The Johnston girls basketball team's successful debut in Division I continues, as the Panthers have advanced to the semifinals of the R.I. Interscholastic League Division I Tournament after pulling out an exciting 61-60 come-from-behind win over Barrington on Monday night.
The fifth seed in the Division I tourney after finishing second in Division I-A with a 12-6 record, Johnston received a preliminary-round bye, setting up Monday's quarterfinal meeting with the fourth-seeded Eagles.
The visiting Panthers led for part of the first half, but found themselves trailing by eight at halftime, 32-24.
Johnston rallied back in the second half, though, outscoring Barrington, 37-28. Six-foot-two center Sarah Bandoma scored 12 of her career-high 14 points during that stretch, converting a three-point play to put the Panthers on top for good.
Junior guard Kaylin Zalewski chipped in half of her game-high 16 points to the comeback. Her last free throw, along with two free throws by freshman Emily Iannuccilli in the final 32.6 seconds clinched it for Johnston, which will now take on La Salle in the semifinals, Thursday at 5:30 p.m. at East Greenwich High School.
Nine players contributed to Johnston's scoring with seniors Bianca Robbins and Gabby DiRaimo and junior Caroline Howe combining for another 20 points.
Johnston moved up to Division I this season after winning back-to-back Division II Championships and twice advancing to the Final Four of the RIIL State Tournament.
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