Sports Update
Spring Sports Underway
The 2023 spring sports season has begun in earnest. Sports teams from High School and Middle School teams to city youth organizations have taken to the outdoors and in some cases, the gymnasiums. Spring sports include Golf, Unified Basketball, Lacrosse, Outdoor Track & Field, Tennis, Softball, Baseball, Volleyball. As the season begins at press time, The Reporter will update scores at ReporterToday.com. Coaches and team supporters can send in game results and story ideas to bobrodericks@gmail.com.
Bay View Wins State Basketball Title in OT
Bay View entered the girls basketball state championship as decided underdogs and came away with a championship win in an overtime thriller against North Kingstown last month. The game was played at U.R.I. The Bengals win surprised a few as they defeated a strong #2 seeded Skippers club. Earlier in the tournament Bay View advanced by beating Mount St. Charles, Rogers and knocking off the top seed, Juanita Sanchez in a close game.
Bay View and tournament MVP Siera Baptista scored both Bengals baskets and helped her team to go on to the upset championship. Baptista scored 14 points in the game while team mate Ahtiana Benway scored 18.
EPHS Boys Basketball
The East Providence High School boys basketball team made it to the final four of the Rhode Island Interscholastic League championship but lost to the eventual State champion, Bishop Hendricken. The Townies were not just satisfied to be one of the top four teams in the state, “we wanted to win it all.” Unfortunately, EP came out a bit cold and missed on several scoring chances early on. Hendricken raced out to an 11-4 advantage and led at the close of the 1st quarter 18-11. The Townies regrouped at halftime and made a run at the Hawks, keeping themselves in the game until the final moments. Late in the third quarter the hawks lead shrunk to 47-41 and an excited Townie bench and large crowd at URI could sense a momentum change. But a missed ally-oop EP dunk attempt followed by a Hendricken score seemed to deflate the hopefuls as the Hawks increased their lead once again.
Late in the game EP got close at 56-47 but once again the Hawks scored from the foul line often and EP couldn’t catch up. “I think our guys played well and we were in this thing until the end, but they outplayed us. We had a chance when they missed several shots at one point, but we couldn’t capitalize and pull ahead,” said Head Coach Joe Andrade.
Andrade’s Townies lost out to LaSalle in the divisional championships and then to Hendricken in the state final four, “not bad overall,” said Andrade. “I think we showed a lot of people we can play with those teams. We came close, it was a good year.” East Providence reached the Final Four championship after qualifying for the statewide tournament and then defeating Classical 51-47 in the Sweet-16 and Smithfield 71-66 in the elite-8.
One person familiar with the sport of basketball is the new Townie Athletic Director Alex Butler. Butler excelled as an athlete at EPHS in both basketball and volleyball and almost any athletic or academic endeavor he was involved with. Alex Butler was one of the most dominant basketball players in New England during the early 1990s. He was an All-State athlete in high school and then starred for Rhode Island College from 1993-97, earning All-American honors as a junior and senior in 1995-96 and 1996-97. Butler was inducted into the Rhode Island College Athletic Hall of Fame in 2003.
The Townies featured some post-season award winners. Townie Junior Edward “Trey” Resendes was selected to the 1st team All State team. Rezendes also was selected 2nd team RIBCA All State, Academic All State, 2nd team All League, and 1st team division. He was also a member of the RIBCA playoffs all tournament team. The Townies Xavier Hazard was named 1st team RIBCA All State, Academic All State, 1st Team All League and 1st team all division.
EPHS Competition Cheer is State Runner-Up
Last month the Townie Competition Cheer squad almost won it all as they finished 2nd in the state competition held at the Providence Career and Tech Academy gymnasium. Pawtucket/Tolman/Shea were the champions. EPHS moved on to the New England championships where they did well and finished in 11th place with 128 points.
The EPHS team included Averielle Page, Jazlyn Rodrigues, Thais Rodrigues, Sherlyn Argueta, Kelci Cabral, Rozaria DosSantos, Aliyah Evora, Paige Kennedy, Nicole LaChapelle, Jordan Marlow, Kassidy Martins, Armani Miller, McKenzie Pacheco, Evalyn Pacheco, Madison Slavick and Janessa Steele. Coaches are Brandy Ethier, Alex Avila, Faith Jean and Skyla Marchand.
