March 29, 2024

Sports Update

Posted

Riverside Middle School Boys & Girls Basketball Playoff Bound
The RMS boys basketball team head into league playoffs with a 12-1 record.  The Vikings ran into a tough UCAP team on 1/30/20 in a battle of the undefeated.  From the opening tap, UCAP dominated a sluggish RMS performance, winning by a 93-67 score.  “Our team couldn’t get anything going.  We were flat footed, watching UCAP run by us on several fast breaks,” said Riverside coach Scott Breault after the game.  UCAP ran out to a 21-8 lead early in the first half and RMS never recovered.  UCAP was unstoppable in all aspects of the game.  UCAP also had close to 20 three-point baskets keeping the heretofore undefeated Vikings from closing the gap.  UCAP also scored on several seemingly uncontested breakaway layups and dominated on defense.  Riverside showed glimpses of coming back when at one point closing the gap to 34-27, but UCAP would quickly extend their lead.  “We came off a lackluster practice and I know we’re a better team than this.  We’ll have to quickly get it together as we enter state playoffs next week,” said coach Breault. 

In an earlier 84-41 win over Winman Middle, the team was led by Trey Rezendes' 21 points, Skyller Garcia's 20 points, and Xavier Hazard's 15 points. Others getting in the scoring column were: Elijah McNair and Cameron Evora (5 points each), Kenaz Ochogwu (4 points), Gavin Palombo and Justin Jardine (3 points each), Joseph Chaves, Davien Jean-Rene, Darius Davis, and Eddie Turay (2 points each).

RMS used their size and speed to also beat previously unbeaten Feinstein 82-37 to improve to 11-0 on the season at that point. “We were led by our 3 captains, Kenaz Ochogwu (14 points) Trey Rezendes (16 points and 10 assist) and Xavier Hazard (18 points),” said head coach Scott Breault.  “We benefit from a nicely balanced team as well with Eddie Turay and Joseph Chaves (8 points each), Skyller Garia (7 points), Darius Davis (4 points), Elijah McNair, Cameron Evora, Andrew Espada, Domenic Maiato, Davien Jean-Rene (2 points each).  It’s a talented and hard-working group that feed off each other,” added Breault.

The team enjoyed an earlier 75-44 road victory over Park View.  RMS was lead by Xavier Hazards game high 25, Skyller Garcia's 13, and Trey Rezendes' 10 points and 10 assist. Other scorers were Elijah McNair (9 points), Kenaz Ochogwu (8 points) Eddie Turay and Cameron Evora (4 points each) and Davien Jean-Rene (2 points).

In an intra-city contest RMS fought off a tough Martin team winning 67-54.  The team was led by Trey Rezendes 21, Xavier Hazard's 17, and Skyller Garcia's 11 points.  Also scoring for RMS were Eddie Turay (5 points), Kenaz Ochogwu (4 points), Elijah McNair (3 points) and Cameron Evora, Domenic Maiato, and Andrew Espada each with 2 points.

RMS showed strong play with a 65-31 victory over Hope Highlands early last month. The team put 4 players in double figures including Trey Rezendes, Xavier Hazard, Kenaz Ochogwu, and Skyller Garcia.  Other players contributing to the scoring were Cameron Evora, Darius Davis, Elijah McNair, Domenic Maiato, and Joseph Chaves.

RMS Girls Basketball Playing Well
While the RMS boys were losing to UCAP, the Riverside girls did their part by defeating UCAP  46-21 in a game at RMS on 1/30.  “The girls played well,” said coach Katie Lynn Kenahan.  “Estrella D’Ambra led the Vikings with 18 points, followed by Ariana Ingram with 10 and Harmony McDowell with 7. Daisha German-Silva, who stepped up with Breena Hannon out with an injury, contributed many rebounds, solid defense and 4 points. Ava Williams, Mackenzie Pimentel, and Amaiah Ortiz each contributed a bucket, while Sarah Ogunronbi had 1,” added the coach.

