Barker cagers facing rebuilding task

Photo by Mike Wertman – This veteran trio of Austin Sullivan, Evan Ecker and Malik Smith will help lead Barker into the upcoming basketball season.

Having lost 11 seniors to graduation, the Barker boys varsity basketball team faces a bit of a rebuilding project this season under new Coach Mike Brooks who served as an assistant last year.

The senior trio of Austin Sullivan, Evan Ecker and Malik Smith provides the varsity experience for the Raiders which are also looking to juniors Nick Brandt and Zach Richbart.

“The league will be tough so we will have to battle every night but these guys are ready for the challenge,” said Brooks who takes over the helm from Don Baker. “Defense will be a big key for us. We’ll have to play strong defense every night.”

Barker’s graduation losses included Nate Luckman, Eddie Wasnock and Jacob Arnold. Luckman earned first team Niagara-Orleans All-League honors.

The Raiders, which went 5-7 in N-O action last year, will host Alexander in the non league opener on November 28 and then begin league competition at home on December 1 against Akron.

Schedule
November: 28 – Alexander, 6:30 p.m.
December: 1 – Akron, 6:30 p.m.; 4 – Elba, 6:30 p.m.; 6 – at Holley, 7 p.m.; 11 – at Kendall, 7 p.m.; 15 – at Lyndonville, 7 p.m.; 19 – at Notre Dame, 7 p.m.; 22 – at Byron-Bergen, 7 p.m.
January: 5 – at Wilson, 6 p.m.; 9 – Newfane, 7 p.m.; 12 – at Albion, 7 p.m.; 16 – Medina, 7 p.m.; 19 – at Roy-Hart, 7 pm.; 26 – Oakfield-Alabama, 6:30 p.m.; 30 – at Akron, 6:30 p.m.
February: 2 – Wilson, 7 p.m.; 6 – at Newfane, 7 p.m.; 9 – Albion, 7 p.m.; 13 – at Medina, 6:30 p.m.; 15 – Roy-Hart, 7 p.m.