Being recruited by multiple schools to play college hoops can be a painstakingly joyful process, especially when it isn’t expected.
Village of Oak Creek resident Blake Barker, an 18-year-old Sedona Red Rock High School graduate, is currently getting serious looks by several colleges all over the nation to play basketball for their respective schools.
“It’s pretty exciting that I have a chance to go play somewhere being from a small town like Sedona,” Barker said, taking a break from his holiday fun. “I didn’t think I would play ball in college, but I always hoped so.”
Reportedly, Barker is being offered several scholarships to play ball at schools like Lyndon College in Vermont, Lesley University in Massachusetts, New England College in New Hampshire, Menlo College in San Francisco, the University of La Verne in Los Angeles and Concordia University of Wisconsin.
On Monday, July 4, Barker said he hasn’t made up his mind yet, but is looking forward to finally making a decision, and hopes it’s the right one.
“Hopefully, by the end of the month, I’ll know where I’m going,” Barker said.
From the beginning, Barker began his high school athletic career as one of the better athletes in the class of 2011.
During his freshman year in 2007-2008, Barker made the varsity football team, played junior varsity basketball and was in and out of the starting lineup for the Scorpions baseball team.
At first, Barker thought his calling was going to come in baseball, having played club baseball and varsity baseball for most of his four years in a Scorpions uniform. But basketball soon crept in, and after a big growth spurt which topped him off at 6-foot, 4-inches tall by the summer before his senior year, it seemed hoops was more important.
“I like the intensity more, and I feel like I can give more of myself in basketball. I think I’ll reach my full potential there,” Barker said.
During his senior year, Barker led the Sedona boys basketball team to a 17-12 overall record and a spot in the 3A conference state playoffs. The Scorpions lost to No. 1 Holbrook High School in round one, which went on to defeat Fountain Hills High School for the state title.
Barker averaged 13.3 points per game in 2010-2011, which led the team, while pulling down nearly six rebounds and dishing out almost three assists per game. He also earned 3A West region honorable mention for his performance on the court.
As for his long distance shot beyond the arc, Blake sunk 72 three-point baskets, almost 50 more than senior teammate Martin Galvez [23] who was second on the team.
For now, Barker had no answer as to which college he would choose, but he did mention which school is the early favorite.
“Menlo College is my favorite so far. They’ve offered me the most, and it’s the school I like the most, which is a good thing,” Barker said.
