Since freshman year, Varsity Ram, David Barnes, ‘27, has been a standout for the MV
varsity basketball team.

     Wearing the jersey number one, Barnes doesn’t just play the game, he sets the standard.

     “I want to build on last season by staying aggressive and becoming a more reliable scorer,” Barnes said.

Barnes’s jumper and right hand have improved dramatically, turning him into a constant scoring threat.

“I’m focusing on creating off the dribble and tightening my handles,” Barnes added.

Barnes has made rebounding a key weapon..

“Rebounding matters because it helps me impact the game even when I’m not scoring. I’m working on timing and being stronger on box outs,” Barnes explained.

Under pressure, Barnes remains composed and decisive.

“I handle pressure by slowing myself down mentally and my go-to move is a spin move,” Barnes said.

Now a junior, Barnes sees himself as the steadying force for his team.

“I help younger players by talking to them, keeping them confident, and making sure they know our system,” Barnes said.

Barnes fuels the team with energy and communication during tough stretches, refusing to let momentum slip.

“The biggest lesson I’ve learned is to stay disciplined and trust my team and coaches,” Barnes said.

This season, Barnes is chasing a milestone 1,000 career points while aiming to become an all-around threat.

For Barnes, true success is about teamwork: playing together, competing hard, and finishing every game strong.

Barnes is especially looking forward to the showdown against the Centralia Orphans this season.

“Our chemistry has improved a lot and how we communicate on the court,” Barnes said.

“One of our challenges is staying consistent and I’ll help with that by being a leader and keeping the team locked in,” Barnes added.

Barnes credits his AAU coaches and his mom for pushing him to grow and holding him accountable every step of the way.

Before each game, Barnes tunes out distractions, listening to music and keeping to himself.

Barnes favorite MV memory came in a heart-stopping win against Marion.

“Winning against Marion when Marlin hit the winning free throw,” Barnes recalled.

With one on his back, Barnes continues to set the tone, make an impact, and lead the charge for Rams basketball.

 Barnes shared, “My advice is to stay consistent. Don’t just work when people are watching, work when nobody is. Focus on getting 1% better everyday, and don’t compare yourself to others. If you stay locked in and trust your grind the results will come.”