Raiders prep to defend N-O title

Photo By Mike Wertman – This group of seniors will lead Barker in defense of its Niagara-Orleans League basketball little this season. In front are Tristan Payne and Tanner Gregoire. In back are Christopher Sweeney, Josh Mead, Sean Benoit and Tom Callaghan.

Facing a bit of a rebuilding task having lost four of five starters to graduation, Barker is prepping to begin defense of its Niagara-Orleans League boys basketball title.

Senior guard Christopher Sweeney, a second team N-O All-League honoree last season, heads the Raiders veteran contingent which also has five other seniors who saw considerable playing time last season including Tom Callaghan, Sean Benoit, Josh Mead, Tristan Payne and Tanner Gregoire. Sweeney averaged 9.7 points and 8.7 rebounds per game last season.

“We graduated talent and size but we’ve got a good group back who all played last year,” said Coach Dave Carson whose graduation losses from last year’s 14-0 N-O title squad include first team All-Leaguers Jscob Haight and Mitch Luckman along with second team honoree Bryce Moeller.

The Raiders squad also includes juniors Michael Snell and Kyle Secore and sophomore Nate Luckman.

“It will be a little different this year,” said Carson. “We only have nine guys so it will be nine guys checking in. We will be doing a lot more subbing. It will be four guys in and four out. We don’t have quite the size we did last year so I am really challenging them to be strong defensively and rebound.”

The Raiders are slated to open the season with a non league home game against Kendall on December 5 and to begin their N-O title defense at home on December 19 against Akron.

Barker’s Schedule

Dec. 5 – Kendall, 6 p.m.
Dec. 9 – at Pembroke, 6:30 p.m.
Dec. 15 – at Oakfield-Alabama, 6:30 p.m.
Dec. 19 – Akron, 6 p.m.
Dec. 23 – at Elba, 12:30 p.m.
Jan. 6 – at Medina, 6:30 p.m.
Jan. 9 – CSAT, 6 p.m.
Jan. 13 – Albion, 6 p.m.
Jan. 16 – Wilson, 6 p.m.
Jan. 20 – at Newfane, 6:30 p.m.
Jan. 23 – at Roy-Hart, 6 p.m.
Jan. 27 – at Akron, 6:30 p.m.
Feb. 3 – Medina, 6 p.m.
Feb. 6 – at CSAT, 6 p.m.
Feb. 10 – at Albion, 7 p.m.
Feb. 13 – at Wilson, 6 p.m.
Feb. 17 – Newfane, 6 p.m.
Feb. 19 – Roy-Hart, 6 p.m.