Boys' B-Ball Squad Secures First-Round Bye

After compiling a 17-1 record in Division III-North during the season, the Johnston High School varsity boys' basketball team has earned a first-round bye in the D-III playoffs, which are scheduled to start Feb. 18.

Following a match-up between Exeter/West Greenwich (9-9 in D-III, 11-10 overall) and Middletown (7-11 divisional record, 7-14 overall) on Friday, the Panthers are scheduled to host the victor at home on Monday night in the quarterfinals.

During a phone interview Thursday morning, head coach Steve DeMeo said the bye will allow some rest for his squad.

"We have a couple of guys who are banged up, so it'll be good to have the extra time," DeMeo said.

After a team practice Wednesday, the Panthers will continue their preparations on Friday afternoon before going to the E/WG-Middletown game to scout the potential competition. The team will have a day off on Saturday, he added, before another practice on Sunday.

"Our challenge now is to keep everybody focused on the game on Monday," DeMeo said. "The monkey wrench for us is the state tournament — we're scheduled to play Bishop Hendricken, but we can't worry about that. Our priority is to win the Division III championship."

Semifinal games are scheduled for Feb. 25, with the finals set for Feb. 27 at the Community College of Rhode Island in Warwick.