academy, 28
Elian Rodriguez, Salem, 28
Tyler Staiti, Abington, 28
Amelia Crowe, Pentucket, 27
Jag Garces, West Bridgewater, 27
Connor Chiarello, Swampscott, 26
Sysy Emmanuel, St. Mary’s, 26
Dom Taylor, Somerset Berkley, 26
Michael Cimetti, Hull, 25
Grant Neal, Lynnfield, 25
Teddy O’Neill, Swampscott, 25
Will Farrell, Pembroke, 24
Logan Volkringer, Plymouth South, 24
Celia Neilson, Bishop Fenwick, 23
Julian Allison-Cardoso, Dedham, 22
Mateo Jackson, Bridgewater-Raynham, 22
Tori White, Canton, 22
Tori Adams, Walpole, 21
Liam Conneely, Hull, 20
Jackie Pohl, East Bridgewater, 20
Kingston Maxwell, Abington, 15
Krem Amparo, Latin Academy, 14
Mateo Jackson, Bridgewater-Raynham, 14
Bella Bingham, Walpole, 13
Sadie Hartley-Matteson, Old Rochester, 13
Devyn Walsh, Pentucket, 13
A’laya Colbert, North Quincy, 12
Zade Garron Ciberay, Plymouth South, 12
Mike Ekweanya, New Mission, 11
Chase Groothuis, Swampscott, 11
Teddy O’Neill, Swampscott, 11
Brooke Connor, Canton, 10
Jenna Oman, East Bridgewater, 10
Hannah Thorell, Old Rochester, 10
Jackie Pohl, East Bridgewater, 8
Kingston Maxwell, Abington, 7
Jacob Klass, Beverly, 6
Celia Neilson, Bishop Fenwick, 6
Luke Tirrell, Bridgewater-Raynham, 6
Sydney Bosma, Old Rochester, 5
Cason Faulk, Bridgewater-Raynham, 5
Manny Valentino, New Mission, 5
Grace Goudreau, Seekonk, 4
Sadie Hartley-Matteson, Old Rochester, 4
Celia Neilson, Bishop Fenwick, 8
Emma Farrell, East Bridgewater, 6
Connor Chiarello, Swampscott, 5
Sienna Miranda, Seekonk, 4
Brooke Connor, Canton, 3
Zade Garron Ciberay, Plymouth South, 3
Brendan Kurie can be reached at brendan.kurie@globe.com. Follow him on X @BrendanKurie.
National Grid is reporting that roughly 20,000 customers are without power due to outages in the Winthrop and Revere areas.
The utility company’s live outages map shows that 10,753 customers are without power in the Revere area and 9,261 customers are without power in the Winthrop area as of 2:25 p.m. Saturday.
The Herald has reached out to National Grid for comment. The Herald has also reached out to Eversource for information regarding any outages in their service regions, where a Herald photographer has seen some outages. Eversource’s outage map did not display any major outages at 2:25 p.m.
This is a developing story.
Massachusetts
Eight takeaways from Friday’s high school playoffs action, including four 1,000-point scorers – The Boston Globe
Find the full scoreboard here, along with everything we wrote Friday night:
Not seeing your team’s highlights in Takeaways? Here are all the ways to submit scores and stats to Globe Schools via phone, email, and social media.
▪ Cathedral senior Keyona Raines scored 15 points, including the 1,000th of her career, as the No. 5 Panthers handled No. 28 Hudson, 60-43, in the first round of the Division 4 girls’ basketball tournament.
▪ Sutton junior captain Ava Carroll netted her 1,000th career point during a 29-point effort in a 49-31 Division 4 first-round win over Easthampton.
FINAL: Sutton 49, Easthampton 31
Junior captain Ava Carroll records a game-high 22 points (including her 1,000th career point) as Sutton secured a Division 4 MIAA tournament Round of 32 win.
Business is Boomin’ for the Suzies. pic.twitter.com/vjRnzu2eLA
— Tommy Cassell (@tommycassell44) February 28, 2026
▪ With a layup in the waning seconds of the first half, Anna Freeman became the 10th Medway player, and first since Riley Childs in 2018, to score 1,000 career points. She finished the 55-24 Division 3 first-round win over St. Paul with 17. Her father, Matt Freeman, scored 1,000 points at Bishop Feehan.
▪ Burlington boys’ basketball senior Matty Gray reached 1,000 career points during a 25-point performance in a 95-58 Division 2 first-round rout of Holliston. He reached the mark on a first-quarter layup.
