EAST PROVIDENCE — The host East Providence High School boys’ basketball team won the annual Harry Mutter Holiday Classic sponsored by the East Providence Community & Teachers Credit Union last week with a pair of quality victories, including an 86-76 win over defending champ Shea Friday night, Dec. 27.
R.J. Pina was selected as the tournament’s most valuable player, scoring a combined 44 points for the Townies in their two games. He led the locals with 23 points in their 81-76 overtime victory over North Providence in the opening round on December 26. The senior went for 21 in the title game win over the Raiders.
Justin Pena scored a career-best 26 points to help the Townies claim the championship against Shea. He also drained a couple of key free throws late to secure the win over the Cougars, helping him earn a spot on the All-Tournament team. Also of note, Josh Kauffman had 21 points for the locals in the North Providence game.
East Providence improved to 4-0 overall in the early going of the 2019-20 season. The Townies are 1-0 in league games having opened up Division I play before the holiday break with a 69-56 road win against Hope. Kauffman led three locals in double figures with 21. Pina had 18 and Brian Taylor had 13. E.P. returns to league action Thursday, Jan. 2, at home against Hendricken. Tip off is 7 p.m.