The East Providence High School boys indoor track and field team was among the Townie outfits to begin its 2023-24 slate over the weekend by participating in the annual Injury Fund meet as well as starting its Metropolitan Division regular season schedule.

Both contests occurring at the Providence Career and Tech Academy Fieldhouse, the Townies opened up by placing fourth with 36 points in the Metro/Suburban Division Injury Fund Relays Saturday, Dec. 9, behind powers Barrington (84), Hendricken (59) and Classical (46).

The EPHS high jump team bested the field as Kenaz Ochogwu, Cam Evora, and Dylan Slavick finished first with a combined height of 17 feet, 10 inches, 1'4" better than second place Barrington (16'6").

The Townies had a handful of fourth-place results: the 4x55 meter shuttle hurdle relay team consisting of Nolan Travassos, Brian Rutkowski, Isaac Braz and James Cassamas (42.93); the long jump relay consisting of Jaidin Ivy, Slavick and Isaac Braz (50' 2.75"); the distance medley relay of Daniel Lukusa, Zach Morreira, Luke Grimley and Will Anthony (12:46.47); and the 4x400 meter quartet of Roger Beaudet, Mac Prevete, Brian Rutkowski and Ivy (3:53.07).

In addition, the 4x200 meter relay of Julius Cortes, Ivy, Jietan Ruiz and Jack Pawlik ran fifth (1:38.92) while the Sprint Medley relay consisting of Cortes, Zekiah Hopper, John Vaughn and Will Massey finished sixth (4:27.26).

Monday, Dec. 11, the Townies started their Metro regular season dual meet schedule against Hope, Juanita Sanchez and LaSalle...

Girls indoor track
The EPHS girls also placed fourth in their Sullivan/Headley Divisions relays held Saturday at the PCTA Fieldhouse with 33 points. Classical won the team ranks with 55 followed by North Kingstown with 49 and Westerly with 35.

The best result for the Townies was a runner-up run in the 4x200 meter relay in a time of 1:51.76. Classical won the event in 1:50.98.

EP also had a pair of third-place finishes: the 4x400 relay in a time of 4:30.9 and the high jump with a combined height cleared of 8'4."

In addition, the 4x55 Shuttle Hurdle relay was fourth in a time of 45.6.

Boys basketball
The EPHS boys hoopsters got their 2023-24 season off to an auspicious start with a dominating 61-35 victory over host Johnston on the road in a non-league game Saturday night, Dec. 9.

Senior center Kenaz Ochgwu led a well-balanced Townie offense with 12 points. Brandyn Van Wagner was next with eight. Christian Torres, Derrell Liggins and Jaydason Barros had seven each while Levi Jacobs chipped in six.

Girls basketball
The EPHS girls hoopsters, likewise, opened their '23-24 season with a decisive 42-21 win over Woonsocket in the first of two outings in the International Association of Approved Basketball Officials Board 84 pre-season tournament Saturday, Dec. 9. Harmonie McDowell led the way for the locals with 11 points.

The next day, the Townies fell to Lincoln High. Freshman Zarae Hall paced EP with six points.