Lady Townies Play for First-Ever State Basketball Title

East Providence girls’ basketball is seeking its first ever state championship when it takes on favored Narragansett next Thursday, March 6th at the Amica Mutual Pavilion ( AMP, former Civic Center). The 6 pm Division II final will feature the experience of the Mariners and the streaking Townies, winners of 10 of their last 11 games including a semifinal victory over Tiverton High on February 21st. The Townies defeated Tiverton 60-46 February 26th on the road in the Portsmouth High gym . The win vaulted East Providence into their first state final game in several years. Prior impressive wins over Mt. Hope, South Kingstown, Johnston, North Smithfield, and East Greenwich propelled the Townies into the quarter final match against Smithfield. East Providence had their hands full with Smithfield which kept the game close throughout. After a strong first quarter performance, the Townies had a 17-9 lead. Smithfield wouldn’t go away easily and at one point tied the game late in the contest. East Providence maintained control much of the game but Smithfield tied the score at 38-38 with 4:26 left in the game. EP went ahead 42-40 with 29 seconds left and held on for the 44-43 win.

Trinnity Provencher, junior forward, was reached after the Smithfield game for comments. “I never doubted our team at any point. Although it got really close sometime, I knew we could play together and do whatever it took to get that win. We all work together as one and communicate as much as possible,” said Provencher. “The team practiced hard in preparation for the type of game Smithfield plays,” said Townie Head Coach Tammy Drape.

Indeed, the Townies showed an ability to keep Smithfield in check most of the game. “Smithfield pushed us very hard and didn’t give. They played a very solid game. As for us, we never gave up either. “We wanted this win. As the game got more and more intense it made us want it more. There is no ‘I’ in our team, we are ‘one’ as it states on the front of our warmups,” continued Provencher. We break down to ‘Together’ every day after practice or a game.”

“Our full court pressure created 24 turnovers through the first three periods,” said coach Drape. “This defensive play and some key baskets gave us a 34-31 lead heading into the last quarter. Harmonie McDowell scored 8 of her 14 points, 9 rebounds and 5 assists in the first half which proved to be the deciding factor in this game,” Drape said after the game. Other 4th quarter keys for the Townies were Katherine Amado with 8 points and 6 steals including a huge 3-point basket; Audrey Bernard (6 points 12 rebounds) adding a pair of baskets and Trinity Provencher scored 3 of her game total 10 points and 14 rebounds.

TEAM CREDITS COACH:
In the semifinal against Tiverton, EP started fast, built a lead and then absorbed a Tiverton comeback attempt and eventually pulled ahead for the win. Infrequent winners over the past couple of years, The Townies knew they were on to something with 2nd year Head Coach Tammy Drape at the helm. Drape who had success at both Tolman and St. Ray’s for years is in her second year with the Townies. “What a great community in EP. I am blessed to be able to coach a great group of girls and Alex Butler (EP Athletic Director) and his staff are amazing. Success starts from the top,” said Drape after the Tiverton win. Townie senior Harmonie McDowell said what the entire team felt; “We’re a different team than a couple years ago. We made a statement and led by coach Drape we play as one, a team,” she said. Echoing that sentiment was Provencher who repeated how the team ‘plays as one.’ “We are tight on and off the court and have each other’s backs,” said the talented Townie junior.

EP will face a challenge with Narragansett. The Mariners have one of the state’s best players in Grace Blessing and the team has been a title contender often. The Townies however are a balanced team and play with a “team effort” above individual performances. In the end both Narragansett and East Providence play balanced basketball and the D2 final is shaping up as a great game. Even though East Providence has not yet won a state championship, the Townies have been close and have had some great teams through the years. Still, the basketball championship has been allusive. EP is hoping for a school first state title on Thursday. Game time is 6 pm. If tradition continues, East Providence fans should come out in big numbers to support the Lady Townies in their championship bid.