Members of the Barrington High School boys basketball team are taking time before their game on Wednesday night to say thanks to their teachers. 

The Eagles will hold a “Teacher Appreciation Night” event before the game against North Kingstown, which tips off at 7 p.m. Each varsity player selected a teacher that has made an impact on them. Prior to the game, the players will share thank you notes and small gifts with their selected teachers and then escort them to special, court-side seats. 

Barrington High School Coach Mike Raffa said he had been brainstorming ideas about how to make each home game a special experience, and one of his player’s moms had reached out about the teacher appreciation night idea.

“Sara Bonneau was instrumental,” Raffa said. “One of her friends was doing something similar” at a different school. 

Raffa said the last few years have been particularly difficult for teachers, and he is hoping this event will help them feel a bit more appreciated. 

“This is something we’ve both been passionate about,” Raffa said. 

“In today’s world where there is so much negativity… we’re just trying to bring to light some of the positives.”

Raffa said the members of his team are excited about the upcoming event.

“The big thing is that teachers have a vital role in the growth and development of our children,” Raffa said. “They (local teachers) should understand their impact and we want to celebrate them.”

The Barrington High School boys basketball team is 5-5 overall so far this season and 3-3 in Division I. Four of the team’s five losses have been by three points or less. 

Recent games

The Barrington High School boys basketball team returned to divisional play on Tuesday night, Jan. 3 with a road game at Woonsocket. The Eagles battled back from a double-digit deficit but were unable to close it out, losing 73-70.

The home team outscored the Eagles 21-8 in the third quarter to take commanding 58-37 advantage heading into the final period. Barrington used its zone press to turn over the Villa Novans and storm back, outscoring Woonsocket 33-15 over the final eight minutes, to make it a one possession game, before falling 73-70.  

Sean Bonneau had a game high 22 points. Nick Scandura scored 15 of his 19 points in the second half. Matt Raffa added 17, while Dan Coogan and Owen Pfeffer rounded out the scoring with six a piece.  

Two nights later Barrington lost to Classical, 64-48. Scandura led Barrington with 21 points, including 19 in the second half. Bonneau finished with 15.