March 29, 2024

Spotlight on Sports

Posted

EPHS Boys and Girls Basketball

EPHS Boys Basketball:
The annual Harry Mutter Holiday tournament at EPHS was won this year by East Providence High. The tournament held at EPHS featured teams from Shea, North Providence, Toll Gate and EP. The tourney is sponsored by the volunteer Friends of Townie Athletics Organization (FOTA) and the Community & Teachers Credit Union. East Providence and Shea High defeated North Providence and Toll Gate to advance to the tourney final in late December. Both teams were undefeated entering the tourney championship.

The tournament is named for the late Harry Mutter who was a long time school system employee and Hall of Fame athlete from EPHS. Mrs. Patricia Mutter was on hand to award the championship trophy along with the chairman of the Friends of Townie Athletics volunteer organization. The FOTA annually raises thousands of dollars for East Providence school sports.

The Townies defeated North Providence in a thrilling 81-76 overtime win on December 26th to send them to the title game the next night against Shea High. Although Erickson Bans of Shea netted his 2,000 career point during the tourney, the Townies took a decisive 86-76 win for the championship. The Townies Justin Pena had 26 points and team mate Richard Pina scored 21 points on his way being named the tourney MVP. Richard Pina also netted 23 points for EP in their opening round win over the Cougars.

The Townies held a slim two point lead at halftime in the title game but then opened up a 10-0 run in the third quarter and would never look back. The Townies win over a tough Shea team left the visitors with a 5-1 overall record as EP at press time remains undefeated with 4 wins. Also scoring for the Townies was Brian Taylor with 10 points, Josh Kauffman 12, and Zachary Russell added 14 for EP. The Townies Christian Vieira scored 3.

Earlier in December EP bested Juanita Sanchez High School of Providence 85-60 with Richard Pina hitting for 24 points. Also in that game Brian Taylor had 16 and Josh Kauffman 15 points. Justin Pena threw in 8 points. In another Division I contest, East Providence beat back Hope High 69-56. Kauffman, Pina and Taylor scored 21, 18 and 13 points respectively. Juan Severino had a game high 29 points for Hope.

East Providence's Richard Pina is among the state leaders, averaging 21 points per game. Josh Kauffman is averaging 18 per game. The undefeated Townies take on undefeated Hendricken to start off the January schedule. The game is set for January 2nd, 7 pm at EPHS. An update will be posted by the ReporterToday.com.

EPHS Girls Basketball. New Coach Bay Lambert getting the crowds out:
Although the lady Townies are 0-1 in league play, the Townies are playing inspired basketball under 1st year head coach Tshombe “Bay” Lambert. Lambert a 2002 graduate and former basketball and football player for the Townies is not only the head coach but a self-anointed cheerleader for his team. The team is trying to bounce back from a winless last season. Lambert frequently posts on social media about his team. "I’m asking everyone to be at the EPHS gym tomorrow making noise and enjoying yourself, to cheer these girls on to do the impossible, let’s have that place rocking!," said Coach Lambert before the Johnston game. "If you’re from EP and you especially was there with me, then there shouldn’t be an excuse if you’re not there! These girls have worked so hard and they need us and our support ," said the new coach. The enthusiasm seems to be spreading. Although the Townies were heavy underdogs against a tough veteran Johnston team, the EPHS gym was packed. The crowd was loud throughout the entire game and even though Johnston wore down EP and took the win 55-38, the large crowd was appreciative.

Sara Laurino Duarte played for the Townies from 1997-2000 and is now a physical education teacher at the high school. "I’ve been to many of the high school games since I started teaching here over 10 years ago and have never seen the stands this packed. It was exciting to see the girls finally getting the attention they deserve. Thank you coach for getting the community hyped up about our girls," said an excited Duarte.

Referring to the Johnston loss, Lambert was disappointed but remained positive. "It was a tough loss tonight to a very good team, a team that has been playing together forever and they are at the top of the division. I’m so proud of my girls, they kept fighting and fighting. At the end we were right there but they made big shots and we didn’t. The future is bright for EP Girls Basketball and we belong. Back to work tomorrow," said the energetic coach. Lambert was ecstatic about an early season non-league win over Cranston East. The Townies came out slow and didn't play well. "We couldn’t hit the ocean, ton of turnovers, we were getting out rebounded and we’re down by 9 with 5 minutes to go. It was gut check time," said the coach. On the Townie sideline, Lambert was racing up and down as far as referees would allow. "I was going nuts on the sideline screaming for energy," he said after the game. "But it was an epic finish and comeback for the win. These girls showed amazing heart at the end. We have a lot to fix but you always have a chance with heart." Indeed, Coach Lambert has heart, strong vocal chords and he has the Townie gym filled on most nights when his team is playing. They aim to win some games this season. The team has two non-league wins and after the Division I loss to Johnston, they head into tough league play in January.

