Barnes Thankful for Opportunity with SMCC Women’s Basketball
Thanksgiving is a time to reflect on the year that has transpired and the one about to start. As a calendar year, 2020 has presented a unique set of challenges and circumstances that have made it one, unlike any other. Despite the turmoil of a global pandemic, there are still plenty of things to give thanks for this year.
South Mountain Community College women's basketball sophomore guard Naibe Barnes is eager to return to the court with her Cougar teammates. The team's last game was in mid-March, and typically, she'd be in the middle of her final year with the program.
Instead, the team is on the sidelines waiting for the word to reconvene and resume some semblance of normalcy, like suicides and cone drills. Barnes knows this could be her last year of basketball, and she is thankful for the opportunities that SMCC and head coach Byron Jackson have provided her.
A 5-3 guard from nearby Tempe, Barnes got her start in the game through her father, Martin, who is still active in recreational leagues. Although she started playing at the age of five, Barnes noted that around junior high was when things clicked.
"Around seventh or eighth grade, I had a realization that I loved the sport," said Barnes. "I watch a lot of NBA games, and the Suns are my favorite teams. As far as individuals, I am a fan of Devin Booker and Ben Simmons, and I look up to them as guards."
Her path to South Mountain CC was circuitous. She initially thought she was headed to a rival school, but a family friend connected her with Cougar head coach Byron Jackson. The rest is history.
"I live close to SMCC, and Coach Jackson had me sign up some for some classes. I took the placement test, got enrolled in a PE class and went from there," she said. "Without Coach Jackson, I would not be where I am today. He has done so much for me over the past three years, and I am very appreciative. My favorite part of working with him is that he motivates us to be our best on and off the court. He motivates and encourages us a lot."
Jackson grew emotional when speaking about his third-year guard.
"She is one of the most coachable student-athletes I have ever had," he said. "She does whatever we ask of her. She has a great personality, high motor and strong basketball IQ. Naibe is a great kid to be around, and we are going to miss her when she is gone."
According to Jackson, Barnes' work ethic distinguishes her and makes her an excellent example for her teammates.
"She is a high-character individual who never misses a practice and is someone who shows up early and stays late to put in the extra hours," he added. "She is one of the smartest girls I have coached, and when her teammates see her overall effort and willingness to do what is needed, it is going to go a long way."
That work ethic was on full display when she spent a year as a redshirt with the program. She filmed games, helped with stats and handled other duties integral to the team's success.
"It was hard to watch the games and not be with them on the court. However, I was able to still practice with them, and that helped me prepare and get a feel for what would come in the next season," she said.
She returned for the 2019-20 season, in which the Cougars qualified for the postseason for the second-straight season. As a freshman, Barnes appeared in 21 games and made 12 starts for SMCC. She averaged 1.9 points and 1.2 rebounds per game, scoring a season-high five points in a home win over Phoenix College.
Her most impactful performance of the season came in a 67-62 victory at Tohono O'odham CC on Jan. 15. She scored four points after halftime, including what-would-become the game-winning basket, as the Cougars rallied from a 33-25 deficit.
"We didn't have a few of our players and needed to win. At halftime, the coaches motivated us to push through it and increase our scoring. I felt very locked in, and once I hit that first shot, I got a lot of adrenaline. It was such a good feeling to feel," she said of the game.
The 2021 season begins in mid-January, and Barnes is doing her best to stay ready. She has a new court in her backyard and a few siblings, so competition of some sort is readily available. However, she misses the camaraderie and practices with her teammates.
"Towards the end of last season, we had practice at 6 a.m. We would show up half-asleep, but those were fun practices. I will never take that for granted again because we aren't in season right now," Barnes said.
When she does get back on the court, she is ready to assume more of a leadership role.
"My goals are to be a better listener and be more aggressive. I want to enjoy this season because it could be my last. I have been pretty quiet since I got to SMCC, especially in my first year. Now, I have broken that habit and I want to be more vocal on and off the court," she said.
Coach Jackson echoed that sentiment. He pointed to a game against Central Arizona, a team with some height and size compared to the Cougars. Standing in as a 5-6 guard, Barnes volunteered to play in the post.
"I would like to see her build up her confidence. On the court, she will lead through her work ethic, and I want her to be more aggressive. I know she can keep up with the high-major teams," he added.
Barnes' maturity is something she has seen off the court as well. She just voted in her first presidential election, and she admitted it was a different but good experience. After basketball ends, Barnes plans to pursue a career in nursing. She will receive her AA this spring and will look for an RN program at her next institution.
"I have a cousin who is a registered nurse, and he loves his job. I want to help people, and I feel like being a nurse is the best way to do help, especially when people are sick enough to be in the hospital," she said.
Wherever the path takes her, Barnes has shown the work ethic and determination to be successful. Her Cougar coaches and teammates are thankful for that.