Damien was fun to watch this past weekend, doing it all for his team. He plays so hard and plays with so much energy, pushing the pace offensively and applying constant pressure defensively. He forced so many turnovers, making life very difficult for opposing guards, leading to easy scores in transition. Barnes could use his quickness to blow by his defender and get inside, as well as step out and hit a tough pull-up jumper in the mid-range or from three.

Malik Martin Malik Martin 6'8" | SF Minneapolis Henry | 2029 State MN is the headliner for this MPLS Hustlers team, but there’s certainly talent all around him. That showed on Saturday afternoon as Malik was struggling with an injury, and Damien stepped up to help his team pull away in the second half. Barnes is a speedy guard who can fly up the floor in transition, while also playing with the change of speed needed to beat defenders in the half-court. He found success getting into the lane and finishing with touch over the top, while also stretching the floor from three. Can act as a one man press-break at times as well.

Barnes Jr. was all over the floor for his squad on Saturday. A lightning quick player, Damien’s quickness was too much for Wisconsin Academy to handle. Barnes Jr. was able to score directly at the rim several times due to his tight handle and quickness. Damien at times can be a one man fast break after he secures a defensive rebound. He had several coast-to-coast opportunities that he converted for himself scoring, or locating a teammate to knock down a shot or finish at the rim. Barnes Jr. has great instincts in the passing lanes and has some really impressive steals in his team’s afternoon game. Late in the contest, Damien showcased his ability to hit shots from deep as well as he hit a difficult step-back three to finish the game with 11 points.

Barnes brought relentless pressure to opposing defenses for the Mpls Hustlers. A skilled operator in the pick-and-roll, he punished mismatches and consistently found ways to get to the free throw line. His ability to break down defenders and make plays off the bounce was key down the stretch, where he took on the closer role with confidence and control.

Damien Barnes Jr Damien Barnes Jr PG Minneapolis Camden | 2029 State MN . was all over the floor coming up with plays for MPLS Hustlers over the weekend. Both offensively and defensively, his speed made a difference for the 14u champs. He was a pest on the ball, applying constant pressure to opposing guards, and showing quick hands + good timing to poke the ball free for steals. From there no one could catch him in the open floor as he racked up easy lay-ups. In the half-court he showed a quick first step to blow by defenders, and once he got downhill there wasn’t much you could do to stop him. Damien had some impressive finishes as he has the athleticism to just hang in the air and find ways to score over/around defenders.