Marietta’s head boys’ basketball coach, Kenny Barnes is in his second year with the Indians. Last year, Barnes began the season with one player from the previous year’s team. Safe to say it was a tough year for the Indians. But looking ahead to the coming season, Barnes is hopeful for success.
“We only won four games last year,” Barnes said, “but we had about six or seven that were close enough we could’ve won them. With most of the team returning with more experience and some new talent, I think we’ll be further ahead this year.”
Senior Easton Ballard is one player that Barnes believes can be a real difference-maker.
“At 6’7”, Easton can post up, handle the ball, and shoot from the three-point line,” explained Barnes. “He could really help us on defense, allowing us to put more pressure on the perimeter.”
Barnes also has high hopes for two of his returning players, sophomore Brian Sanchez and junior Damaron Green.
“Brian led our team last year in most statistical categories. He’s involved on both ends of the court and doesn’t hesitate to dive on the floor for a loose basketball,” Barnes said. “And we’re going to count on Damaron to make a real contribution to our scoring this year while still playing tough defense.”
Sophomore Tucker Kirk is expected to play a bigger role on this year’s team, too, having put in the time in the weight room, getting bigger, faster, and stronger.
“Tucker has improved physically, and we will count on him for both defense and ball-handling duties,” Barnes added.
Seniors Juan Lopez, Parker Pharr, Antonio Delatorre, and Keeper Cox will be expected to provide needed leadership this year, especially with much of the team being underclassmen. Barnes knows his seniors have the character to provide encouragement and be good role models for their team.
Another Indian to watch for is freshman Aedon Ellison, who had success on last year’s eighth grade team.
“We’re excited to see what this young man can do,” remarked Barnes. “He was good last year and spends most of his time in the gym or traveling with his AAU team. He’s got some physical maturing to do, but this kid has the basketball IQ to make him one of the top players in our area before he graduates.”
Barnes is also expecting some minutes from move-in 6’4” sophomore Draven Pope, as well as freshman Luis Rodriguez.
According to Barnes, the team’s areas of focus will be improving defensive play as well as making better shot selections to increase shooting percentages.
Barnes begins each season with the goal of seeing double digits in the win column and making it to a Saturday game in the regional tournament – with a little luck, farther.
Within the Lake Country Conference, there are five new head coaches and several teams who graduated a lot of seniors.
“We’re on the other side of that,” Barnes said. “Overall, our team is young, but if the kids are willing to work hard and buy in, we could do well this season.”