2023 Player Spotlight: Natasha Barnes
Another player about to start her Freshmen season worth keeping an eye on is Natasha Barnes from Lindblom Math and Science Academy. Barnes is a 5’8” Guard that played this past summer with Midwest Elite’s talented 15U team and enjoyed…
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Continue ReadingAnother player about to start her Freshmen season worth keeping an eye on is Natasha Barnes from Lindblom Math and Science Academy.
Barnes is a 5’8” Guard that played this past summer with Midwest Elite’s talented 15U team and enjoyed a great amount of experience. When asked about how her team competed this season, Natasha said “Me and my team really grew to get to know each other and got to know each other’s games. Early in the season as each game progressed, we started doing better and better.”
A strong Guard that knows the game well and plays within herself, Natasha has two really impressive skill sets on the offensive end. The first of those is spot up shooting. I saw her play multiple times this past Spring and Summer and she was always knocking down shots from deep. She has a fluid form that stays consistent each time she spots up, making her very reliable. Secondly, I really like the way that Natasha attacked the basket. She has a nice combination of strength and quickness that allow her to get into the lane, and then she maneuvers well around defenders to get clean looks at the hoop.
When I asked Natasha what she saw as the strengths in her game, she said “I feel like my strengths are shooting and defense. I play mostly at the 2 or the 3 on offense.”
With young players, identifying areas of improvement and working hard to make those strengths is crucial. Natasha knows that in order for her to maximize her potential, she has to do just that. I asked her what areas of her game she is looking to improve on the most, and she said “I’m working on my ball handling and finishing moves at the basket.”
What’s going on in recruiting?
Even though she is just a Freshman, coaches have already taken notice of Natasha’s play to this point. She mentioned a few schools at all levels have inquired about her so far, even a couple at the power five level.
With the experience that Natasha is going to get, both in high school and at the AAU level, I’d expect a good deal of schools to show interest throughout the next few years. Even at such a young age she’s shown the IQ and tenacity it takes to play at the next level, which will only give her great opportunities.