Sports
Lady Panthers Avenge Earlier Loss To Central Falls, 50-33
After 22 years as coach, Dan Mazulla announced that he will be stepping down after the season.
On an evening where the girls basketball team defeated the Central Falls Lady Warriors by a score of 50-33, the biggest news occurred during halftime: After 22 years on the job, Johnston Coach Dan Mazulla will be retiring at the end of the season.
While the team was away during halftime, the gym was decorated with blue balloons, streamers, signs, and a rocking chair. When the coach came back, he was greeted by family, friends, and past and current players.
Current Panther Alaina DeNoncour presented him with a plaque.
Find out what's happening in Johnstonwith free, real-time updates from Patch.
During the festivities, "Country Roads" by John Denver was played at the request of Mazzulla's son, who is currently in West Virginia, and he spoke to his father by phone as the call was broadcast over the public address system.
At the end of the game, the coach reflected on the surprise ceremony, and his time at a coach.
"I want to thank my assistant Chris," Mazzulla said. "It was a nice surprise."
Find out what's happening in Johnstonwith free, real-time updates from Patch.
Later on, he mentioned how he was able to coach his daughter, Gianna, and now wants to spend more time with his 12-year-old son. He added, "I've been very lucky."
The moving tribute dominated the evening, in much the same way as the Lady Panthers (10-3 in Division II North, 12-5 overall) dominated on the court — Johnston quickly got off to a 16-4 lead in the first seven minutes, and never looked back. At the end of the first half, Johnston was up 36-14.
Central Falls (5-8 in divisional play, 8-9 overall) picked up the pace in the second half and outscored the Panthers 19-14, but it wasn't enough to overcome the early deficit.
The leading scorers for Johnston were Samantha Maner and Alaina DeNoncour, who each had 18 points. Kayla Camara led the Lady Warriors with 10 points, followed by Angelique Cooley with 8.
Johnston's victory was a payback of sorts for the Lady Warriors' victory on Jan. 6, the same night that DeNoncour secured her spot in J.H.S. history by scoring her 1,000th career point.
Friday night's game also capped off a three-games-in-three-nights stretch for the Lady Panthers, who suffered a tough 54-52 loss to Burrillville Wednesday night before securing a convicing 53-41 win over Scituate on Thursday.
