Weekly Sports Roundup: Hockey Teams off to Strong Start

Cranston West Hockey is off to a great start with 3-1-2 record in Division I. The Falcons' only loss came against Smithfield and their ties have come against Barrington, a team they beat earlier in the season, and Lincoln. Points have certainly been at a premium in their games this season, as they have outscored their opponents 14-7 thus far.

Only averaging two goals per game, the Falcons have had to lean heavily on Senior Goaltender Derek Hagopian. He's been up to the task so far, only allowing seven goals in as many games this season. Hagopian will have to remain on the top of his game this Saturday, as the Falcons will host their toughest league opponent to this point, the undefeated Handricken Hawks.

Cranston East Hockey is hot right now, riding a three-game winning streak, which has helped get them back to a positive 4-3 record. The Thunderbolts sit in fourth place in the Division III standings and have outscored their opponents 38-19 in league play.

The lopsided scoring is a bit skewed by their 16-0 season opener shellacking of Woonsocket and to go further on that same wavelength, Cranston East has done a good job taking care of the teams at the bottom of the division but has struggled securing a victory against the better teams.

The Thunderbolts have lost to rival Mt. Hope twice, once in overtime, and once to Tolman, both of which they trail in the standings. Cranston East will have another opportunity to get a signature win against a top team when they host the undefeated division leader Johnston/North Providence Co-op.

Cranston West Boys Basketball has struggled to this point in the season, still searching for its first league win. Defensively the Falcons have been strong, allowing less points than all but one of the teams in Division I West. The issue has come on the offensive end for Cranston West. The Falcons haven't eclipsed fifty points in any of their four league games this season and are currently averaging 43 points per game, while giving up 60. The Falcons will try to get things back on track tonight against undefeated St. Raphael.

Cranston East Boys Basketball has had a nice season thus far, only losing to two undefeated teams in Central and St. Raphael. The Thunderbolts are 5-2 overall, with three blowout non-league victories, and 2-2 in league play. Cranston East will host Portsmouth tonight with hopes of gaining a positive record in league play.

Cranston West Girls Basketball has had an up and down season to this point, struggling to find their rhythm. The Falcons are 2-3 on the season but with a few more plays down the stretch they could be 4-1. Cranston West has only been blown out once, against LaSalle, and has lost by ten points or less in the other games. The Falcons have scored enough points to compete with the top team, but it's their defense that has let them down. West has allowed the third most points in the division and will have to step it up defensively against Westerly on Saturday.

Cranston East Girls Basketball is also 2-3 on the season and has had some players in and out of the lineup due to personal reasons, which has made consistency an issue for the Lady Bolts. Senior Captain Kelsey Evje has carried Cranston East to this point and will need to continue to shine against Mt. Hope on Tuesday.