The RMS girls basketball team defeated Feinstein in an earlier hard-fought battle last month by 49-31, improving their record to 8-2 at that time.  “Estrella D’Ambra led our scoring with 21 points, followed by Ariana Ingram who gave 100% the full 36 minutes, contributing 13 points and countless assists.  Breena Hannon added 9 points and many rebounds, while Harmonie McDowell rounded out the scoring with 6 points.  Samantha Clarke contributed defensively with power underneath the basket, racking up many rebounds both offensively and defensively,” said Coach Kenahan.  “Our team is working hard every game,” added Kenahan.

RMS girls also defeated Parkview 48-36.  “The girls moved the ball well with three players in double digits, Estrella D’Ambra with 12, Breena Hannon with 12, and Ariana Ingram with 11. Harmonie McDowell contributed 9, while Samantha Clarke and Daisha German-Silva each chipped in a bucket,” said Coach Katie Lynn Kenahan.

The Girls defeated Hope Highlands 35-31 with a “heart-pumping over-time win,” with Estrella D’Ambra leading the team with 16 points, 12 of which were scored behind the three point line, while Breena Hannon added 13 points. Ariana Ingram contributed 4, while Harmonie McDowell rounded out the scoring with 2.

In early January RMS knocked off Bain Middlewith a 52-38 win.  Scoring was led by Breena Hannon who had 21, and Estrella D’Ambra with 17. Harmonie McDowell contributed 5, while Daisha German-Silva had 4, Ariana Ingram scored 3, and Samantha Clarke had 2.

EPHS Boys Basketball
East Providence beat a determined Central High boys basketball team late last month by an 80-73 score.  In a Division I-A clash at a crowded East Providence High School gym, the Knights showed the Townies a good shooting eye as they held a 41-36 lead over EP at the half.  “Central played well and they have good players. I t was a good game all around,” said Townie Head Coach Joe Andrade.

The Townies persevered throughout the game and in the end, it was a balanced offensive attack that put EP in the win column.  Five Townies hit for double figures with Richard Pina leading the way with 25 points. Brian Taylor (20), Matt DosSantos (14), Josh Kauffman (11) and Justin Pena (10) rounded out the Townie scoring.

Central's Keilon James led all scoring with 27 points. Angel Santiago Mendez added 15 and Manny Kayee tossed in 14 points for the Knights.  In all, Central had twelve three-pointers on the night.  “It was a great effort by Central.  That's a nice team over there.  They're a young team with a new coach who is pushing the tempo and their confidence.  Our kids responded and played well and we showed some strength in our numbers and our power inside game,” said Andrade.

Coach Andrade told his team after the game that they can't get too high with a good 5-1 start in the division.  “I told them that you can't afford to get too excited. Keep working hard, we haven't beat the real top teams yet like Hendricken, LaSalle, Mt. Pleasant, North Kingstown.  We haven't beat the upper echelon of the league yet so stay focused,” Andrade told his players.  The Townies lost to division leader Hendricken by just 7 points a few weeks ago. “We'll be tested quick as we have Hendricken again and LaSalle both on the road,” said the coach.  “We have a good group of kids they listen well, I think we can improve on defense a bit but right now I like our effort.”

As the Townie coach worried, his team has yet to knock off the top tier of the division.  But its not for lack of trying.  After the Central win, East Providence travelled to Hendricken in Warwick but ran into a tough matchup.  The Hawks handled EP easily as only Richard Pina of the Townies scored in double figures leading everyone with 24 points.  Despite the huge effort by Pina, East Providence fell to the one-loss Hawks 84-65.  Sebastian Thomas had 28 and Helio Sousa 18 for the Hawks.  Hendricken’s Angel Sanchez chipped in 15 points.

Two nights later the Townies played the Rams at LaSalle and didn’t fare much better.  The Rams bested East Providence 82-64 with Raphel Awa 24 points and Jake Bender tossing in 23 for the Rams.  Once again it was Richard Pina leading EP with 19 points and Brian Taylor hit for 16.   

Earlier in the month EP dropped Smithfield in an 86-79 win with Pina scoring 22 points and Brian Taylor, Justin Pena, Josh Kauffman and Matt DosSantos all hitting double figures in the win.

