FEBRUARY
27, 2008-- TOWNIES LOSE A HEARTBREAKER IN TRIPLE OVERTIME
TO CRANSTON EAST 82-79.
The First Round Playoff game had everything that you could ask
for in a basketball game, except for a Townie win. Both
teams battled for 44 minutes and left everything they had on the
floor. In the end Cranston East made a few more shots in earning
the win. EP trailed 26-20 at the half, and immediately came out
an took the lead three minutes into the second half. The
game went back and forth in the late stages of the game, and EP
had an eight footer that rolled around and out with 8 seconds to
play. EP jumped out quickly to a lead in the first OT, but
the Bolts fought back and forced a second OT. At the end
of the second OT Jonathan Robinson had a half court shot the hit
the backboard and the game went into the third OT. EP once
again took an early lead only to have the Bolts make key free
throws down the stretch and inbound the ball with 3 seconds left
to preserve the win. Seniors Steve Maisano and Nate Lovett
had monster games in their Townie finale. Maisano had a
career high 29 points and 23 rebounds along with 8 blocks.
Lovett had 13 points, 12 rebounds, 2 assists and two blocks.
Glen Shelton fought through illness, to have 21 points 6
rebounds and 7 assists. Those three players didn't come out of
the game over the final 30 minutes of the contest. Overall
the team played their hearts out and I appreciate everything
they have done throughout the season. This is the final
game in a Townie uniform for seniors Maisano, Lovett, Anthony
Leonardo, Craig Hannaway, Rob Smith and Jay Robinson.
Thank you to the seniors for your dedication, leadership and
toughness.
FEBRUARY
25, 2008-- TOWNIES SEEDED 7TH HEADING INTO STATE PLAYOFFS.
EP ended up with the 7th overall seed for the upcoming State
Tournament. EP will play Cranston East on Wednesday the
27th at 7:00 at home. EP defeated Cranston East 64-46 in
the only meeting of the season. If the Townies win they
will play Friday night at CCRI/Warwick at 9:00 pm vs. #2 seed
Woonsocket HS.
FEBRUARY
25, 2008-- TOWNIES HAVE TOO MANY LAPSES OF INCONSISTENCY
AND LOSE TO HOPE 63-55.
EP started the game with good energy and executed well on both
ends of the floor. From the 10 minute mark of the first
half on, the team played up and down. EP once again shot
poorly 38%, and went 9 for 21 (43%) from the free throw line.
The defensive transition was very slow and couldn't stop Hope
from getting to the rim. The Townie JV squad ended the
season on a winning note, 45-36. Donald Williams paced the
team with a game high 17 points.
FEBRUARY
24, 2008-- TOWNIE TRIO EARNS POST-SEASON ACCOLADES.
Seniors Nate Lovett and Steve Maisano, as well as Junior Frank
Robinson were chosen by the coaches association as All-Division
Selections. Nate Lovett made First Team All-Division,
while Maisano and Robinson were Second Team Selections.
Maisano just missed the First Team selection by two votes.
Both Lovett and Maisano will be playing in the Rhode Island
Basketball Coaches Association Top 48 All-Star game. The
game is scheduled for March 12th at Rhode Island College.
Nate and Steve will be playing in the second game of the night,
which is scheduled for 7:30.
FEBRUARY
24, 2008-- TOWNIE JV TEAM DROPS THEIR QUARTER-FINAL GAME
TO MOUNT PLEASANT, 64-48.
Donald Williams played a solid all-around game for EP. He
led the team with 18 points.
FEBRUARY
20, 2008-- TOWNIES PREVAIL IN A FORGETTABLE CONTEST
AGAINST RIVAL LASALLE, 52-50.
Well it wasn't pretty, but its a win. EP played a
lackluster first half, as LaSalle led 28-22 at the break.
LaSalle could pretty much get wherever they wanted to on the
floor, and EP made some poor decisions in late stages of the
first half. EP picked up their play in the second half, as
the defense created key turnovers. Both teams shot under 35% for
the game. Nate Lovett was very aggressive on the offensive
end, and rebounded the ball very well. Glen Shelton and
Abe Daramola attacked the basket from the perimeter.
LaSalle managed to tie the game at 50 with 35 seconds to play.
