The Barrington Middle School boys' and girls' basketball teams had a chance to finish perfect undefeated seasons, but that all ended in heart-breaking fashion late last week. Still, both squads have plenty to be proud of.

After months of practices and games, the boys' basketball season came down to seven seconds and one shot for a state championship and an undefeated season. Unfortunately, Will Rywolt's shot fell one-half inch short.

The game was intense and well-played with the lead changing hands multiple times to its fateful end. Narragansett won by the score of 43-41. Ryan Bonneau and Will Rywolt led the scoring with 13 points each, while Cole Reed hit a big three-point basket to set up the final shot. Ben Batting was at his usual best on the defensive end.

“The boys advanced to the state finals as Ben Batting again hit a buzzer-beating three-point shot to win the semifinal game with no time left on the clock,” said coach Bill St. Vincent. “The team erupted in joy and celebration and carried Ben off the court after the exhilarating 74-71 victory. The celebrants included many members of the girls’ basketball team who made the short trip to Bay View Academy to see the semi-final game against the toughest opponent this season in Slater Middle School from Pawtucket.

“Ben finished with 17 points while also defending the other team's best player who most likely is the best middle school player in the state,” the coach added. “Ryan Bonneau scored 13 points and Jon Adamson, nine. But, the team scoring leader was again Will Rywolt with 24 points, despite constant defensive pressure against him. It was just an unbelievable game.”

Coach St. Vincent was mighty proud of his players for what they accomplished this season.

“It was a great, successful season,” he said. “One-half inch; that was the difference.

"A huge thank you goes out to the BMS community led by Dr. Anderson for all the support during this game and for the whole season.”

As far as Mike Topazio’s Lady Eagles were concerned, the team exceeded everyone’s expectations.

“The Lady Eagles' season started with much anticipation…anticipation of continuing the great success we had experienced through our first three years here at BMS,” he said. “Coming into the season the BMS Lady Eagles had built up quite a resume, winning 44 games, a division championship and two state final appearances. Winning had become the norm and the girls wanted to not only continue the winning ways, but to finally take it to the next step...winning a state championship. This was not going to be an easy task as only one true starter from last year was returning and had no size to speak of. Challenging powers Curtis Corner, Gallagher, Portsmouth, Ferri, Feinstein, etc. was a goal, but a lot of work needed to be done.”

The Lady Eagles’ season came to a disappointing end when they lost to undefeated Curtis Corner, 42-36, in overtime.

Barrington was down by 10 with a little under four minutes to play, but as they have done all year, the team refused to quit, and fought back to tie the game with a chance to win it on a desperation shot by Cary Heterick from half-court.

Sixth-grader Grace Ceseretti's two 3s in the final minute put the Lady Eagles in position to win it with four seconds left on the clock. Barrington was without top scorer Zub McConaghy as early fouls limited her to pretty much half the game, but Grace Ceseretti came up big with 15 points to keep them close throughout. Despite playing only half the game, Zub McConaghy scored eight points. The Lady Eagles ended their season with a remarkable 19-1 record and an Eastern Division title.

In summation, Coach Topazio said, “This team needed an identity and defense is what it developed to be. Their offense was good enough to get us through the regular season but it was their defense that would make or break them in the playoffs. They beat all comers during the regular season, going 16-0 and winning another Eastern Division Championship. Once they got into the playoffs it was their emotional, intense defense that brought them to an overtime loss away from gaining our first state championship. By switching up from triangle and two, diamond and one, box and one, and a 1-3-1 match-up zone, the girls were able to keep four very good teams (last two being undefeated) off balance enough to get them into the finals and into overtime of the state championship game.”

The coach was proud of this group and rightfully so.

“They were a very special team indeed,” he said. “No one could foresee them accomplishing what they did. They got about as much out of their skill level as anyone could have hoped for.”

He concluded, “Next year will pose again yet another challenge of rebuilding, and that group will be staring at that same updated resume of 64 wins over four years, two division championships and three state final appearances. Will they be up to the challenge? We will see in eight months.”

The Barrington Middle School boys' team was coached by Bill St. Vincent and assistant Michael Raffa, while the girls' team was coached by Mike Topazio and assistant Corey Aguiar.