Published: April 09, 2008 02:37 pm            

Barker to continue hoops as a Knight

Was Comets’ leading scorer; also an All-Area & All-District player

Chris Barker was a big part of the success of the West Carter boys’ basketball season this year. And now, he will have the opportunity to make an impact at another area hoops hotbed; the Comet senior has inked his intentions to continue his basketball career at the college level playing at nearby Kentucky Christian University.

Barker signed his intention letter at the West Carter High School earlier this week with family, friends and members of the Comet basketball program.

“I have been thinking about this for a while but decided to sign about two weeks ago,” Barker told The Journal-Times.

Proud mother Beverly Barker was proud of her son’s college choice -- both academically and athletically.

“I’m pleased he is going to a small college that is a Christian school and is close to home, she said. “That will let us watch him play.”

Barker’s senior season included All-District and All-Area honors and he averaged 14 points per game, eight rebounds per game and three blocks a contest (all three team-leading stats). The Comets went 19-9 on the year.

“We’re excited to get Chris because the foundation has been set at West Carter with former KCU players Roger Paynter, Casey Jones and Bradley Walker,’ KCU coach Will Shouse said. “Wer are getting a good kid and a good player.”

Jeremy Webb, Barker’s high school coach and a former West Carter/Morehead State standout, praised his former player’s contribution --as well as his future.

“From day one, when I started coaching at West, Chris had absolutely dedicated his life to making himself a better basketball player,” Webb said. “He has spent many many hours in the gym working on his game and he is being rewarded for his hard work by accepting an invitation to play for one of the best NCCAA basketball programs in the country -- everyone wants to find a place to go to school and better their education, but Chris has the ultimate experience ahead of him, to get a degree and play college basketball at the same time.”

*Staff writer Vanessa Overholser contributed on this article.

        

• Click to discuss this story with other readers on our forums.