EP played in control and got a pull up jumper from Shelton with
10 seconds left to give the team the lead. Nate Lovett
sealed the win with a blocked shot at the rim as time expired.
Daramola led the way with 12 points and 7 rebounds.
Shelton and Lovett had 10 each. The Townie JV team dropped
their game to the #1 seeded LaSalle JV squad 68-33. The teams
will play the regular season finale on Friday night at Hope HS.
Game times are 5:45 and 7:30.
FEBRUARY
17, 2008-- JV TEAM EARNS FIRST ROUND WIN AGAINST HOPE HS
56-47, IN THE JV STATE CHAMPIONSHIPS.
The Townies played 32 solid minutes of basketball as they were
led by Donald Williams and Randyn McCutcheon. EP will now
advance to the Quarterfinals on Saturday at North Kingstown HS.
EP will play Mt. Pleasant at 4:00 in the main gym at NK.
Bus time will 2:30.
FEBRUARY
15, 2008-- EP GETS HAMMERED AT HOME AGAINST MOUNT PLEASANT
67-49, ON SENIOR NIGHT.
You would have never known that this game was going to be for
first place in Division 1 East. Mount Pleasant came out on
all cylinders and EP sputtered to muster an effort or any
opposition to the Kilties. EP trailed 40-21 at the break,
and played a point better than Mount in the second half, but it
was much too late. The team had no execution, team work or
any desire to fight back in a key game. Mount Pleasant
shot 67% for the game, while EP shot 1 for 18 from three (6%).
Next week will really tell how the team will finish up its
season. EP travels to LaSalle on Tuesday night and then to
Hope HS on Friday.
FEBRUARY
15, 2008-- THERE HAS BEEN A CHANGE IN THE JUNIOR VARSITY
SCHEDULE FOR THE JV STATE CHAMPIONSHIPS.
The Townie JV squad was originally scheduled to play tomorrow at
12:00 at Hope HS vs. Hope. Due to a gym conflict, that
game has been rescheduled for Sunday the 17th at Portsmouth HS.
The game will now be played at 12:00 pm. The bus will be
scheduled for 10:15.
FEBRUARY
12, 2008-- EP CAN'T SLOW DOWN THE HAWKS, LOSE GAME 76-64.
The Townies couldn't manage to get over the 10 point hump in the
second half. Too many turnovers against the Hawks'
pressure and lack of offensive execution did in the Townies.
EP allowed the Hawks to shoot 60% in the first half and missed
many easy opportunities. The team will regroup and return
to the court on Friday night vs. Mount Pleasant at 7:30.
This game will be Senior Night for 6 of the players.
Captains Nate Lovett and Steve Maisano, as well as Anthony
Leonardo, Craig Hannaway, Rob Smith and Jonathan Robinson will
play their last regular season home game. The Townie JV
team lost their game 68-43.
FEBRUARY
12, 2008-- TOWNIE JV TEAM WILL PLAY IN JUNIOR VARSITY
STATE CHAMPIONSHIPS THIS SATURDAY (16TH) AT 4:00.
EP will play Hope at Hope HS as part of a triple header.
EP and Hope will play in the final game of the afternoon.
The winner of this first round game will advance to the
Quarterfinal Round next weekend at North Kingstown HS, time to
be determined.
FEBRUARY
8, 2008-- TOWNIES NEED OVERTIME TO PICK UP WIN AT CRANSTON WEST
66-63.
EP certainly made is tough on themselves by not executing down
the stretch and allowing the Falcons to get too many easy looks
at the basket. In spite of that EP picked up a very
important win. The Townies were led by a near triple
double for Steve Maisano, (11 points, 10 rebounds, and 9 blocks)
and Glen Shelton's 16 points and 5 assists. The Townies
had an eight point lead at the break, 30 -22. Then they
allowed 41 second half points, very uncharacteristic for a
usually stingy Townie defense. EP will need to tighten up
the defense next week, as the Townies will take on Bishop
Hendricken on Tuesday night at home, at 7:30. The Townie
JV team also went into overtime, two of them, but they couldn't
pull out the win 50-47.
FEBRUARY
5, 2008-- EP HITS THE ROAD AND PICKS UP WIN VS. CRANSTON
EAST 64-46.
