On another night of widespread cancellations across the WNY high school basketball scene, I found a game to watch that was close to home, and it wound up holding quite the subplot. Barker's game at Wilson had been moved to Wednesday night, making it a no-brainer for me. When I arrived, I found out that Raiders' 2013 All-Centercourt Fifth Team selection, Jake Haight, needed just 11 points to become the school's all-time scoring leader.
The first shot of the second half was the one for the record books. Just nine seconds into the third quarter, Haight hoisted up a 3-pointer from the left corner that drew nothing but net, and an ovation from the entire crowd in Wilson's gymnasium when the historic moment was announced moments later. A comment left on this site from Jake's father earlier does a great job of explaining the context. I've copied & pasted it below:
"WILSON -- The Boys' Varsity Basketball team improved to 13-0 after defeating Wilson 56-34 on Wednesday night. Jacob Haight had game high honors scoring 22 points. Mitchell Luckman and Bryce Moeller each add 12 points.
Congratulations to Jacob Haight for becoming Barker's all-time leading scorer in the game against the Lakemen. Haight passed 1996 Barker graduate and current Niagara County Community College Men's Basketball Coach, Billy Beilein when he scored his 1198 career point. Haight's total stands at 1209 career points in his 4 years as a Varsity Basketball player."
The Raiders led by just five at halftime, but came out for the third quarter seemingly on a mission, and quickly put the game out of reach. Haight's trey spurred a 20-6 quarter for Barker, as he scored nine of his game-high total in the stanza. When I asked Haight about his accomplishment following the contest, his response was simple - "It's an honor" said Haight.
The interesting twist to the whole story is that the former record holder, Thunderwolves coach Bill Beilein, is very familiar with Haight. Not only do the two hail from the same small community in the northern portion of Niagara County, Beilein spent the summer watching Haight play and is actively recruiting him to play for his nationally ranked squad with a 20-2 record this season. I had a chance to catch up with Beilein, who had his record fall after standing for 17 seasons, and the Barker alumni couldn't be happier for Haight.
"I wouldn't want to lose the record to anyone else," Beilein said. "I don't think scoring is ever his mission. He plays within the game to keep his team undefeated".
"Jake's a very competitive, high motor player that makes tremendously good decisions on the court. As a teammate, he's a leader just by bringing positive energy all the time".
Beilein is hopeful that the two can continue to be linked as Haight begins his journey at the next level.
"He's better than a Division III player and I think with the right opportunity and exposure, he'll realize that potential. I'd love to get the chance to coach him" Beilein said.
Wherever Haight ends up, his humble approach and willingness to be a good teammate first should serve him well.
-centercourt
Congrats! Jake is a great kid along with his cousin Christopher. Two great families who contribute as much to their school as they do their community.
I wish Coach Carson would have 'amped' up his non-league schedule in order to prepare for sectional play. Play in the N-O league is exceptionally poor this year with Barker being the deviation. The elimination of modified sports as had an enormous impact on participation and quality of sports, especially basketball.
If Barker is to contend for a sectional title their defensive effort will need to improve considerably. Only 2 or 3 players consistently play every defensive possession with intensity. No one can afford to take possessions off on either end of the court when sectionals begin.
Best of luck to Barker and all WNY teams as the regular season comes to a close.
Posted by: Lakemen Fan | Thursday, January 30, 2014 at 12:10 PM
Congrats to Jake and the rest of the Raiders. I have had the good fortune to not only compete against Jake as a coach but to work with him at several camps and AAU seasons, he is a great young man and a tremendous competitor. All of his accomplishments our well deserved and most impressive is he does it each and every night for his teammates and the name on the front of the jersey.
Lakemen Fan.. GREAT POINT about the no modified in the N-O league having a enormous impact on this leagues ability to compete outside of the league schedule and come sectional play.. we need it back desperately.
Posted by: coach_ek | Thursday, January 30, 2014 at 04:22 PM
Hope Beilein gives the kid a real shot to play. Look at the roster the past couple of years. Locals few and far between. Probably the only reason he is considering him is because of it being Beilein's alma mater. Jake I hope you get a shot at NCCC, but you can probably do better.
Posted by: Artemus Gordon | Sunday, February 02, 2014 at 01:17 PM