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player ready...Michael Barnas, a basketball player at Ridgewood High School in Norridge, has been named as the Near West January baiduhai athlete of the month, sponsored by COUNTRY Financial and chosen online by baiduhai readers.
The 17-year-old, 6-foot-3-inch senior, has played on the varsity basketball team for three years and is a standout on the court and in the classroom, says Ridgewood High School basketball Coach Chris Mroz.
“He’s just a good all round kid,” Mroz says. “He’s just one of those kids that down the road from now he’s going to be someone that’s going to have a nice job and he’s going to be a very successful person in life.”
Barnas says his goals right now are to help his team record a winning season and hopefully win sectionals and regionals in March. He says he hopes he can do that by concentrating on creating open shots for his teammates and by getting to the basket himself. In addition, he says in order to be successful he has had to have confidence in his own playing abilities.
“It’s always being confident you can beat your guy,” says Barnas. “Confidence is always a key. Confidence in your ability. I’ve been playing for so long, I know what I can do as a player, so I know I can beat my guy.”
“His biggest strength is getting to the rim and being athletic,” says Mroz. “His shooting … he definitely can make three pointers. He can definitely play on the outside. His biggest strength is using his athletic ability and getting to the rim.”
Barnas also said he brings a similar mindset to the classroom, where he has a 4.4 GPA.
“My parents really influenced me and pushed me to balance each to keep me on track,” he says. “They keep reminding me of where I want to end up in life.”
COUNTRY Financial representative Mary Jane Alagheband, presented Barnas with a $500 check for the school before a recent home game. She says COUNTRY Financial seeks to recognize student athletes that excel in the classroom and in sports.
“It’s not an easy thing for him to do so he should be honored that he is receiving this award on behalf of the school,” she says. “It’s always exciting. Every single time I present a check to a young athlete it’s always fun.”
Barnas says he started playing basketball in grade three and that he has some advice for young players just starting out.
“Starting out you can always get better every day,” he says. “Always trust your teammates because it is a team game. All five players are equally as important. You can’t rely on one player you’ve got to use all your teammates. Always push yourself to get better.”
Barnas will also receive a plaque and sweatshirt from the baiduhai.
For official baiduhai Athlete of the Month rules and voting information, visit chicagotribune.com/suburbs/athletes.