EPHS Spring Baseball Preview 2023
The 2023 version of Townie baseball will get to play for the first time on their brand-new turf field with its state of the arts amenities. As the end of March approached the team had scrimmaged a few times and is ready for the regular season. In fact, they like the field so much that Head Coach Bobby Rodericks calls it “the best field in Rhode Island in my opinion.” One benefit of the new turf field is that the team has not missed one practice or scrimmage due to wet field conditions. “We are very excited for the new turf field, we haven't missed one practice or scrimmage so far this season as a direct result from having this field. Opposing coaches have already reached out to switch their home games to our field so they can have the opportunity to play here,” said Rodericks. Rodericks is hoping to eventually host the All-Star game and maybe Division II playoffs. There are also junior varsity tournaments and other games that may seek EPHS as a venue.
“We are also excited about our new Athletic Director, Alex Butler. Arguably Gregg Amore (recent AD now RI Secretary of State) was the best AD during his tenure but Alex has already had a huge positive impact on the athletic programs and I feel this is the best thing that happened to the Townies in a long time,” said an animated Townie coach.
“We have 2 outstanding senior captains in Jack McKnight and Manuel “Chico” Santos. They have been in the weight room all fall and winter. They will be top 3 in the hitting lineup. Jack will be the leader in the infield and projected #1 pitcher, Chico for the 3rd season in a row will take the role as field general behind the plate. Both will be playing college in the fall, Jack for RIC and Chico for Roger Williams. A slight setback for Chico as he has a hand injury and will be out for a few weeks. Sophomore Brian Rutkowski will be the field general until his return. Senior Ziurel Vargas will also contribute to the top of the hitting lineup and be another solid infielder mainly at the 1st base position. Junior, Kyler Lorenz has arguably the best hands defensively maybe even in the league and is showing he is on track as the captain for the 2024 team. Our pitching staff consists of Sophomores Dylan Annicelli and Tim Robitaille, Seniors Jack McKnight, Austin Martins and Ziurel Vargas. Hoping to develop more pitching from the JV level as we have a ton of upcoming talent. 2nd base will be filled by freshman Gavin Palombo and sophomore Oliver Andrews potentially. Freshman Jayden Healey will swing both JV and Varsity as an outfielder and 3rd baseman. The outfield will have another freshman potentially in the starting lineup, Nolan Lorenz, Kyler's younger brother. Also Sophomore Tim Robitaille and Junior Steven Estrella have been showing signs of cracking the lineup as outfielders. As I said before we have a ton of upcoming talent in the 9th, 10th and also 11th grade. Colin Roche, Malaquis Fernandez, the Vieira boys, the Quadros boys, JJ Francis to name a few. And during scrimmage week Austin Martins and Colin Roche hit very well and could work out as Designated Hitters.”
Team to Dedicate Season to Former Townie Captain – Justin Rocha
“This season will be dedicated to my former teammate and fellow captain and close friend, Justin Rocha, EPHS Class of 1998 who passed away tragically on October 26th this past fall. He was a former Rumford LL, Martin Jr High and EPHS standout baseball player. His son Cole Rocha will throw out the first pitch at our home opener, which takes place on Friday, April 7th in a 12 noon start vs Chariho.
Annual Recreation Department Dolly Searle Golf Tournament
The East Providence Recreation Department will hold the 68th annual Dolly Searle Golf Tournament on Tuesday, June 13, 2023. The event will take place at the Agawam Hunt Club located at 15 Roger Williams Ave. in Rumford, RI. Entry fee is $400 per foursome and includes greens fees, carts, lunch and prizes. Registration opens on Monday, June 12, 2023. Register online ON or AFTER April 21, 2023 at https://eastprovidence.recdesk.com In person registrations will be accepted at the Recreation Department main office, 610 Waterman beginning at 8:30 AM on April 21. For more information please call the Recreation Department at 401-435-7511.
Unified Sports
Unified Sports, our EP basketball team got their second win against Juanita Sanchez 41-39. Shane "air Jordan" Lavin led the way with 14 points, and Jaiden "I got you" Wright with her first 3 pointer of the season. Also contributing was Marin Basset, Denzel Sivels, Ben Nascimento, PJ Kochan, Alex Vieira and Joe Santana.
City starts second of multiple ARPA-supported Programs
The City has announced its second of multiple (American Rescue Plan Act) ARPA programs. The City rolled out the Ready, Set, Play! Program and has set a total allotment of $100,000 in ARPA funds for the program.
The basic objective of the Ready, Set, Play initiative will be to make youth sports more accessible to low/moderate-income residents covering registration costs, equipment costs, and any necessary professional development certification.