Boys High School Standings - Division I-A

Team                           League W-L             Season W-L
Hendricken                 8 - 1                 8 - 1
East Providence          5 - 3                 6 - 3
South Kingstown        4 - 4                 4 - 5
Cranston East              1 - 7                 2 - 7
Hope                           0 - 8                 0 - 8

Standings - Division I-B

Team                 League W-L             Season W-L
Mount Pleasant           7 - 1                 7 - 2
Woonsocket                5 - 3                 6 - 5
Classical                      3 - 5                 3 - 5
Cumberland                2 - 5                 3 - 6
St. Raphael                  0 - 7                 0 - 8

Standings - Division I-C

Team                 League W-L             Season W-L
North Kingstown        8 - 1                 10 - 1
La Salle                       7 - 2                 8 - 2
Smithfield                   5 - 4                 6 - 4
Coventry                     4 - 5                 5 - 6
Central                        3 - 6                 3 – 6

Remaining Schedule Before Playoffs:
Thu  1/30 -7:00 pm      North Kingstown at East Providence            
Fri    2/07 -7:00 pm     East Providence at Coventry             
Mon 2/10 -6:00 pm     East Providence at South Kingstown            
Wed 2/12 -7:00 pm     St. Raphael at East Providence                      
Fri    2/14 -7:00 pm     East Providence at Woonsocket                    
Tue  2/18 -7:00 pm      Mount Pleasant at East Providence               
Thu  2/20 -6:00 pm      East Providence at Classical              
Mon 2/24 -7:00 pm     Cumberland at East Providence

EPHS Girls Basketball
After two years to date of winless basketball, the Townies determination finally produced a win.  East Providence defeated Moses Brown 50-44 late last month for their first win of the season.  The team went winless last season.  First year coach Bay Lambert has been coach and head cheerleader for the team this season as he has at least generated a lot of fan support for the team.  Makiah Denson scored a team leading 18 points in the win and Arianna Soares added 13 points for the Townies.  Denson hit 14 points in the second half to spark EP to the much needed win.  “After two years of pain and some agony and tears, the team wondered if they belonged.  I told them that they certainly do belong and have worked hard for their first Division I win,” said coach Lambert.  Kayla Hannon added 8 points, Ahmya Ingram scored 5 with Savannah Feola and Mia Jackson each tossing in 3 points for EP’s win.

EPHS Varsity Wrestling
The Townie high school wrestlers are getting ready for the upcoming state championship meet.  East Providence has been up and down in dual meets and have been very competitive in tournaments.   Results from the Brendan Grant Invitational in Belmont, MA were good with the Townies finishing a strong 6th out of 12 schools.  The Townies finished 7th at the Lancer Invitational in Waterford,CT earlier with Martim Moniz 2nd @ 113, Sean Sullivan 3rd @ 103 and both Kyle Xavier (195) and Kianu Duarte (220) placing 4th.  Earlier action saw East Providence defeat rival LaSalle but then fall to Hendricken in a tough match.

 Middle School Wrestling Tournaments
Martin and Riverside middle schools competed in the Junior Varsity wrestling tournament on the last weekend of January.  The varsity squads will compete in early February.  Check the ReporterToday web site for updates and results.  Both schools did do well with the junior varsity teams.  Winners can move up to the varsity tournament.   Cameron Pedro, 6th grader of Martin won a State Championship for the JV squad and Giandet Raposo of Riverside took home a 2nd place.  Ciara Nunes of Martin won 1st place in the first ever all girls state championship.  Nunes also placed 5th in the overall JV tournament.

Frank DeVall Inducted – RI Football Coaches Hall of Fame 2020
Former East Providence teacher, coach, school administrator, Frank DeVall has been selected by the Ri Football Coaches as a 2020 Hall of Fame inductee.  DeVall continues as a volunteer baseball and football coach for East Providence High School.  “Sometimes the best gifts are those unexpected,” said DeVall after his recent HOF induction.  “To become a member of the RIHSFCA’s Hall of Fame along side my family, coaches and Townie D1 1st teamers, Kaleb Almeida and Juan Diaz is awesome.  Congratulations to my colleagues and thank you to Jay Monteiro (Townie football coach) for your support throughout the years and your nomination of me to the Hall.  I’ve been blessed to be a Townie,” said DeVall.  Current EPHS players Kaleb Almeida and Juan Diaz were also honored as Division I offensive and defensive all division selections.

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