Barker alum returns to coach Raiders

Photo by Mike Wertman – New Barker boys varsity basketball Coach Don Baker meets here with the Raiders veteran trio of Jacob Arnold, Eddie Wasnock and Nate Luckman.

Returning to very familiar surroundings, Barker alum Don Baker is coaching the Raiders boys varsity basketball team this season.

“It’s a new experience coming back home but It’s good to be back. It’s fun coming back home,” said Baker who previously coached the Roy-Hart girls varsity squad for over 20 years.

The veteran senior trio of Nate Luckman, Eddie Wasnock and Jacob Arnold head the Radiers lineup which also looks to include seniors Shawn Callaghan, Kyle Moeller, Nick Sutch and Ryan Voss along with juniors Malik Smith, Evan Eckard and Austin Sullivan.

“We’ll be looking to run and press and score in transition,” said Baker. “We’ve got some experience and some quickness but the big key is everybody has to fill their role.”

The graduation losses for Barker, which went 6-8 in the league and 7-14 overall last year, include Kyle Secore, Michael Snell and Jared Ginther.

The Raiders, whose 20 game schedule includes 12 Niagara-Orleans League contests and 8 non league games against Genesee Region League foes, will open the season at Alexander on November 29. The N-O opener is slated for December 6 at home against Akron.

Barker’s Schedule
Nov. 29 – at Alexander, 7 p.m.
Dec. 2 – Kendall, 6:30 p.m.
Dec. 6 – Akron, 6:30 p.m.
Dec. 9 – Notre Dame, 6:30 .m.
Dec. 13 – Lyndonville, 6:30 p.m.
Dec. 20 – Byron-Bergen, 6:30 p.m.
Dec. 30 – at Pembroke, 3 p.m.
Jan. 3 – Elba, 6:30 p.m.
Jan. 5 – Wilson, 7 p.m.
Jan. 10 – Newfane, 7 p.m.
Jan. 13 – Albion, 7 p.m.
Jan. 17 – at Medina, 6:30 p.m.
Jan. 20 – at Roy-Hart, 7 p.m.
Jan. 28 – at Oakfield-Alabama, 7:15 p.m.
Jan. 31 – at Akron, 6:30 p.m.
Feb. 3 – at Wilson, 6 p.m.
Feb. 7 – at Newfane, 7 p.m.
Feb. 9 – at Albion, 7 p.m.
Feb. 14 – Medina, 6:30 p.m.
Feb. 16- Roy-Hart, 7 p.m.