Three Townies scored in double digits as the East Providence girls basketball team pasted Tiverton 60-46 in the Division 2 semifinals at Portsmouth High School on Thursday night. The 3rd seeded Townies move on to play 1st seeded Narragansett in the championship at the Amica Mutual Pavilion on Thursday night at 6 p.m.

As for the Tigers, they will start practicing for the state tournament round of 16 where they will face Portsmouth on Friday night at 6 p.m.

“Tiverton’s a great team,” said Townies head coach Tammy Drape. “They got great shooters and a strong inside presence. My girls just followed directions tonight and it was it was a beautiful thing to see.”

 

Senior Harmonie McDowell, junior Trinity Provencher and sophomore Zarae Hall combined for 19 points as the Townies jumped out to a 22-6 lead in the first quarter. McDowell was hot from outside, sinking a pair of 3-pointers for 6 of her 14 points. The swing-guard earned her first triple-double of the season adding 12 rebounds and 11 assists. 

Provencher, a small, but quick forward, battled Tiverton bigs, Jah’niece Branch and Jenna Del Deo under the basket for 8 of her 17 points and Hall buried a 3-pointer and a jumper for 5 of her game high 18 points. 

“I told them right from the beginning to step on the pedal,” Coach Drape said. “We got to go now. Don't wait. Tiverton didn't give up. But we just really played well together and executed.”

 

Second seeded Tiverton, who had won 12 straight games heading into the semifinals, wasn’t about to go down without a fight, but the Tigers had a difficult time against the East Providence press. Del Deo, a senior fought for a layup and added a free throw for 3 of her 7 points in the first quarter. Sophomore guard Cami Oliveira drained a 3-pointer as the Tigers attempted to get back in the game. 

 

“This was the best season I've ever had,” said Del Deo. We didn’t know that we’d make it this far and just I love playing with all these girls and to have this amazing senior season. I got to play with my best friends every day. I really couldn't ask for more.”

 

Tiverton sophomore guard Brooke Sowa came off the bench and buried a 3-pointer to start the second quarter. The basket jump started the Tigers. Tori Murray, Tess Purcell and Branch made baskets. Murray, a sophomore, drove in, collected a foul and sank the free throws. She scored 4 of her 9 points in the quarter. Senior Ellery Pacheco, who later left the game due to injury, added a free throw as Tiverton scored 12 points to cut the East Providence lead to 31-18 at halftime. 

For the Townies, Hall bombed a 3-pointer and a jumper for 5 more points. McDowell and center, Audrey Bernard each added buckets. Bernard, a sophomore, grabbed 16 boards to lead the Townies in rebounding. 

 

Though multiple Tigers were in foul trouble, the team responded to head coach Mike Brigham’s message at halftime. Tessa Purcell scored 4 of her 6 points in the third quarter. Oliveira buried a 3-pointer, Del Deo and Murray each added 2 points and Branch sank a free throw as the Tigers outscored the Townies 12-11 to cut the lead to 41-29 after the third quarter. 

Hall and East Providence kept pace with the Tigers. She buried her third 3-pointer of the night and another jumper for 5 more points. 

 

“My team was really testing me with the ball,” Hall said. They were feeding me when I was open. They knew I was hot so I just kept shooting it. Yeah.”

 

Provencher added a layup and a free throw, Bernard added a bucket and McDowell added free throw. 

East Providence scored 18 points in the final quarter to put the audacious Tigers away. Provencher continued to battle underneath and put back shots. She scored 6 points from the paint. 

“ I have to give credit to Trinity. I’ve been calling her T-Dog, she’s tough as nails,” said Coach Drape. 

 

The game held a different meaning for Provencher, whose mom graduated from Tiverton High School. 

“This game meant the absolute world to me,” she said. “It felt great to beat them twice. They are a really hard working team.”

 

McDowell added 5 points, Hall added 3 points, Bernard and Nadiyah Calouro-Vargas added each added 2.

 

Branch catches fire for Tiverton

Branch, who sat at times due to foul trouble, finally caught fire for Tiverton, scoring 6 points from under the basket. 

“They're a really good team,” said Branch. “They know how to look for the open players and stuff like that. That's what I really like about them. They're really good.” 

Branch contemplated about the Tigers getting back to the playoffs next season. 

“My senior year, I think we could get a championship. But it was fun this year, too. So absolutely.”

 Oliveira sank a 3-pointer and a jumper for 5 points, Murray drained a 3-pointer and Del Deo added a basket. 

 

“It feels really great,” said Hall after the Townies victory. “We worked really hard to come here. Everybody doubted us, but We really played as a team and like yeah.”

 

Coach Drape wanted to acknowledge the team's support from the administration, "I sincerely appreciate the administration’s unwavering support. It’s truly inspiring to see Superintendent Sandy Forand, Principal Bill Black, Athletic Director Alex Butler, and Assistant Athletic Director Dan Cabral in the stands at every game, showing their dedication to our student-athletes. Success begins at the top and flows throughout. Their commitment not only enriches our educational experience but also cultivates a strong sense of community, dedication, and family."