The Barrington High School girls basketball team handed Moses Brown its first loss of the season on Wednesday night, Jan. 22.

The Eagles ran out to a 28-17 lead going into the half, extended the lead to 39-21 by the end of the third quarter, and held on for the 44-37 victory over the Quakers. 

Moses Brown rallied in the fourth quarter, but Barrington High School’s Riley Graveline went 4-for-4 from the free throw line down the stretch to seal the win. 

Ella Martin was a standout for Barrington. The freshman point guard scored 18 points, including four three-pointers, six assists, five rebounds and four steals. Graveline added 11.

Barrington’s defense played a key role in the victory — the Eagles alternated between zone, man, and a trapping defense throughout the game.

“We just out-played them the first three quarters,” said Barrington High School Coach Stephen Lenz. “We used full court press… With a team like that, there’s such a physical mismatch we have to pull them away from the basket.

“I think that our talents lend themselves to our speed and athleticism, so why not extend our defense out.”

Lenz said his team gave up a few baskets in transition, but also turned over the Quakers and did not allow for them to pound the ball into the paint. 

On paper, the game was a rematch of last year’s RIIL State Tournament Finals, which saw Moses Brown win. But that was not the message Lenz shared with his team.

“I was pretty honest with them. I told them ‘This is not a rematch. We’re not the same team (as last year),’” Lenz said.

The Barrington coach said his team continues to give a consistent, determined effort whenever they step onto the floor. He said that was definitely the case in Wednesday night’s showdown. 

“They just played really, really hard. I’m very proud of their effort,” he said. 

The Eagles improved to 9-2 with the win, while Moses Brown fell to 11-1.