The Barrington High School girls basketball team lost 60-37 to LaSalle Academy during a state tournament semifinals game at the URI Ryan Center. 

The last time the teams squared off was more than a month ago, with LaSalle winning by more than 10 points. On Saturday, March 16, LaSalle held an early 6-5 lead, but then went on a 12-0 run to open up their lead to 17-5 with about eight minutes remaining in the first half.

LaSalle senior Jayme DeCesare played a big role in building the lead, as she knocked down some key outside shots. The Eagles struggled to capitalize on scoring chances, missing baskets and turning the ball over. Barrington found itself trailing 32-15 heading into halftime.

“I wish we could have played them the 32 minutes like I know we can play,” said head coach Stephen Lenz. 

The Eagles, however, were not about to end their season without a fight. 

Barrington came out with renewed energy for the second half, battling back to draw within 10 points. LaSalle responded, however, with a number of baskets, ultimately building a lead from which the Eagles’ could not recover. 

“We just weren’t doing the things we’d worked on the last couple days, and part of that is because LaSalle made it tough for us. So, I give them a lot of credit,” said Mr. Lenz. 

Barrington High School senior Olivia Middleton finished the game with 21 points, while freshman Grace Ceseretti scored nine points. Senior Alex Marinelli followed close behind with eight, while sophomore Nina Gibbons added four.

LaSalle's DeCesare hit five three-pointers and finished with 21 points.

While the game did not go the way Barrington wanted it to, Mr. Lenz said he was happy with how his team played all season long, crediting his three seniors—Middleton, Marinelli and Zahra Beers—as a large part of that success. 

“They’ve been great leaders all year—they’re the reason why we got here,” he said. 

The Rams moved on to claim the state championship title the next day, defeating South Kingstown 46-34.