Lady Townies Take Smithfield in Q-Final 44-43. Play in Semi-Finals on Thursday 8 pm in Portsmouth

The Lady Townie basketball team is playing deep into RI Interscholastic D-2 playoffs after a dramatic 44-43 win over a very good Smithfield High team on February 21st. East Providence has won 4 games in a row and 9 of their last 10 games adding to a 15-5 record to date. 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 game for comments. “I never doubted our team at any point during the (Smithfield) game. Although it got really close at points, 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 – referred to as “Kat”herine by coach Drape – 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. “The team worked hard and came through when needed the most. Thursday’s semi-final against Tiverton should be a great game,” added Drape.

In a January league game, East Providence got by Tiverton with a 47-44 win. The Townies – Tiverton semi-final game will be played at Portsmouth High School on Thursday, February 27th at 8:00 pm. https://gofan.co/tickets  for Thursday’s semi-final game are available at https://gofan.co/ .

Tiverton defeated Mt. Hope High 51-34 to gain a semi-final berth against the Townies.

“I love our team connection as it shows on and off the court. I know we’ll work hard and prepare for Tiverton on Thursday in the Semi Finals. Let’s go Townies!” added Provencher.

The Reporter appreciates photo contributions from Lorri Provencher and Riley Feeney.