2014-15 Journal Tribune Boys Basketball Player of the Year
SACO — Some athletes are just born with natural ability and some put in plenty of extra time in the gym or the weight room to become a standout.
Thornton Academy senior forward Kevin Barrett fits into both categories. The standout was clearly born with gifts like size, speed and an innate ability in pretty much any sport he decides to try. He also has put in the work to become what he is today: The 2014-15 Journal Tribune Boys Basketball Player of the Year.
Barrett led the Trojans to the Western Maine Class A boys playoffs as he averaged 16 points, five rebounds and three assists per game in his final campaign.
“Kevin had a good year for us,” said Thornton coach Bob Davies. “Offensively, he could score inside or outside, which made him a difficult matchup.”
Barrett was also a force on the defensive end, according to Davies.
“Defensively, Kevin guarded the other team’s best player and he could guard an inside or outside player,” said Davies.
One thing that put Barrett on a different level than most high school players was his good genes.
“There are certain things that can’t be taught and size is one. Kevin has size,” said Davies.
Davies also knows that size alone doesn’t make you the kind of player Barrett has become.
“Kevin has good athletic ability and has worked hard to better his skills ever since he was a young boy,” said Davies. “All his time and effort has started to show. He has become a better than average high school athlete. He was a first team All-SMAA player and he was also an SMAA first team all-academic selection.”
Barrett was also a leader for the Trojans, but he didn’t have to be vocal to show his teammates how to succeed.
“Kevin was a leader by example ”“ with his hustle and desire to win,” said Davies. “Players like Kevin have made our program competitive every year.”
The Thornton senior not only was a leader for his teammates, but he also took the time to work with TA’s youth programs.
“Kevin spent many hours working with Thornton Academy’s youth basketball programs for the past three years,” said Davies. “All of the youngsters really enjoyed when Kevin gave his time.”
Barrett’s work outside of his varsity duties has helped ensure Thornton Academy will continue to thrive.
“Kevin Barrett is the type of student-athlete that makes Thornton Academy a special place to be,” said Davies.
— Sports Editor Pat McDonald can be reached at pmcdonald@journaltribune.com or at 282-1535 ext. 322.
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