Middle School Sports (Contributions from MMS and RMS administrations):

MMS Wrestling Update
The Martin Middle School Wrestling Team is sitting at 2-2 at the winter holiday break. With victories in the last two matches including at home versus Ferri Middle School and on the road at Ponaganset Middle School. The wrestlers are beginning to see what is takes to have success on the mat. MMS Coach Bobby Rodericks continues to work with his wrestlers to prepare them for the second half of the season. The team has been working hard and getting ready including practices during the winter break to continue to improve. The Wildcats under the helm of Coach Rodericks have a strong history of success and MMS looks forward to watching the team compete and get stronger in 2020. The next matches include a Tri-tournament at Martin on Wednesday, January 8th against Barrington and Lincoln as well as a Tri-tournament at Chariho with Martin competing against Kickemuit and Western Hills on January 13th. Martin finishes up its final two matches before the state championship against Western Hills at Martin on 1/15, Martin will travel to Nathaniel Greene in Providence to compete against Nathaniel Greene and Esek Hopkins Middle School.

MMS Girls Basketball Update:
Under the direction of Coach Damien Ramos, the MMS Girls Basketball team is working hard and showing improvement since last season. The girls are sitting on a 1-3 record with winning their last game on the road at Birchwood Middle School in North Providence. The team looks to keep it going and put together some great games starting in January. The Wildcats home schedule will be at home versus Veterans MS on 1/7, then in-city rival Riverside MS on 1/14, Western Hills on 1/21, and Park View Middle School at Martin on 1/28. The girls will travel on the road in the following contests at Winman MS on January 3rd, at UCAP on 1/9, at LaSalle on 1/16, at Ricci on 1/23, and finishing the regular season at Paul Cuffee School on 1/30.

MMS Boys Basketball Update
The Wildcat Boys Basketball Team are sitting at 4-1 at the winter break. Coach Chris Kennedy and his team are in second place in the Central Division with victories over Hope Highlands, Bain MS, Deering MS, Birchwood MS and the only loss was to at Feinstein MS in Coventry. The boys’ basketball team’s away schedule will be at Veterans MS on 1/7, then at in-city rival Riverside MS on 1/14, at Western Hills on 1/21, and final regular season road game at Park View Middle School on 1/28. The Wildcat Boys Basketball Team will defend their home gym with games at Martin on the following games Wiman MS on January 3rd, UCAP on 1/9, LaSale on 1/16, Ricci MS on 1/23, and finishing the regular season at home against Paul Cuffee School on 1/30.

Riverside Middle Boys Basketball update:
The boys team enter winter break with 5-0 record after cruising to a 58-20 victory over Paul Cuffee. "We were led by Skyller Garcia's 13 and Trey Rezendes' 10 points. The other players that scored were Ruan Gillis, Joseph Chaves, Domenic Maitao, Elijah McNair, Davien Jean-Rene, Tre'von Franklin, Cameron Evora, Eddie Turay, Kenaz Ochogwu, and Xavier Hazard," giving us a well balanced squad," said coach Scott Breault. The boys used a strong team effort to also beat Western Hills 61-42. The team was lead by Trey Rezendes' 16, Xavier Hazards 13, Eddie Turay's 11, Skyller Garcia's 10, and Kenaz Ochogwu's 9 points. Elijah McNair and Ryan Gillis each had 3 points and Dominic Maiato had 2 points. Cameron Evora, Andrew Espada, and Joseph Chaves also contributed with tough defense. The team returns to action after the holiday break on January 2nd at Bain.

Riverside Middle Girls Basketball update:
The RMS girls team defeated Ricci in December, 48-4 with contributions from all team members. Captain Estrella D’Ambra and Breena Hannon led with 10 a piece. Samantha Clarke contributed 5, while Mackenzie Pimentel, Naryah Rolon, and Amaiah Ortiz each had 4. Ariana Ingram had 3, while Mia DeAngelis, Harmonie McDowell, Daisha German-Silva, and Ava Williams each contributed a bucket.

Providence Gridiron Club Announces EP MVP Selections
The Providence Gridiron Club announced the selection of two Townie football players at its annual awards dinner last month. East Providence defensive football player Kaleb Almeida and offensive player Carew Gomes received Most Valuable Player recognition. It was Almeida's second time winning the award.

Also the football club announced that former Townie All-Stater Steve Silva was inducted into the 2019 Gridiron Hall of Fame class. Silva led the Townies and then graduated from Holy Cross College. Silva excelled at Holy Cross as a two time captain and All American selection. All-Stater at EPHS, Silva was named as Rhode Island player of the year. He graduated from EPHS in 2000. Silva briefly played professional football.

