March 28, 2024

Townies Cruise past Lincoln 103-82 to Gain Elite 8 Basketball Play

ALL FURTHER GAMES ARE CANCELED

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ALL FURTHER GAMES ARE CANCELED:

Before a mostly empty EPHS gymnasium on Thursday night, March 12th, the Townies dominated 20-4 Division 3 champion Lincoln High, 103-82. The fan-restricted game had officials only allowing mostly parents to attend due to the coronavirus pandemic. Traditionally East Providence brings as many and usually more fans to interscholastic games as any school in Rhode Island. So it was certainly disappointing to hundreds of Townie fans that they could not attend the Sweet-16 basketball game. At the divisional final four game against Hendricken at CCRI, close to 1,000 or more Townie fans comprised a standing room only crowd (see photo).

School officials arranged to have the state championship Sweet-16 game on Thursday live-streamed so fans could watch at home. “Because tickets are limited for the Townie basketball playoff game vs. Lincoln, we are offering live stream coverage. Thanks to Asst. Superintendent Dr. Sandra Forand for organizing,” said East Providence Athletic Director Gregg Amore.

The game had a small crowd in the stands but players from both teams played with enthusiasm and didn’t hold back. East Providence, as they have done throughout the playoffs, started a bit slow and led at halftime 49-40. However, the Townies raced ahead in the second half to a blowout 21-point victory. A good portion of the second half saw many of the Townie non-starters in the game. All East Providence players saw action and were enthusiastically cheered on by the usual starters.

Actually, I planned to play some guys off the bench to hopefully wear Lincoln down as I knew they only play 5 guys as a rule. I was hoping our size and depth would wear them down,” said EP head Coach Joe Andrade. “Late in the game I was able to get a few more guys in.”

The Townies are scheduled to advance to the Elite Eight level in the State Championship bracket. However, the future of the tournament is questionable due to the pandemic. Almost on an hourly basis, events are being postponed or cancelled outright. Finals were to be played at CCRI and at URI’s Ryan Center, but those venues are no longer available to interscholastic playoffs. Rhode Island College is now set to hold quarterfinal rounds for basketball this coming weekend but league officials are discussing other alternatives. The RI Interscholastic League has already postponed state hockey playoff games.

EPHS Coach Joe Andrade and players are progressing as if the basketball tournament will continue. “We’re getting ready to play a tough East Greenwich squad,” added Andrade.

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