Sports Roundup

EPHS Girls Basketball Remains Undefeated
The East Providence High girls basketball team continues to be the story of the year as they remain undefeated in Division II play.  In a head to head clash late last month with the only other undefeated girls team in the division, Juanita Sanchez High, the Townies remained undefeated when the final buzzer went off.  When Townies coach Bay Lambert, himself a standout basketball player for his EP alma mater, took over the head coaching job a couple of years ago, the team was struggling.  There weren’t many victories to show as the Townies were soundly beaten in almost every game.  The effervescent coach never quit on his teams, nor would he let the girls quit.  Lambert pushed and prodded and made the team work hard.  They ran, they shot hoops, they did calisthenics and then they did more.  Mostly, Lambert told the team he had confidence in them.  Lambert promised they would start to win soon.  Some new players, including a group of outstanding freshmen that have the state basketball eyes upon them, have turned the program around.  The Townies came out strong this year and as of this writing are now 11-0 and have in most cases easily disposed of their opponents.

In a big game late last month, EP met also unbeaten Juanita Sanchez High of Providence.  The team has a nice blending of freshmen and upperclassmen.  One such senior, Makkah Denson, provided an emotional spark in the Sanchez headliner.  Denson’s grandmother had passed away and the service was on the day of the big game.  The senior defensive star didn’t think she could make the game that night.  They were a very close family.  But  just before the start of the game Makkah arrived.  She played a bit in the opening half but carried the Townies in the second half.

The Townies were in unfamiliar territory.  They were down by 12 at halftime.   Lambert said after that Denson sparked his team to victory.  She did it with a tenacious defense and hustle that ignited a Townie rally.  “This is a team with out regard for individual stats,” said coach Lambert after the game.  But there was no doubt that Captain Makkah Denson was a major reason the Townies came back and beat Sanchez 49-43.  The undefeated streak would continue.

Denson is one of the few seniors who was there for those losing years.  She and her teammates realize that they need each other to win and it really doesn’t matter who is high scorer or plays the most.  “All that matters is that the team wins and plays hard.”

The next hurdle for East Providence may be if and when the team is placed in Division I.  That may come next season.  “We’ll be ready to work hard,” said coach Bay Lambert.

EPHS Boys Basketball
The Townie boys basketball team continues to play well as they defeated neighbor Barrington High 53-48 in late January.  However the team has dropped to 4-5 in tough Division I play.  In the Barrington win, East Providence was led by Try Rezendes’ 15 points.  Wil Winfield and Xavier Hazzard each tossed in 9 points.  Max Collins had 7, Kenaz Ochgwu added 6 while Jay Gonsalves had 5 points for the EP win.

In a disappointing game, EP was leading Cumberland by 11 points in the second half but eventually lost by a one point, 63-62.  The Townies did have an impressive win over North Kingstown in an 86-62 win.  Trey Rezendes led with 18.

The Townies also beat Cranston east in a 73-56 game victory.  Once again, Rezendes was high scorer with 16.  Max Collins was close behind with 15 and more balanced scoring had Jay Gonsalves and Kenaz Ochgwu with 12 points.  Xavier Hazard scored 10. 

EPHS Swimming
The season has been limited due to COVID 19 and scheduling issues.  The boys team record is 1-1 and the girls are at 0-2.

EPHS Indoor Track
The Townies ended up the season with a 6-3 record.  Coach Bob Lyons was pleased with his team’s strong showing.  “Our athletes worked hard and showed much improvement.  We look forward to the Rhode Island State Meet which is coming up,” said the veteran coach.

1st place World Trophy Classic was won by the Townie 4×400m relay team.

Gymnastics
The East Providence/Rogers Co-op gymnastics team had an outstanding overall effort and a second place finish in last month’s multi school meet.

Little League Baseball & Softball
Rumford Little League: Registration for baseball or softball.  Rumford Little league is asking all families to register their players earlier, so we can place orders for their team shirts.  We want to be ahead of the curve and recognize the shortage and delay in products.  Please help and get registered today! We want all of our kids to have t-shirts by opening day.

https://www.rumfordll.com/registration  This link includes T-Ball, Softball, Farm, Minor, Major, Junior and Senior.

Riverside Little League:  Just a reminder that Spring is right around the corner and so is the return of Riverside Little League Baseball.  Visit http://www.rllri.org to register for the upcoming Spring Season.  Dates and Times for the upcoming season are still being finalized, but please register early to allow time for planning and to avoid late fees. A couple of important notes about the upcoming season.

1. Register before 2/14/22 and you will receive an early-bird discount of $10.
2. Registration will close on March 1st. Any registrations after that time (if space exists in your child’s division) will incur a $10 late fee.
3. The league is run entirely by volunteers. Your involvement is essential if the league is to remain successful. Therefore, we encourage you to volunteer and help in any way you can to help support our little leaguers. We have many opportunities and are always looking for assistance (ex. coaching, helping in the concession stand, assisting with field maintenance, fundraising, board members, etc.). If you choose not to volunteer, an additional $20 fee will be added to your family's registration. If you have any questions, please contact us at info@rllri.org  Register today at http://www.rllri.org  and we will see you on the field in the spring!

East Providence Central LL:  Don’t Delay.  2022 Spring Seasons just around the corner.  We are always looking for volunteers to help with all aspects of the league (Managers, Coaches, Concession Help, Fundraising, Field Maintenance, Board Position).  Sign up @Epcll.com.  For more information email us @Info.epcll@gmail.com.  The spring season is just around the corner. Tball is the start of the building block introducing your child to the game. Keep it simple and most of all have fun. 

No child should be turned away from a Little League program. If families in your league need financial assistance with registration fees, the T-Mobile Little League Call Up Grant may be able to help: www.LittleLeague.org/CallUpGrant.