EPHS Wins Holiday Basketball Tourney

East Providence High School sponsored a basketball holiday tournament this week during Christmas break. Along with EPHS, Toll Gate, North Providence and Wheeler were participants. The Townies won the tournament title game with a hard fought victory over North Providence by an 86-75 score. High scorer for EP was Zack Veiga, Sr. Forward with 27 points. J.C. Santos contributed 19 points in the Townie win. EP played a bit sluggish in the first half but picked things up late in the game for the win. "It was one of those game," said a weary coach Alex Butler. "For 32 minutes we played stubborn, we didn't do the things we talked about needing to do. Zack and Dave (Ogunronbi) played well at the outset. It's hard to control the tempo with North Providence. They are a quick-shot team and a good team," Butler said after the game. Zack struggled early but came on strong and had some key late free throws for us. These tournaments are good experience for us, we have a tough schedule ahead in division play," added Butler. "I do feel good about these guys going forward."

The Townies scored a big win in opening round play with a 71-23 score over Toll Gate. EP played everyone with several minutes leading to a balanced attack. The following players scored for EP: Jarron Santos had 14 points, Zack Veiga 12, Marcus McCarthy 11, Devante Rose 8, Adam Duarte 6, David Ogunronbi 6, Kyerstan Casey 5, Cameron Almeida 4, Tommy Lopes 2, Dion Hazard 2 and Clinton Ogunronbi 1.

EP overcame a sluggish first half earlier in the season to win at Coventry 64-50. "We lacked the energy that has been present for the early season and didn't attack the Oaker's zone very effectively," said veteran coach Alex Butler. The team was sparked in the second half by senior, Marcus McCarthy, and juniors David Ogunronbi and Kyerstan Casey. "Marcus made key shots, David had 11 rebounds and Kyerstan came up with 3 key steals for us in a good win," added Butler. EP now moves to 3-1 overall and 1-1 in league play. The Townie JV team held on to win 56-53.

EP lost a hard fought battle against LaSalle in the Division 1 Home opener. It was a action filled game and the large crowd got their money's worth. The Townies trailed at the half by 8 and then by 13 in the second only to fight back to get the deficit to 3 with about 90 seconds left to play. The team's resiliency, and willingness to fight back bode well for the upcoming season.

The Townie roster:

Devante RoseForward Sr 6'2"

Jarron SantosGuard Sr 6'

Adam Duarte Forward Sr 6'1"

Tommy Lopes Guard Sr 5'11"

Zack Veiga Forward Sr 6'3"

Kyerstan Casey Guard Jr 5'10"

David Ogunronbi Forward Jr 6'2"

Dion Hazard Guard Fr 5'11"

Marcus McCarthy Guard Sr 6'

Cameron Almeida Forward Sr 6'

Clinton Ogunronbi Forward Fr 6'3"

Quinton Osborne Guard Jr 5'11"