In an effort to combat the effects of COVID-19 the mental and physical strain it has placed on our youth and the record-high inflation around the country, the Ready, Set, Play! Initiative provides up to a $15,000 grant to youth sports organizations to expand access to members of the East Providence community. If an organization is approved for this funding they will be responsible for tracking, and reporting to the City of East Providence. Once an organization has been approved the money will be given in a phased approach providing 50 percent of the grant, then once tracking and reporting are completed the remainder of the funds will be released.
“The cost of playing sports has risen each year and that has placed a strain on families - especially for households with low-income youth,” Mayor Bob DaSilva said. “We feel that any child who wishes to participate in sports should be able to, regardless of their family’s finances and Ready, Set, Play will ensure that every East Providence child has an opportunity to participate in youth sports.”
The services funded by the City of East Providence commenced in March 2023 and will be substantially completed by June 30, 2024. This Ready, Set, Play! Initiative will continue that momentum. For more information on our Ready, Set, Play! Program please visit: https://eastprovidenceri.gov/ReadySetPlay.
EPHS HOF Seeks Prior Inductees
At the October 16, 2022, East Providence High School Hall of Fame Induction ceremony
prior HOF Inductees and guests were given a tour of the new school and the opportunity to view the new Hall of Fame wall/plaques in their new location. Prior inductees were given their old plaques for memory’s sake. “At this time, we have approximately 70 plaques that have not been given to the former inductees or their family members. If inductees or their family members would like to pick up their plaques, they may do so by contacting Stephanie Vinhateiro at: svinhateiro@gmail.com to arrange a time and place to do so,” said Hall of Fame Committee Chairman Gregory Dias. For more information, contact HOF Inductee and committee secretary Stephanie Vinhateiro.
The plaques that need to be distributed are: Louis Jack ’11, Edna R MacDonald ’15, Francis J. Lally ‘26, Phillip Williams ’26, Frederick W. Ripley, Jr. ’27, Arthur O. Williams ‘30, Robert N. Dye ’32, Mary E. Cole ’33, William E. Lemons ‘34, Victor W. Tkacs ’34, Frederick J. Connors ’35, Armando Rodrigues ‘39, Charles C. Bentley ’40, Olivia Brum ’40, George J. Gennari ’40, Lura N. Sellew ’40, Gideon S. Applegate ’45, Charles F. O’Connell ‘45, Raymond F. Smith ’45, Walter R. Thayer ’46, Ernest Agresti ‘47, Roger R. Blunt ’48, Richard J. Collins ’48, William L. Drapeau ‘48, Patricia Wood Smith ’48, Manuel Pimental ’50, Charles R. Jefferds ‘51, Peter J. Tutless ’51, Antone T. Oliveira ’53, Arthur B. Williams, Jr. ‘53, Robert S. Mairs, III ’54, James A. Warren ’54, Janice A. Barbieri ‘55, Linda C. Tomkins ’55, Robert Prytula ’56, Raymond George ‘57, Marybeth Peters ’57, Alan Kenneth Deatts ’58, Steven Whitfield ‘58, Frank Terrranova ’62, Nancy M. McAleer ’65, Ronald McLarty ‘65, Judith Richardson ’65, Angela Renaud ’66, Mark Crevier ‘68, Fred E. Hallel ‘’68, Paul J. Tavares ’70, Thomas Hudson ‘72, John D’Alessandro ’76, David Torti ’78, Robert Germani ‘79, Lisa A. Vilardi ’79, Deborah Perry ’80, Nathan Lovett ‘08, Carlene Casciano-McCann ‘80
HONORARY MEMBERS: James E. Bates, Richard Carlson, Leslie F. Carson, John & Letitia Carter, Louis (Lou) Farber, Joseph S. Fascio, Harold S. Goodwin, B. Donat Maynard, Ralph E. Miller, Otho F. Smith, Alice S. Sullivan, Alice M. Waddington
2023 Summer Day Camp Registration
The City Recreation Dept. will hold a six-week summer day camp for East Providence youth ages 6-12 (age as of September 1, 2023). Camp will run from June 26, 2023 – August 4, 2023 (no camp on July 4, 2023/Independence Day ), at Pierce Field, 201 Mercer St. East Providence, RI 02914. Recreation counselors will lead children through a fun-filled day of camp activities that include sports, arts and crafts, special events, filed trips and much more! Free lunch is provided.
Camp operates rain or shine Monday – Friday 8:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. Transportation is NOT available to and from camp. Children must be dropped off and picked up. Camp fee is $510 per child for the six-week program. The $255 deposit is due at registration. Final payment is due July 7, 2023. Register online at https://eastprovidence.recdesk.com. Space is limited. For more information, please call the Recreation Center at 401-433-6360.
