Another basketball “border war” between Barrington and East Providence went the Eagles’ way Thursday night.
The Eagle girls outslugged the Townies, 64-39, in the final game of the first day of the annual Barrington Boosters Holiday Tournament at Barrington High School.
The coaches were pleased with their teams' efforts in what was a very physical game. Barrington coach Stephen Lenz, of course, was a bit happier than East Providence coach Michael Solitro.
“I’m proud of their effort,” said Lenz. “We were good in spurts in a very physical game. It’s nice to come out with a win.”
“I’m pleased with our effort,” said Solitro. “If you can be happy after a loss, I am much more happy with our effort today than our last game.”
The game could have been much closer if the Townies made more layups and free throws, said Solitro.
“Girls’ basketball is 90 percent layups and free throws,” he said. “And we just didn’t finish tonight.”
The Townies also turned the ball over 21 times in the face of relentless pressure defense by the Eagles, who never stopped scrapping for rebounds and loose balls and who shut off passing lanes all night.
The Townies gave as good as they got for much of the night as well.
“They showed a lot of desire,” said Solitro.
Lenz said he found fault with the Eagles’ consistency, but “we kept our edge all night.”
Barrington was led in scoring by sophomore point guard Sarah Middleton, who tallied 18 points. Senior forward Maggie O’Hayer scored 14 and senior shooting guard Caitlyn Nolan added 12.
East Providence was led in scoring by senior forward Brittany Crosby, who tallied 16 points. Senior forwards Thomeeka Speaks and Taylor Wiggins added 12 and 9 points, respectively.
The win pushed Barrington’s record to 6-0 on the young season. East Providence dropped to 3-3 on the year. Both teams play again on Friday.
The Eagles play Prout, which dropped a 34-32 decision to Rogers. The Townies play East Greenwich, which beat Classical, 39-22.
Barrington’s boys’ team did not fare as well the girls. The squad dropped a 53-29 game to North Kingstown.
Coach Patrick Sullivan described the loss for the Eagles as their worst shooting game of the season.
“North Kingstown is a good Division I team,” he said. “But there is no way they are 24 points better than us.”
The loss drops Barrington to 6-2 on the season, but 4-0 in Division 2. North Kingstown remained unbeaten at 6-0.
Both teams play again on Friday. NK plays Shea, which beat Mount St. Charles, 54-36. Barrington plays Mount in the closing game of the two-day tourney.
