PORTSMOUTH — The Portsmouth High School boys’ varsity basketball team is a win away from a Division II state championship.
The No. 1-seeded Patriots made easy work of Cranston West, 75-54, in a semifinal matchup Friday night at Rhode Island College.
They’ll have a much more formidable opponent in the finals, however, when they face Barrington at noon on Sunday, March 8, at the Community College of Rhode Island in Warwick.
Portsmouth squeaked by the No. 2-seeded Eagles, 67-64, on Barrington’s home court on Feb. 18. Barrington had its way with Shea in the other semifinal matchup, 89-66.
Agains the Falcons on Friday, the Patriots went into the locker room at halftime with a 35-26 lead, then outscored their opponents by 12 points the rest of the way.
The Patriots’ Justin Parsons led all scorers with 22 points, including four 3-pointers. Elijah Newsome also had a good night, with 18 points, including three 3-pointers.
Also contributing on offense were Ben Hurd and Tyree Evens (12 points apiece), Tim Chlaupek (5), Robbie Yates (4) and Jack Bielawa (2).
Caleb Harris led the Falcons, with 16 points.