By ALEX SPONSELLER The Cranston West girls basketball team is getting set for this weekend’s playoffs and looks to make a statement with its junior-laden roster.

The Falcons had their toughest test to date on Saturday as they hosted undefeated Barrington. The visiting Eagles emerged victorious with a 52-36 decision.

Amelia Polichetti led West with 11 points while Maia Riccio and Maylina Santiago each added six. Although the Falcons were within striking distance on multiple occasions, the Barrington offense was able to stay a step ahead to close out the show.

“We had a few defensive lapses. Anytime we got it close, cut it to two, cut it to three, they would be able to come back and build the lead back up. We just couldn’t stay focused defensively and took too many fast shots on offense which is a bad combo. They have a great freshman, some athletic size, they’re tough,” said West coach PJ Thibodeau.

West will now shift its focus toward the postseason which will begin this weekend.

Although the team will have to win before a potential rematch with Barrington, Thibodeau feels that the division will ultimately go through the Eagles, and is confident that his team will be more prepared if it runs it back.

“We definitely want a rematch. We’re young and we’ve had young team moments in our losses. We’ve had moments where the games get going for us and we rush on offense and a little overcommitted on defense. That’s part of the process and growing, staying calm in those uncomfortable moments. I think they know that they can beat them, but we’ve got to have more commitment and more focus if we get the chance to play them again,” said Thibodeau.

West went on to defeat crosstown rival Cranston East and played West Warwick on Monday evening, winning 45-43. Catherine Albizu led the Falcons against West Warwick with 11 points while Kaitlyn Antonucci added nine.

The Falcons faced North Kingstown in the regular season finale on Tuesday night, but the results were not available at press time.

Thibodeau believes that West has what it takes to make a deep run, but in order to do so, the Falcons must play a full 32 minutes of consistent basketball on both ends of the floor.

“You definitely want it harder if you’re serious about making a run in the playoffs. There are no easy paths in Division I. If you want to be that team, you have to go through the rigors. We’re a team that’s going to have to put together a full game to go deep. While we have that capability, we have those other moments,” said Thibodeau. “We’ve had some really great moments the last few weeks, but others that we need to get rid of. It will be a tough task, there is a lot of talent in the division. But that is what makes it fun, you never know.”