HS Sports: Cougars Roll, B-Ball Squads Take Tough Losses

Following a 3-0 blanking of Mt. Hope on Jan. 16, the Johnston-North Providence Cougars varsity hockey squad now holds a 9-0 season record and a commanding lead in Division III with seven games to go.

In their last four games, the defending D-III champions have outscored their opponents 20-1, including eight goals against Woonsocket on Jan. 14 and seven against Warwick Vets back on Dec. 30.

Goalie Matt Domaingue, who has played every minute so far for the Cougars, has posted an impressive 0.86 goals against average, allowing just eight goals over nine games and posting five shutouts.

Senior Mackenzie Olink leads the J-NP squad with 20 points, with freshman Jonathan Alsfeld just behind with 19.

Next up for the Cougars is a home-at-home series against Scituate, scheduled for Jan. 20 at Smithfield Ice Rink and Jan. 28 to visit the Spartans.

Boys' Basketball Keep Top Spot

The boys' varsity basketball team remains in first place in Division III North following its 60-38 loss against Toll Gate on Jan. 13.

Overall, the Panthers hold a 7-4 record, including 6-1 against divisional opponents.

Evan Hopson (163 points), Ryan Anderson (154) and Shykeel Colon (104) lead the scoring for the Panthers so far this season.

Johnston is scheduled to host Moses Brown (2-4 in D-III Central) tonight at 7 p.m.

Young Lady Panthers Fall To Scituate

Playing in the wake of Dan Mazzulla's retirement as coach and graduation of several key seniors, the girls' basketball team has had a tough hill to climb this season.

The Johnston Sun Rise reported that the Lady Panthers' inexperience was a key factor in dropping a close 57-54 decision to Scituate on Jan. 10.

Johnston stands at 1-3 in Division II North standings, 1-5 overall, and is scheduled to host Burrillville (4-1) on Wednesday night at 7 p.m.