The Townies started a road week with an important win vs. the
Thunder Bolts. The team applied constant pressure to
East's guards and ended the game on an 18 to 6 run. This
was a solid team effort, as the players followed the game plan
and executed on both ends of the floor. The Townies had a season
low 8 turnovers. EP was paced by senior captain Steve
Maisano's 17 points and 5 rebounds. Nate Lovett continues
to dominate in the paint with 8 points, 8 rebounds and 2 blocks.
The perimeter was solid, with Glen Shelton and Abe Daramola
providing a tremendous spark off the bench. They combined
for 21 points, 6 rebounds, 4 assists and 3 steals. The
Townie JV's worked hard but came up short 45-38. Both
teams will return to action on Friday night vs. Cranston West.
FEBRUARY
1, 2008-- TOWNIES OPEN UP FEBRUARY WITH WIN OVER CENTRAL
69-61.
After struggling the first two games of a tough week, EP came
out tonight and displayed the work ethic that it is going to
take to be successful down the stretch. EP opened the game
by attacking the Knights press and getting to the basket.
The Townies defense held the Knights to 30% shooting in the
first half, and led 33-27 at the break. The second half
saw Central take the lead at about the 10 minute mark and EP
responded with a few key steals and some clutch three point
shooting. For the game EP shot 50%, a far cry from the 29%
on Tuesday night. Nate Lovett once again had a monster
game with 17 points and 12 rebounds. Andrew Williams
bounced back from two sub-par games to have a team high 20
points and added 8 rebounds. The game also marked the
return of senior captain, Steve Maisano. This no doubt
gave the Townies a lift. The Townie JV team lost their
game 58-46. EP will start next week at Cranston East on
Tuesday night. Game times are 5:15 and 7:00.
JANUARY
29, 2008-- EP STRUGGLES TO SCORE EN-ROUTE TO LOSS AT NORTH
KINGSTOWN 48-37.
The Townies shot 29% for the game, and still had a shot to steal
the game, as they were down four with 2:00 minutes left to go.
A few key missed opportunities allowed the Skippers to make
their free throws and seal the win. The Townie defense
kept EP in the game as they created key turnovers. EP had a
better effort tonight, and competed for the full 32 minutes.
Nate Lovett continues his solid play with 12 points and 12
rebounds. He was the only Townie to reach double figures.
The Townie JV team also lost their game, 47-30. Both teams will
play at home on Friday night vs. Central HS.
JANUARY
28, 2008-- TOWNIES TURN IN LACKLUSTER EFFORT AT MT.
PLEASANT, LOSE 62-50.
It's been a while since EP played such a poor game, both
defensively and offensively. The team was out of sync from
the opening tap. The Townies gave up 46 points in the
paint, as they allowed the Kilties to get into the lane
countless times. EP shot 36% for the game, including
missing numerous layups. The team has no time to feel bad
for themselves as they must regroup and get back together for
their road game at North Kingstown tomorrow (Tuesday) night.
Game time is 7:00. The Townie JV's didn't fair any better,
as they lost 68-40. They will play at 5:15 tomorrow night.
JANUARY
24, 2008-- EP TURNS UP THE PRESSURE ON EXETER WEST
GREENWICH, COMES AWAY WITH 74-53 VICTORY.
EP came out with some defensive toughness, and a determination
to earn this win. Frank Robinson exploded for 16 first
half points and Jonathan Robinson and Andrew Williams led the
Townie defensive pressure. The team shot 71% in the first half.
EP led 32-29 at the half, and opened up the second half with a
quick 8-0 run. After 5 minutes in the second half, EP had
only allowed 5 points. Once again, Nate Lovett was a beast
inside as he posted another double double (12 points, 12
rebounds). Rob Smith continued his solid play with 9
points and 6 boards. Frank finished with 20 points 4
rebounds and 4 assists. The Townie JV squad picked up
their second straight win, 53-35. Aaron Spivey led the way
with 12 points. Both teams will travel to Mount Pleasant on
Monday the 28th. This game is the makeup from the
original season opener. Game times are 5:45 and 7:30.
JANUARY
22, 2008-- TOWNIES SENIOR TRIO LEADS THE WAY, AS EP LEADS WIRE
TO WIRE, DEFEATS CHARIHO 64-45.