Now for Matty Gray! Scores his 1000th point and no surprise on a steal! Just does it all. Such a special player and person. Humble, hard-working, kind, and tough. Lucky to coach him! A kid who certainly could have left, but chose to put his town across his chest and he’s…🧵 pic.twitter.com/UXFsEuZH6R
— BurlingtonBasketball (@Burlingtonhoop) February 28, 2026
▪ Falmouth boys’ hockey senior Kody Pokraka rode two assists to 100 career points during a 5-4 Division 2 first-round win over Plymouth South.
It was a chalky day, with only one significant upset: No. 22 Greater Lawrence girls’ basketball easily handling No. 11 Hamilton-Wenham, 65-45, in the Division 4 first round thanks to 13 3-pointers as a team and a combined 47 points from Serenity West (24) and Maliah Caban (23).
The only other lower seeds to win were No. 18 Marshfield boys’ basketball, which took out No. 15 Cambridge, 66-63, in overtime in the Division 1 first round, and No. 34 Arlington Catholic boys’ basketball, which survived No. 31 Duxbury, 64-60, in Division 2 preliminary-round action.
The finish of the night came in No. 17 South Hadley’s 61-60 win over No. 16 Madison Park. Trailing 60-59 and inbounding with 10.3 seconds left, the Tigers got an off-balance 3-pointer, but junior Noah Hambley crashed the boards and in one fell swoop secured the rebound and put it back up off the glass for the winning bucket as time expired in a boys’ basketball Division 4 first-round matchup.
The Oliver Ames boys got four free throws from Jacob Lok in the final 26 seconds to squeak past Canton, 45-42, in the first round of the Division 2 bracket. The Acton-Boxborough girls also needed overtime to complete a 53-49 Division 1 first-round triumph over Brookline.
The only overtime hockey game of the night saw the Diman boys net an equalizer in the final minute of regulation before Marlborough’s Ethan Guo supplied the heroics just 2:08 into the extra frame, propelling the No. 8 Panthers into the Division 3 second round with a 6-5 victory. Anthony Tramontozzi and Chace Lozano each scored twice for Marlborough
Caroline Arruda, Marshfield — The sophomore poured in 32 points to push the Rams to a 68-63 preliminary-round win over Westborough.
Gaby Bassett, Nauset/Monomoy — The senior capped her hat trick with the winning goal in a 4-3 Division 2 opening-round win over Burlington.
Brody Bumila and Jake Webster, Bishop Feehan — The seniors took control of an 85-67 Division 1 first-round victory, with Bumila providing 32 points and 14 rebounds and Webster going for 21 points, 7 rebounds, and 7 assists.
Avery Gamble, Oliver Ames — The senior’s 3-point shot wasn’t falling, but she didn’t let that get in the way of a 34-point performance, 2 off her career best, during a 59-50 Division 2 first-round win over Bedford.
Eileen Lowther, Hingham — The junior controlled the glass, pulling down 15 rebounds and blocking six shots to go with 12 points in a 54-43 Division 2 first-round win.
Mollie Mullen, Bishop Feehan — The senior from Dighton delivered 21 points, 9 steals, and 5 assists as the No. 2 Shamrocks rolled to a 71-30 Division 1 first-round victory over Peabody.
Maura Quirk, Acton-Boxborough — The sophomore was cleaning the glass to the tune of 17 rebounds while adding 13 points in a 53-49 overtime win in the first round of the Division 1 bracket.
Senior Sophia O’Donnell made history, becoming the first St. Mary’s athlete to sign to become a Division 1 rower. O’Donnell will row for Merrimack.
Milton Academy graduate Cormac Ryan signed a two-way NBA contract with the Bucks on Thursday, making him the fourth former member of the Middlesex Magic AAU program currently in the NBA, along with The Pistons’ Duncan Robinson, Hornets’ Pat Connaughton, and Knicks’ Tyler Kolek.
Ryan, who hails from New York, was a three-time All-NEPSAC selection at Milton Academy before playing at Stanford, Notre Dame, and North Carolina. He spent the last two seasons in the G League with the Oklahoma City Blue and Wisconsin Herd. He played with the Thunder’s Summer League team in 2024.
Quinnipiac junior Anna Foley, a 6-foot-3-inch Andover graduate, was celebrated for reaching 1,000 points during a ceremony Friday. She passed the mark on Feb. 12 in a 62-40 victory over Siena. A two-time All-MAAC second team selection, she’s averaging 9.5 points and 5.4 rebounds per game.
