Midland basketball player Drew Barrie makes history with scholarship offer
MIDLAND, Mich. — In a sport like basketball, where genetics largely determine a player’s potential, the margin of error for those who aren’t physical anomalies is paper thin. However, through blood, sweat, and tears, a few special players can defy the percentages to reach historic heights.
This is exactly what senior Drew Barrie did, becoming the first Midland High School basketball player in over 20 years to earn a full-ride scholarship to play in college.
Barrie grew up as a multi-sport athlete, but took a special interest in basketball thanks to his family’s influence.
“Growing up, I tried a lot of sports,” Barrie said. “I played football, baseball, basketball, and soccer, but have only played football and basketball since my sophomore year. I was surrounded by basketball since my older sister played it, and my mom played in college.”
The familial influence provided plenty of motivation for Barrie. Whether it was his sister — now playing at Saginaw Valley State — his mother, or his friends, various figures inspired Barrie to pursue a basketball career past high school.
Arguably the most influential figure amongst Barrie’s support system was his childhood friend and fellow player, RJ Taylor.
“RJ and I go way back,” Barrie reflected. “He was one of those kids that had similar aspirations to me. I remember us two playing each other one-on-one since kindergarten. We’d play at our sisters’ practices, camps that his dad would host, wherever we could. We have played on the same team for travel ball since third grade and continue to be best friends.”
RJ’s motivation and support kept his friend on the right track, but Barrie also had to overcome obstacles on his own to continue the process.
Transitioning from middle school to high school, Barrie underwent an enormous growth spurt that brought into question whether he’d be able to adjust to his body. But through hard work and determination, Barrie turned that hindrance into an advantage.
“My biggest challenge was definitely the sudden growth spurt,” Barrie recalled. “In a lot of ways, I had to change how I played. But through hours upon hours dedicated towards strength and agility training off the court, I grew into my body fast.”
With the successful adjustment, Barrie went on to have a stupendous high school career for the Midland Chemics. In his junior season, he led the Chemics to an 11-5 record while averaging over 20 points per game, earning him an AP Division 1 boys basketball second-team all-state honor.
Barrie now looks to build off last year with an even better senior season.
“I want to have as memorable of a senior year as possible,” Barrie said. “My teammates and I have certain standards we have to live up to, which means winning a lot of games.”
Even with the majority of his focus on this winter, Barrie still understands the magnitude of earning his scholarship to Michigan Tech, both for himself and Midland High.
“It’s pretty special,” Barrie said. “There have been a lot of great athletes to come through Midland High, so I’m just honored to be able to continue playing the sport I love. I’ll continue to work my behind off to be as good as I can be. With the great coaching staff up at Michigan Tech, I know they’ll put me and the team in a position for success which is all I can ask for.”
This is an unedited user writing submission. The views, information, or opinions expressed in this article are solely those of the author and do not necessarily represent those of Best Version Media or its employees.