EP was led by seniors Nate Lovett, Andrew Williams, and Rob
Smith. The senior trio combined for 41 points, 20
rebounds, 7 assists, 10 steals and 7 blocks. With the
Townies controlling the lane, EP was able to extend its defense
and that led to many easy baskets. Senior guard Jonathan
Robinson turned in his second straight solid game, adding 3
threes and some solid defense. The Townie JV squad picked
up a win 48-30. Ryan Leite lead the way with 13 points.
Both teams have a quick turnaround as they will return to the
court on Thursday night at home vs. Exeter West Greenwich.
Game times are 5:45 (JV) and 7:30 (Varsity).
JANUARY
19, 2008-- TOWNIES "WAKE UP" IN TIME TO DEFEAT SOUTH
KINGSTOWN 49-46.
It certainly wasn't an ideal situation to play a road game at
11:00 in the morning, but EP managed to get the halftime lead
27-26. The second half saw the team go through dry spells
offensively and on the glass. During that stretch the
Rebels were able to get a 7 point lead with 5:45 to go.
The Townies clamped down over the last 5:45, only giving up 8
points and executing and making shots on the offensive end.
Key baskets from Frank Robinson, and Andrew Williams gave the
Townies the lead. Jonathan Robinson had a big drive to the
lane for two and came up with a key steal in the last 8 seconds.
Andrew Williams gave the Townies their three point cushion with
two clutch free throws. EP will return to action on
Tuesday night at home vs. Chariho HS at 7:30.
JANUARY
16, 2008-- THREE MINUTE SPAN DOES IN THE TOWNIES AS THEY
DROP LEAGUE GAME TO WOONSOCKET 63-54.
EP controlled the game from the opening tip, and lead
26-24 at the half. The Villanovans came into the game undefeated
and the Townies were up to the task. Until the
Townies ran into trouble at the 8:30 mark of the second half.
With the game tied 38-38, Woonsocket went on a 14-0 run.
EP had numerous defensive lapses and then compounded the
mistakes by turning the ball over on ensuing possessions.
Down 14, EP rallied to get the deficit down to 5 with about 1:30
on the clock. The Townies couldn't get any closer as
Woonsocket made their free throws down the stretch. EP shot a
season high 65% for the game. For the game Woonsocket was
26-31 from the charity stripe, while EP was 6-15. The Townie
JV's dropped a tight one 53-50. The Varsity team will
return to league play on Saturday at 11 am, at South Kingstown
HS.
JANUARY
14, 2008-- GAME VS. SOUTH KINGSTOWN HAS BEEN RESCHEDULED
DUE TO SCHOOL CLOSURES. THE GAME WILL BE PLAYED ON
SATURDAY, JANUARY 19TH AT 11:00 AM AT SOUTH KINGSTOWN.
THERE WILL BE NO JV GAME THAT DAY.
THE VARSITY TEAM WILL PRACTICE ON TUESDAY, 2:30 TO 4:30 AND THE
JV TEAM WILL PRACTICE 4:30 TO 6:30. BOTH TEAMS WILL RETURN
TO ACTION ON WEDNESDAY NIGHT AT HOME VS. WOONSOCKET.
JANUARY
11, 2008-- TOWNIES CAN'T OVERCOME ICE COLD SHOOTING, LOSE
TO ST. RAY'S 57-47.
The Townies trailed at the break 31-25, and left about 16 points
on the floor due to missed lay-ups and missed interior shots.
Despite their poor shooting, the Townies defense rose to the
occasion and forced the Saints into some early second half
turnovers. EP took a 3 point lead with about 7:00 mins
left. Then the team went ice cold. EP managed to
score only four points the rest of the half. For the game
the team shot 33%, including 2-15 (13%) from three point range.
Andrew Williams turned in a solid performance in leading the
team with 17 points, and leading the way on defense. The
Townie JV team also dropped their game. Both teams will be
back in action on Monday vs. South Kingstown HS.
JANUARY
8, 2008-- EP TRAVELS TO CUMBERLAND AND EARNS THE ROAD
VICTORY 54-43.
