By BYRON BEERS
Garin Barnes can do a bit of everything on a basketball court.
A junior at Keys High School, Barnes has been the definition of productivity.
“As a sophomore, he led the team in field goal percentage, 3-point field goal percentage, rebounding, blocked shots and taking charges,” his father and head coach Greg Barnes said prior to the season. “He’s a solid all-around player.”
Barnes was averaging eight points, six rebounds, two assists, one steal and one block per game through 13 games this season. He admits one of his weaknesses is ball handling, but it’s also an area he has progressed the most.
“My favorite drills while training are ball handling because that’s one of my weaker points, but I also feel like that’s where I’ve grown the most over the last year,” he said.
The Cougars were impressive through the months of December and January, compiling 10 consecutive wins after dropping their season opener. Notable wins during the stretch came against Class 3A eighth-ranked Westville, Class 2A third-ranked Oktaha and Class A No. 5 Okay.
“The year started shaky with our loss in the opener, but we’re back on track and I feel like we’re headed in a good direction,” Garin Barnes said. “I feel like I’ve played okay, but like my coach always says, he expects more out of us, so I expect more out of myself and that I can contribute more.”
“He’s worked really hard to improve his game, especially his ball handling and shooting,” Greg Barnes said. “He comes in every day and works hard and doesn’t complain. He wants the team and his teammates to do well.
“I’m proud to be his coach, and even more proud to be his dad because I know he is a good person and will be successful in life.”
Away from basketball, Barnes enjoys connecting with classmates and being with family.
“I like being able to connect with kids that are in my classes and just going to work to set myself up for the future,” he said. “I enjoy spending time with friends and family and getting as many rest days in as possible since the season is really getting going now.”
