Erichea Barnes & Briana Jones Break 1,000-point Mark at Whitefield

Within a two-week period, both Erichea “Shay” Barnes and Briana Jones surpassed a major individual basketball career milestone – scoring 1,000 points. First Shay, then Bri. They have been the dynamic duo of Lady Wolfpack basketball for the last four years.

Shay is the authoritative point guard in charge of running a relatively young team and controlling the perimeter. Bri, a full foot taller, is an intimidating post player, who controls the boards and anchors the defense.

Because of their difference in stature, it is not likely that anyone would confuse the two. However, if you examine the person inside, they are alike in so many ways. They have a great work ethic. No one has logged more hours than these two perfecting their craft. One would affectionately describe them as "gym rats." In the beginning, running was not a favorite for either of them. As a sign of their maturity, they have embraced it and have turned running into a weapon. They have created a culture that creates a lot of fast break opportunities and gives up very few. Each of them has an infectious smile that just makes you feel good inside.

Character, however, may be the most important trait for each of them. They both are quick to help, very respectful and are team leaders. They also perform in the marching band and mentor kids at the Allen Hills Community Center.  Bri has also won a contest for reciting poetry and won a state title in the shot put.

As Bri and Shay move on next year to play basketball at the collegiate level at James Madison University and Mercer University, respectively, I am sure they will continue to be ambassadors for Whitefield Academy and set great examples of what a Whitefield graduate should look like.

-nominated and written by Daryl Jones (no relation to Briana)