It's never easy to win road games in Division 1, and EP worked
hard to get this win. The Townies only allowed 43 points
as they pressured and harassed the Clippers shooters. EP
was paced by the trio of Frank Robinson, Nate Lovett and Steve
Maisano. They combined for 41 points, 22 rebounds and 4
assists. Junior Glen Shelton came off the bench to add a
much needed lift. He added 8 points, and 2 assists.
The JV team also picked up a win, 57-46. Donald Williams
had a game high 18 points. EP will return to the court on
Friday night at rival, St. Ray's. Game time is 7:00.
JANUARY
7, 2008-- TOWNIES FEATURED ON COX CABLE'S, "VARSITY LIFE"
PROGRAM.
The East Providence Boy's Basketball team was featured in a
segment called, "Wired", in which Coach Alex Butler was taped
during the Townies' home game vs. LaSalle on December 21st. The
Varsity Life is a program that is run by Cox Cable, and WJAR
Channel 10. Frank Carpano hosts the program. The
show is available to be seen on Cox Cable's, "On Demand."
Click on the link to check out the segment from
Wired!!
JANUARY
4, 2008-- EP BOUNCES BACK TO DEFEAT SMITHFIELD 52-44,
CAPTURE SECOND LEAGUE VICTORY.
The Townies showed some character and toughness tonight in
rebounding from a disappointing loss on Wednesday night.
The Townies lead for pretty much the whole game. EP was
paced by captains Steve Maisano and Nate Lovett and fellow
senior Andrew Williams. The three combined for 30 points
20 rebounds, 4 assists and 3 blocks. Junior guard, John Villari
sparked the team with two key three point shots in the second
half. EP's defensive intensity was very high as the team
gave up a season low 44 points. The Townie JV team lost
their game 62-47. Jon Prisco paced the team with 13
points. The Townies will return to action next Tuesday, at
Cumberland HS in the first of two road games next week.
JANUARY
2, 2008-- TOWNIES LACK OF OFFENSIVE EXECUTION LEADS TO
DEFEAT VS. HOPE 59-54.
EP couldn't put together any offensive rhythm, which lead to
numerous turnovers, bad decisions and lost opportunities.
Hope converted key offensive possessions inside of two minutes
to seal the league win. EP had 19 turnovers, missed
numerous lay-ups, leading to 35% shooting for the game, and
couldn't find a team that could execute all night. The
team will play its next game on Friday night vs. Smithfield HS
in a league contest. The Townie JV squad dropped their
game 74-67.
DECEMBER
31, 2007-- GAME VS. MOUNT PLEASANT HAS BEEN RESCHEDULED!!
The game which was postponed on December 18th, due to a
water main break at Mt. Pleasant High School has a new date.
The Townies will travel to Mount Pleasant on Monday January
28th. The game times will be 5:45 JV, and 7:30 Varsity.
DECEMBER
27, 2007-- TOWNIES DEFEAT BISHOP FEEHAN 65-52, DESPITE
SOME SLOPPY PLAY AND LACK OF FOCUS.
EP left the gym with a victory, but with a lot of room for
improvement. EP allowed the Shamrocks too many easy
baskets and didn't apply the pressure needed to play effective
defense. EP played soft at times and allowed the Shamrocks to
set the tempo for stretches of the game. The Townies turned the
ball over 17 times and didn't execute in their half court
situations. The Townies were paced by juniors Frank
Robinson (17 points) and Glen Shelton (16 points). EP will
return to action on Wednesday January 2nd at 7:30 against league
and division rival Hope HS.
DECEMBER
26, 2007-- TOWNIES ROLL TO WIN VS. PONAGANSET, 82-57, IN
THE COMMUNITY AND TEACHER'S CREDIT UNION CLASSIC.
EP turned in a solid performance from tip-off to final buzzer,
as every Townie player contributed to the win. The Townies
were up 48-17 at the half and never looked back. The
Townies suffocating first half pressure caused many Chieftain
turnovers, and created many easy shots for the Townies.
Andrew Williams turned in consecutive strong games with 15
points, 4 rebounds and 5 steals. Abe Daramola jump started
the teams offense with 15 points, and Frank Robinson turned in
his strongest game on the boards with 7 to along with his 12
points. EP will return to the court Thursday night at 7:30
against Bishop Feehan. LaSalle will play Ponaganset at
6:30.
