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Barger shines in February
Male Athlete of the Month...
By George Starks
NEW MADISON - The Tri-Village Patriots is looking to the month of March
with high hopes. Led by a slew of players, senior Evan Barger has been
a huge part of the Patriots success this season.
In February, the lone Patriot senior has been a force on the boards and
has gotten some key buckets, helping to propel the Pats as a top team
in the area.
“This is an honor and it means a lot and being the only senior, it
helps me out because I was named Player of the Year on the team and the
Cross County Conference. There are other players on this team that are
deserving as well. Tyler Cook is scoring big points, rebounding well
and playing solid defense. Matt Werner has stepped up in key situations
and so has Shade (Brubaker). So to be picked over those other guys that
means a lot. I think what makes this special is the fact that you pick
one athlete a month and not one a week. We have a lot of athletes in
this county that could have been picked over me.”
Because he’s not a superstar like others, Barger was humbled by the
selection.
“I’m not the leading scorer like some guys so to be rewarded with
something of this nature means a lot,” Barger admitted. “To be seen as
a player that contributes in other areas is great. Former Patriot Tyler
Greer told me the other day that I’ve been really well and I’ve not
heard that much this year.”
Barger touched on his mental approach to the game.
“A lot of younger kids worry about how many points they are going to
score,” Barger said. “I tell them not to worry about that but worry
about advancing, getting the win and playing as a team. It’s not about
one player, it’s about everyone.”
With a record of 18-3 to end the month of February, the Patriots
entered the district title game with a 20-3 mark. Even Barger said that
mark is not safe with what’s coming up.
“We have a junior varsity team that is 40-0 in the last two seasons.
When the juniors graduate, the junior varsity team will be there, ready
to take the reigns,” Barger said. “I give all that credit to coach Jeff
Judy. He does a great job with them.”
Maybe the saying in Patriot Nation is true, “tradition never
graduates.” Barger will forever be a part of that winning tradition at
Tri-Village known as basketball.
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