Barning was hard not to notice with his impact on the court. Good size at 6’6/6’7 but it seemed like every time I watched him, he was either finishing high at the rim offensively or making an impact on the defensive end. Evans brought tremendous energy to the court, battled hard on either side, and efficiently produced. Just would like to see much consistency to his game.

Previous Rank: 84

-One of the most athletic prospects in the DMV, I’m holding onto my long term stock as a wing/forward tweener prospect that I think will figure it out at the next level and win his team a lot of games. He’s being more assertive offensively and is using the afore-mentioned athleticism to beat up teams on the glass and finish above the rim both in the halfcourt and in transition. Defensively he is a really valuable piece as the most scalable defender on the back line that plugs a lot of holes for the Lions with his ability to cover ground to contest shots around the basket or on the perimeter.

Currently Barning is a standout hybrid-forward at Archbishop Carroll in Washington, DC. Last month he stuffed the stat book with 20 points and 11 rebounds against Concordia Prep as well as 17 points and 15 rebounds against Neumann-Goretti. Yesterday Barning announced via social media that he will attend Phelps School next year and play a post graduate season.  

4p 6r 2a 2b 2s vs PVI

-The athletic big has had some really special flashes of athleticism of late, working hard at both ends of the floor to impact the game against PVI at home. Barning is still adjusting to the speed of the game but has improved his feel with defensive rotations, positioning, and moving without the ball or after setting screens on the perimeter to stay out of his teammates’ driving lanes while presenting himself as a good passing option in the key. He’s starting to read opposing point guard’s eyes as a helper or as the big showing on ball screens, timing deflections or steals well to disrupt offensive flow. Barning’s highlight of the game occurred on a baseline rip through and 2-handed dunk in traffic to highlight a Carroll comeback midway through the 3Q.

-Barning is an intriguing W/F tweener that should step into a bigger role for the Lions this season as a prospect that can rebound, knock down jumpers from the high post, and switch 3-5 at the defensive end of the floor. The timing and IQ of his screens, dives to the rim, and fades for a pick n pop combines to give him a much better feel in the halfcourt. If he can improve his help rotations to serve as a shot-blocker from the weakside that deters drivers from attacking the rim, he will only add more value to his team and in return– his recruitment.