February 15 , 2005

Sports

Quinn Barfield shows his joy for the game of basketball.

Photos by Rebecca Straughmatt

Barfield awarded
player of the week
accolades

Loraine German
Mesa Legend

Thunderbird hardwood star Quinn Barfield has been named co-Arizona Community College Athletic Conference player of the week, for the week ending Jan. 30.
Barfield averaged 26 points per game and scored a season high 30 points in a win against Yavapai.
Barfield is in his first year with the Thunderbirds following his service in the Marine Corps.
Barfield, a product of Georgetown, Texas, says he is more appreciative of his freedom and that he has learned how difficult things can get in life.
The ACCAC player of the week considers himself a self-motivated person and thinks that mental toughness is his biggest strength while playing. Barfield gives credit to his teammates saying “my success is because of the people around me.” Barfield said his teammates are responsible for him getting the ball in the basket by getting him involved. “It’s not just me. My success is also because of their hard work.”
Men’s head basketball coach Alton Lister said that Barfield’s achievement shows what dedication and hard work can do for an athlete.
“Barfield’s maturity level and passion for the game brings energy for the rest of the team,” said coach Lister.
When asked about his plans with Barfield, coach Lister said, “I’ll take full advantage of him and I’ll try to make this a successful thing for him. We all benefit from his accomplishments.”
Assistant basketball coach John Mulhern said that Barfield’s competitive spirit sets him apart from the rest of the players. “He works hard not only in school, but in the weight room and on the court. He deserves to be player of the week; you get what you put in to it” said Mulhern.
Mulhern said that Barfield’s addition to the team was unexpected since he “just showed up” during the summer program, but his hard work earned him a roster spot and ultimately got him where he is today.
Altogether, coaches and teammates agree that Barfield is a star and if he was not on the team and did not have a great attitude, they would not be where they are.
Barfield’s plans for the next few years include getting a scholarship to a four year university. In the extended future, Barfield wants to become a basketball coach himself; that is if bigger things don’t come along.
The team traveled to Yuma to play number two NJCAA ranked Arizona Western on Feb. 5. Mesa made the trip without front court players Derek Bailey (strep throat) and David Coffey (ankle), leaving them with only eight players in their 84-62 loss. Barfield scored 22 points. Mesa has lost two out of their last three games.