HighSchoolElite.com's Player Journals- Welsh 2

Editor Frank's note:
Barry Welsh and his Abingdon Commandos fell short of the state championship but they have no reason to hold their heads low as they finished with a great year, finishing 24-5 for the season. Normally a clutch player, Barry came up short in Abingdon's last game as they fell to a strong Farmington team led by second team All-State player, Rhet Wierzba. With his season over Barry is now focusing on getting ready for his venture into college life at Indiana State University where he has already signed on to play next year. With a solid work ethic Barry is determined to play well at ISU and will do whatever it takes for him to accomplish that feat.

Well some days have passed since our OT loss to the Farmington Farmers. It was a great game and I know we could of came out on top, I missed a 1 and 1 with 8 seconds left in regulation which could of put us ahead. But, sometimes that's how the ball bounces and the night before I hit a game winner, so I guess that's just how it is. It's been eating at me a little bit but it's just more motivation for me to work harder. I honestly believe our team deserved a better fate than that though. We still had a real good year finishing 24-5 and winning conference for the 3rd straight year. I'm really going to miss playing with my teammates, they're all my best friends and I wish all of them the best of luck in next season. We all grew up together and played at the parks around the area so it's going to be a little bit of a change. Tyler McCurry, Brad Arthur, and Derrick Swanson all have college potential and I think you guys will all be hearing their names in the upcoming season.

Even though we're not playing I’ll be heading down to the state tournament this weekend. I've gone every year since 7th grade. Friday I’m going with some of the guys and Saturday I’m going with my girlfriend Nicole (pictured with Barry to the right). Lately I’ve just been lifting weights constantly at a gym in Galesburg. It's great getting away every night, I’m really looking forward to college and playing at ISU (Indiana State University). I sure hope they get a bid to NCAA t-ment, I know they deserve it winning the MVC this year. I know Marcus Howard (A 6'3" shooting guard from Elgin, IL, also committed to ISU) and I are both looking forward to it, we visited at the same time and I was impressed with his play.

I Received co-player of the year award from HOI TV station here in Peoria. Rhett Wierzba from Farmington and I are the players of the year, he's a great player. Last night talked a little to Seth Nelson (teammates with Rhet last year at Farmington) he's a class A point guard who ended up starting and averaging like 13ppg at D2 Nebraska-Omaha. I'm real glad he's been so successful thus far it gives myself even more confidence and it'll maybe get more scouts to look in our area for players. Well since I'm now finished as an Abingdon Commando I must say that the fans have been the greatest I appreciate everyone’s support. I wouldn't of played at any other school in the state and I must thank coach Youngman and coach Sandstrom for making the last two years as great as they were. Well I’ve gotta get to the gym to hit some jump-shots but I’ll write back in another week or so. Take it easy and keep balln, it's life!

barry welsh 24