June 07, 2009|By Glenn Graham | Glenn Graham,GLENN.GRAHAM@BALTSUN.COM
Lake Clifton forward Will Barton, The Baltimore Sun All-Metro Player of the Year, and his brother, Antonio, the Lakers' starting point guard, have made oral commitments to play college basketball at Memphis.
The Bartons chose Memphis over Xavier, Miami, Virginia and Syracuse, which all recruited both brothers.
"It was always our plan to go to school together, but we were ready for anything, [even] if it was to split up and go to different schools," said Antonio Barton, who was in Memphis along with his brother for an elite camp. "But going to school together was always an option."
Said Will Barton: "We came down and just wanted to see what it was all about, and it was everything we pictured and more. It's a great atmosphere, a family atmosphere. They showed us a lot of support. It all just clicked, and we pulled the trigger."
The two standouts transferred to Lake Clifton this school year after attending National Christian Academy in Fort Washington their sophomore years.
Will, a versatile 6-foot-6 swing player, averaged 18 points, 10 rebounds and four assists during his junior season in leading the No. 1 Lakers (28-0) to the Class 3A state title. Antonio, who also just completed his junior season, ran the Lakers' offense.
"It's a great opportunity for them both. I see them both playing at Memphis right away, and that won't be anything new for them," Lake Clifton coach Herman "Tree" Harried said. "They've been playing together all their lives. ... They considered playing at different schools, but the opportunity to play together at Memphis was a great situation and something they took advantage of. It should work out real well. They play well together and, just like at Lake Clifton, others will enjoy playing with them. It's a great fit."
Josh Pastner, who was named coach at Memphis after John Calipari left for Kentucky in April, began recruiting the Bartons when he was an assistant under Calipari. The Bartons said Pastner assured them that they will not be affected by recent NCAA allegations of major violations under Calipari.
"They let us know what the situation is," Antonio said. "He let us know it wouldn't affect us or any future classes coming in. Nobody's going to be penalized or anything."
Antonio will return for his senior season at Lake Clifton in the fall, while Will, who is 11 months older, will attend prep school.
Will Barton was originally a member of the 2009 class but was reclassified to 2010 while at National Christian Academy. He spent his first two years at City.
He is considering the following prep schools: Brewster Academy in New Hampshire, Findlay Prep in Nevada, Hargrave Military Academy in Virginia, South Kent Prep in Connecticut and Mountain State Academy in West Virginia.