Boys Basketball Schedule:
Thu 1/02 -7:00 pm Hendricken at East Providence
Mon 1/06 -7:00 pm East Providence at Cranston East
Fri 1/10 -7:00 pm South Kingstown at East Providence
Tue 1/14 -7:15 pm East Providence at Smithfield
Thu 1/16 -7:00 pm Hope at East Providence
Mon 1/20 -7:00 pm Central at East Providence
Wed 1/22 -6:30 pm East Providence at Hendricken
Fri 1/24 -7:00 pm East Providence at La Salle
Mon 1/27 -7:00 pm Cranston East at East Providence
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 Schedule:
Fri 1/03 -7:00 pm East Providence at La Salle
Tue 1/07 -7:00 pm Moses Brown at East Providence
Thu 1/09 -7:00 pm East Providence at Portsmouth
Tue 1/14 -7:00 pm East Providence at Cranston West
Fri 1/17 -6:30 pm East Providence at Johnston
Tue 1/21 -7:00 pm North Kingstown at East Providence
Thu 1/23 -12:00 pm La Salle at East Providence
Mon 1/27 -7:00 pm East Providence at Rogers
Wed 1/29 -6:30 pm East Providence atMoses Brown
Fri 1/31 -7:00 pm Bay View at East Providence
Tue 2/04 -7:00 pm Portsmouth at East Providence
Fri 2/07 -7:00 pm East Providence at St. Raphael
Thu 2/13 -7:00 pm Barrington at East Providence
Mon 2/17 -7:00 pm East Providence at East Greenwich
Wed 2/19 -7:00 pm Smithfield at East Providence
Fri 2/21 -6:00 pm East Providence at South Kingstown
Wed 2/26 -7:00 pm Wheeler at East Providence

EPHS Hockey: 6-1 loss to LaSalle in December
Fri 1/03 -9:00 pm Barrington at MB/East Providence/Tolman - Lynch Arena
Sat 1/04 -8:40 pm Burrillville at MB/East Providence/Tolman - Lynch Arena
Fri 1/10 -7:00 pm MB/East Providence/Tolman at Mount St. Charles
Fri 1/17 -7:30 pm MB/East Providence/Tolman at Hendricken
Sat 1/18 -9:00 pm Smithfield at MB/East Providence/Tolman - RI Sports Center
Fri 1/24 -9:00 pm MB/East Providence/Tolman at Lynch Arena
Sat 1/25 -9:00 pm La Salle at MB/East Providence/Tolman at Lynch Arena
Thu 1/30 -6:00 pm MB/East Providence/Tolman Burrillville at Levy Arena
Sun 2/02 -1:30 pm MB/East Providence/Tolman at Barrington - Portsmouth Abbey
Sat 2/08 -8:50 pm Mount St. Charles at MB/East Providence/Tolman -RI Sports Center
Fri 2/14 -7:00 pm MB/East Providence/Tolman at Boss Arena
Sat 2/15 -7:30 pm Hendricken at MB/East Providence/Tolman - Lynch Arena
Fri 2/21 -7:00 pm MB/East Providence/Tolman at Smithfield - Smithfield Rink

EPHS Boys/Girls Swim EPHS
Mon 1/06 -3:00 pm East Providence at CCRI-Lincoln
Fri 1/10 -3:45 pm East Providence vs. Shea/Tolman at Pawtucket Boys/Girls Club
Wed 1/15 -12:00 am East Providence vs. Burrillville
Fri 1/24 -12:00 am East Providence at Mount St. Charles
Wed 1/29 -3:45 pm East Providence vs Smithfield at Boys and Girls Club of EP
Wed 2/05 -3:30 pm East Providence vs Toll Gate at Boys and Girls Club of EP
Wed 2/12 -4:00 pm Classical vs East Providence at Boys and Girls Club of EP
Fri 2/14 -5:30 pm East Providence at Pilgrim - McDermott Pool
Wed 2/19 -3:30 pm East Providence vs North Providence at Boys and Girls Club of EP

Bayview Basketball
Fri 1/03 -7:00 pm St. Raphael at Bay View
Tue 1/07 -7:00 pm Bay View at Cranston West
Thu 1/09 -12:00 am North Kingstown at Bay View
Mon 1/13 -7:00 pm Bay View at Rogers
Wed 1/15 -7:00 pm La Salle at Bay View
Thu 1/23 -7:00 pm South Kingstown at Bay View
Mon 1/27 -7:00 pm Portsmouth at Bay View
Wed 1/29 -6:00 pm Bay View at Wheeler
Fri 1/31 -7:00 pm Bay View at East Providence
Tue 2/04 -7:00 pm Barrington at Bay View
Fri 2/07 -7:00 pm Johnston at Bay View
Tue 2/11 -7:00 pm Bay View at East Greenwich
Mon 2/17 -7:00 pm Bay View at St. Raphael
Wed 2/19 -7:00 pm Cranston West at Bay View
Fri 2/21 -7:00 pm North Kingstown at Bay View
Mon 2/24 -7:00 pm Rogers at Bay View
Wed 2/26 -7:15 pm Bay View at Smithfield

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