Panthers cruise past Novans to remain unbeaten

Johnston Sun Rise ·

The Johnston girls’ basketball team improved to 4-0 overall and 3-0 in Division II play with a 62-24 thumping of Woonsocket last Wednesday evening.

The Panthers’ defensive effort was superb in the win, holding the Novans to just nine made field goals, with Woonsocket (0-3) scoring 15 points in the first half, before being held to just nine points over the final 16 minutes.

At the other end of the floor, Johnston displayed balance, as 10 different players scored in the game. Megan Philbrick led all scorers with a game-high 13 points, while junior Gabby DiRaimo was in double-figures as well for the Panthers with 10 points.

Lauren Civetti also had a good game with seven points, while Caroline Howe and Sarah Bandoma netted six points apiece. Additionally, Sophia DaCosta added four points, Amelia Moore and Julianna Zalewski each scored three points and Cleasia Peoples and Bianca Robbins posted two points apiece.

Woonsocket only got points from five different players, and Alyissia O’Hagan paced that attack with a team-high 11 points.

Johnston will put its undefeated record on the line when it returns to the court to host Tolman (1-2) next Wednesday at 7 p.m. It will then have another tough test when it welcomes Juanita Sanchez (2-1) for another 7 p.m. start next Friday.

Johnston boys’ basketball evens its record at 2-2

After taking a three-point deficit into halftime, the Johnston boys’ basketball team produced strong showings at both ends of the floor to outscore Moses Brown, 25-8, over the final 16 minutes, propelling the Panthers to a 44-30 victory.

The Johnston win upped its Division II record to .500 at 2-2, while Moses Brown remained winless in league play at 0-3.

Dylan Durante kept his impressive season going, leading all scorers with 24 points on nine made field goals, knocking down four 3-pointers and converting a pair of free throws from the line. Durante has led Johnston in scoring in all of its games thus far, and he’s currently 10th in the state in scoring with 22.8 points per game.

Cameron Iasimone also had a strong game from beyond the arc, splashing a trio of 3s for nine points.

Other contributors for Johnston were Anthony Tavares and Matthew Sabitoni with four points apiece, Jay Canton with three points and Andrew Zalisk added a field goal for two points.

Moses Brown’s offense, which struggled mightily in the second half, was led by Jake Wallack with a team-high seven points. Ben Klein also scored six points, and Jack McGahan and C.J. Caruolo chipped in five points apiece.

The win snapped the Panthers’ two-game skid, and they’ll be looking for a second straight victory when they travel to Woonsocket at 7 p.m. on Friday evening.