Barrett leads North boys hoops past Clarence
by PATRICK J. NAGY Reporter

Thank goodness Josh Barrett wore a Spartan uniform in Williamsville North's 67-52 win at Clarence last Tuesday.

The senior scored a game-high 19 points, hit three three-pointers, went 6 of 8 from the free throw line and recorded eight steals.

"He was the best player on the floor for either team," said North coach Chuck Swierski. "Without him, we don't win. He might as well have sold popcorn because he did everything for us."

Barrett scored the first basket in the game, a three, but Clarence went on a 13-2 run.

"We came out flat," said Swierski. "We lacked the defensive intensity we normally have and missed some early shots that we normally hit. (Greg) Stevens hit two wide open threes."

Swierski switched defenses for a few possessions in the first quarter from man-to-man to a 1-3-1 and it seemed to give his team a boost.

Clarence only led, 16-12, by the end of the first quarter. The game was tied at 28-28, at halftime.

In the third quarter, North outscored Clarence, 21-9.

In the fourth, the Spartans hit 11 of 15 free throws. Mark Balsom, filling in for John Piaggione who had fouled out with a little over two minutes to play, nailed 7 of 8 free throws. Balsom finished with nine points.

North shot 24 for 31 from the line overall.

Steve Barth (12 points, seven rebounds) and Jim Gaines (10 points) also scored in double figures.

Alex Barth (six points, six rebounds) left with six minutes remaining with a possible hyperextended knee. He is questionable for North's last regular season game at 7:30 p.m. on Thursday at Jamestown.

Alex Ullrich added six points and eight rebounds.

North (16-2, 9-2), ranked 10th in Western New York large schools, played at Williamsville East on Tuesday but the result was unavailable before The Bee went to press.