DECEMBER
21, 2007-- EP BOUNCES BACK FROM SLOW START AND TURNS IN A SOLID
SECOND HALF TO BEAT RIVAL LASALLE 72-60 TO PICK UP THEIR FIRST
LEAGUE WIN.
The Townies overcame a sluggish start offensively and
defensively, picked up their intensity and made better decisions
to turn back the Rams. EP trailed at the half 31-28 and
the three point deficit was cut down from 11. EP closed
the half on a 11-2 run and opened the second half on a 14-0 run.
The Townies had five players in double figures, and almost had
three players produce double doubles. Andrew Williams
paced the Townies with 17 points. and 12 rebounds. Nate
Lovett turned in a solid performance with 14 points and 9
rebounds, and Steve Maisano added 10 points and 12 rebounds.
Glen Shelton and Jay Quintanilha came off the bench to spark the
Townies. The Townie JV team dropped their game 71-55.
The Townies will return to action on Wednesday night vs.
Ponaganset (7:30) in the second game of the East Providence
Community and Teacher's Credit Union Classic. The first
game will have LaSalle playing Bishop Feehan at 6:00.
DECEMBER
15, 2007-- TOWNIES ARE BEATEN BY CLASSICAL 67-41.
EP got a taste of what league action is going to be like.
EP couldn't handle the ball all game, as they committed 25
turnovers. The Purple pressure forced the Townies into bad
decisions and forced many players to play tentatively. The
Townies trailed 27-23 at the half, and saw the lead balloon into
double digits after 4 straight defensive breakdowns early in the
second half. EP shot 33% for the game, and allowed
Classical to shoot 54%. It is early in the season, and the
Townies will work hard to improve. The Townies return to
action on Tuesday night at Mt. Pleasant HS. This game will
be the Division 1 league opener.
DECEMBER
13 , 2007-- GAME TONIGHT VS. CLASSICAL IS POSTPONED
DUE TO SNOW STORM. EP WILL NOW PLAY CLASSICAL ON SATURDAY,
DECEMBER 15TH AT 2:00 PM.
As a result of the game change, this will be a Varsity
only contest. Both the Varsity and Junior Varsity teams
will practice on Friday, 4 to 6.
DECEMBER
10 , 2007-- EP WINS SEASON OPENER OVER WARWICK VETS
BEHIND BALANCED SCORING ATTACK 89-52.
The Townies had seven players score 8 points or more enroute to
their season opening win. EP had 22 assists on 35 field goals.
That is team basketball. Andrew Williams paced the Townie
attack with 13 points, 5 rebounds, 2 assists and 3 blocks.
Frank Robinson and Nate Lovett had 12 and 10 respectively.
EP's defensive effort was improved since the Injury Fund, as the
team is beginning to understand the intensity level needed to be
successful. EP will return to the court on Thursday night
at 7:30 vs. Classical HS. This will be the 2007-2008 home
opener. The Townie JV squad also picked up their first win
of the young season 70-45. EP was paced by Donald
Williams' game high 23 points.
DECEMBER
7 , 2007-- TOWNIES OPEN UP THE SEASON WITH A WIN, BEATING
TIVERTON 58-47.
EP certainly didn't make it easy. The team had very
typical early season mistakes and shot an abysmal 36% from the
free throw line. The team was lead by senior, Nate
Lovett's double double (10 points, 11 rebounds) and Andrew
Williams' 8 points and 5 rebounds. The team has a long way
to go, and will definitely improve. The Townie JV squad
also picked up a win, 54-32. Donald Williams paced the
Townies with 14 points.
DECEMBER
7 , 2007-- SENIORS, LOVETT AND MAISANO NAMED
CAPTAINS OF THE 2007-2008 TOWNIE SQUAD.
Nate Lovett and Steve Maisano will direct the team this
year as the senior leaders. Nate is beginning his fourth
season with the Varsity team and Steve begins his third.
Both players will be counted on to provide leadership, and
direction both on the court and off.
DECEMBER
5 , 2007-- TOWNIES SET TO START THE
SEASON ON FRIDAY NIGHT. EP will travel to Tiverton HS
on Friday night at 7:00 to take on the Tigers. This is the
Injury Fund game for both teams. The Providence Journal
stopped by practice this week to