There was no shortage of talent in the Evansville Bosse backcourt this season. However, that did not stop Barnes from breaking through and contributing consistently as a sophomore. The explosive 5’10” playmaker has carried over his strong play into the spring with WeDifferent 812. Barnes has shown the ability to light it up from beyond the arc this spring while also serving as a very disruptive on-ball defender in the backcourt.

When it comes to pure bucket getters in the Southwest Indiana Class of 2028, not many have gotten off to the start that WeDifferent 812 16u/Evansville Bosse guard Dontae Barnes Dontae Barnes 5'10" | PG Benjamin Bosse | 2028 IN has this spring. The 6’1” Guard is constantly in attack mode and has shown the ability to score it from all three levels. He’s a game changer on both ends of the floor with his length and athleticism and should continue to have a strong spring and summer getting him ready to step into a big role going into his junior season.

He runs with WeDifferent 812. Barnes had a big weekend at the Chi-Town Tip-Off; expect him to carry that momentum into The Stage. Dontae showcased his athleticism and ability to put up 20+ points in games. Dontae is a playmaker in transition and thrives in a fast-paced tempo. Expect Barnes to show out as a dynamic slasher and bouncy finisher. Expect a monster weekend at The Stage.

Barnes’ athleticism jumped out immediately and remained a constant throughout both games. A bouncy, high-motor guard, he thrived by pushing the pace, sharing the ball, and making the right reads on the move. He showed his scoring ability with a knockdown three and touch on his jumper, but his biggest impact came attacking the rim where he finished with acrobatic layups and elevated above defenders as an above-the-rim presence. He also contributed on the glass. An uber-athletic playmaker who played a key role in helping his WeDifferent 16U squad go 2-0 with both coming by 20-point victories.

The purest three-point shooter that I saw during the Fishers Holiday Hoops Classic was easily Dontae Barnes Dontae Barnes 5'10" | PG Benjamin Bosse | 2028 IN of Evansville Bosse. The thing is, Barnes has a shooting stroke that looks like it is going to go in every time he releases it, and it won’t be touching any part of the rim. He is at his best as a spot-up shooter off the catch but has some speed to him when he can mix it up in the lane a bit. The sophomore guard finished with 14 points for Bosse.

Barnes would likely be the next prospect from the greater Evansville area to make the rankings as we expand. He was excellent at the junior varsity level for Evansville Bosse High School last year as a freshman and should emerge in a varsity role this winter. His athleticism and playmaking out of the backcourt shined over the summer at the Charlie Hughes Showcase for the Bulldogs. Look for Barnes to really start to solidify himself as one of the top Class of 2028 prospects in the Evansville area.

A 2028 prospect that I am starting to become very high on is Evansville Bosse guard Dontae Barnes Dontae Barnes 5'10" | PG Benjamin Bosse | 2028 IN . He plays like a glue guy at times and is pretty unselfish on the floor while also providing a good amount of scoring as well. Long frame that he uses to score around the basket well and rebound.