This emerging wing prospect can score and do it in a hurry. Whether he’s drilling three-point shots, using his length and mobility to score in transition or hustling for offensive rebounds and putbacks, Barkus is a handful for defenders to stop. He put up points for Team 7 at a high rate, but he also did a nice job of defending and snaring rebounds on both ends of the court. Rhinelander is looking to repeat as champions of the Great Northern Conference and the strong play of Barkus this summer with his high school team and with UTC Fire is a major reason why many believe the Hodags can accomplish that lofty goal.

Previous Ranking: Unranked
New Ranking: 211

A key player for a very good UTC Fire squad and one of three returning starters for Rhinelander, Barkus averaged 7.0 points and 2.5 rebounds as a junior. Those numbers almost assuredly will increase in 2025-26 as his game has matured, his confidence has soared and his ability to score in different ways has diversified. He’s best using his size and strength to get to the basket off the dribble, but he’s also a capable shooter from the perimeter. He can also defend both guards and forwards. Barkus, Devon Feck Devon Feck 6'0" | SG Rhinelander | 2026 State WI and Evan Shoeder Evan Shoeder 6'5" | PF Rhinelander | 2026 WI give Rhinelander coach Derek Lemmens a solid core to build around as they look to defending their Great Northern Conference title.

Barkus has taken a big step forward in his game since the end of the high school season. One of several key returning players for Rhinelander, Barkus has evolved into a true backcourt player who can handle the ball, get to the basket and find open teammates. He did a good job of scoring as well as he finished with 19 points in the win over The Work Foundcation with most of those tallies coming off strong drives to the basket. At 6-foot-3 and with good speed and strength, Barkus is tough to keep out of the lane. And once he’s in that position, good things usually are forthcoming.

One of the top players on the UTC Fire 17U squad, Barkus is a difficult matchup because of his ability to impact the game from different spots on the floor. Offensively, Barkus can score off the dribble, from the outside and even in the low post with his strength and balance. Defensively, Barkus can guard opposing guards while also helping against taller forwards and centers. He finished with 15 points and several rebounds in a 73-67 loss to JAG Select in a contest that went down the final minute of the game. Barkus earned honorable mention all-Great Northern Conference recognition as a junior for Rhinelander.