8. Basketball leaderboard
Avery Gamble, Oliver Ames, 34
Caroline Arruda, Marshfield, 32
Brody Bumila, Bishop Feehan, 32
Weston Bunnell, Stoneham, 29
Joe Baraky, Duxbury, 28
Zach Georges, Pioneer Charter I, 27
Kelsi Lanza, Silver Lake, 27
Josh Roux, Andover, 26
Ava Bailey, Newburyport, 25
Allie Danis, Newton North, 25
Angie Djoko, Danvers, 25
Noah Feldman, Marshfield, 25
Matty Gray, Burlington, 25
Jackson Hines, Arlington Catholic, 25
Connor Houle, Attleboro, 25
Katelyn Troilo, Mansfield, 25
Alex Ste. Marie, Manchester Essex, 24
Serenity West, Greater Lawrence, 24
Noah Bayersdorfer, Winthrop, 23
Maliah Caban, Greater Lawrence, 23
Josh Jenkins, Barnstable, 23
Reagan Maniscalco, Tewksbury, 23
Colin Trimble, Foxborough, 23
Eva Andrews, Needham, 22
Alaysia Drummonds, Foxborough, 22
Trevor Manning, Ipswich, 22
Gia Porazzo, Foxborough, 22
Sarah Powers, Wayland, 22
Ryan Tullish, Middleborough, 22
Chase Gara, Sutton, 21
Mollie Mullen, Bishop Feehan, 21
LaDainian Rodrigues, Attleboro, 21
Rex Satter, Ipswich, 21
Jake Webster, Bishop Feehan, 21
Aboubakar Nimaka, Malden Catholic, 20
Dylan Raffle, Milton, 20
Maeve Horsman, Oliver Ames, 18
Eva Andrews, Needham, 17
Maura Quirk, Acton-Boxborough, 17
Tony Dean, Stoneham, 15
Eileen Lowther, Hingham, 15
Brody Bumila, Bishop Feehan, 14
Angie Djoko, Danvers, 12
Camden Strandberg, Bridgewater-Raynham, 11
Avery Teixeira, Bishop Feehan, 11
Sophie Gallivan, North Reading, 10
Shannon LaMorticelli, Bishop Feehan, 10
Aboubakar Nimaka, Malden Catholic, 10
Zarah Ochi, Burlington, 10
Ashley Varnum, Bridgewater-Raynham, 10
Lila Polansky, Bridgewater-Raynham, 8
Duke Cherry, Malden Catholic, 7
Sophie Gallivan, North Reading, 7
Erin Reilly, Burlington, 7
Jake Webster, Bishop Feehan, 7
Caroline Connors, Millis, 6
Egan Gill, Bishop Feehan, 6
Rex Satter, Ipswich, 6
Marcus Tayag, Pioneer Charter I, 6
Rayana Laurent, Pingree, 5
Mollie Mullen, Bishop Feehan, 9
Reagan Maniscalco, Tewksbury, 6
Ella O’Keefe, Oliver Ames, 5
Dylan Raffle, Milton, 4
Ava Sicari, Burlington, 4
Rex Satter, Ipswich, 3
Eileen Lowther, Hingham, 6
Maeve Horsman, Oliver Ames, 5
Zarah Ochi, Burlington, 4
Gaby Bassett, Nauset/Monomoy, 3
Griff Callahan, Martha’s Vineyard, 2
Max Cronen, Monomoy/Mashpee, 2
Addy Harrington, Duxbury, 2
Jaxon Hoey, Norwell, 2
Chace Lozano, Marlborough, 2
Mackenna Metell, Martha’s Vineyard, 2
Christos Rogaris, Dover-Sherborn/Weston, 2
Mark Trahon, Norwood, 2
Anthony Tramontozzi, Marlborough, 2
Bryce Campanale, Norwell, 3
Maeve Turner, Falmouth, 3
Violet Cox, Falmouth, 2
Ryan Heidt, Martha’s Vineyard, 2
Cam Long, Norwell, 2
Kody Pokraka, Falmouth, 2
Bailen Darack, Martha’s Vineyard, 22
Sammie Precourt, Dennis-Yarmouth, 16
Brendan Kurie can be reached at brendan.kurie@globe.com. Follow him on X @BrendanKurie.
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