Townie Legend Gorham leads Barrington High to Titles
Barrington High School’s boys & girls swim team won their second consecutive RIIL Swim State Championship, held at Brown University last month. The Eagles coached by John “Sandy” Gorham took first place with 383 points. That was 12 points more than powerhouse Hendricken. Hendricken took the Division title, but Barrington turned the Hawks back and won the RI State Championship with a convincing victory. The Barrington two-year run at the top is the first for a public school in quite a while. Barrington swimmers piled praise upon their coach, Sandy Gorham. “Coach Gorham has put together quite a program here. He is a great coach,” Eagle players were telling all who would listen. Gorham, of course is no stranger to East Providence. Gorham was an All-State swimmer and football player at East Providence and went on to become the Townies winningest head football coach ever and also coached swimming and softball at EPHS. In retirement, the Townie Hall of Famer is coaching at Barrington High, bringing success to softball, football and swimming. “One never loses that Townie in them,” Gorham said after a Townie-Barrington softball game last season. “I get still get chills when I look across at the Red and White. I love coaching now at Barrington but I’ll always be a Townie,” said Gorham.
East Providence High Baseball Schedule for April:
04/01/23 12:00PM Injury Fund Central @ EPHS
04/04/23 4:30PM at Burrillville
04/07/23 12:00PM Chariho @ EPHS
04/11/23 12:00PM Johnston@ EPHS
04/14/23 11:00AM North Providence @ EPHS
04/18/23 4:15PM @Barrington
04/20/23 4:30PM Mt St Charles @ EPHS
04/22/23 10:00AM @Narragansett
04/25/23 6:00PM Prout @ EPHS
04/27/23 4:00PM @ East Greenwich
04/29/23 12:00PM Middletown @ EPHS
05/01/23 4:30PM @ Cranston East
05/03/23 4:00PM @ St. Raphael
05/05/23 6:00PM Tiverton @ EPHS
East Providence High Softball Schedule for April:
04/03/23 4:30PM Prout @ EPHS
04/05/23 4:00PM @ LaSalle
04/07/23 5:30PM Pilgrim @ EPHS
04/10/23 4:15PM @ Moses Brown
04/12/23 12:00PM Barrington @ EPHS
04/18/23 5:30PM Smithfield @ EPHS
04/20/23 4:15PM @ North Kingstown
04/24/23 4:30PM Scituate @ EPHS
04/26/23 4:00PM @ St. Raphael
04/28/23 5:30PM Coventry @ EPHS
05/02/23 7:00 PM @ Cranston West
05/04/23 5:30 PM Cumberland @ EPHS
East Providence High Boys Volleyball Schedule for April:
04/03/23 6:00PM @ St. Raphael
04/04/23 6:30PM @ Westerly
04/06/23 6:30PM Cranston West @ EPHS
04/10/23 6:30PM @ Pilgrim
04/17/23 6:00PM @ Central PCTA
04/18/23 6:30PM West Warwick @ EPHS
04/20/23 6:15PM @ Lincoln
04/24/23 6:30PM Barrington @ EPHS
04/26/23 6:30PM @ Toll Gate
05/02/23 6:30PM Westerly @ EPHS
05/04/23 6:30PM @ Cranston West
05/08/23 6:30PM Pilgrim @EPHS
East Providence High School Girls Lacrosse Schedule for April
04/05/23 5:00 PM @ Cranston Stadium
04/12/23 4:30 PM Rocky Hill @ EPHS
04/13/23 4:00 PM @ Westerly
04/19/23 4:30 PM PCD @ EPHS
04/25/23 4:45 PM @ Johnston
04/26/23 4:00 PM @ Rogers Braga Park
05/01/23 6:00 PM Ponaganset @ EPHS
05/03/23 6:00 PM @ Narragansett
05/06/23 2:00 PM @ Bay View
East Providence High School Boys Tennis Schedule for April
04/04/234:00 PM @ Ponaganset
04/06/234:00 PM @ West Warwick
04/10/233:00 PM Middletown @ EPHS
04/17/234:00 PM @ Portsmouth
04/20/234:00 PM North Kingstown @ EPHS
04/24/234:00 PM @ Westerly Rotary Park
04/27/234:00 PM Prout @ EPHS
05/01/234:00 PM @ Narragansett - Sprague
05/04/234:00 PM East Greenwich @ EPHS
More team schedules and previews will be posted on the ReporterToday web site. Team coaches and representatives are invited to send team scores, updates and story ideas to bobrodericks@gmail.com.
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