(3-29-22) How do we judge success in today’s world of high school sports? This past weekend in the Indiana High School Athletic Association (IHSAA) Boys 1A State basketball championship an opportunity for a storybook ending didn’t happen the way it is suppose to.

It was the title game between Lafayette Central Catholic and North Daviess, the game was tied after regulation and tied after the 1st overtime. It was a classic battle between two of Indiana’s top small schools.

The game entered the 2nd OT and that is when the drama really started. LCC set-up for the tying score trailing by 3 in the final seconds…the cross court inbound pass went to Clark Barrett on the opposite side of the court… as time was running out he threw up a 3-pt FG that was partially blocked…but he was fouled with no time left on the clock.

With a state-wide TV audience, numerous radio stations broadcasting, thousand of fans… the pressure had to be immense. To add to all of that pressure Barrett would stand at the foul line all alone with the lane cleared since no time was left on the clock.

Now Barrett would have to make all three FTs to send the game into a third OT.

The first one is good. Timeout by North Daviess to ice Barrett and let him think about the situation and what he had to do.

Barrett goes back to the line and he must make both of the two remaining shots to force the 3rd OT. Would it be that storybook play…but the second shot is short and bounces off the front of the rim, game over.

Barrett told the Journal-Courier after the game –

“I will always be confident in myself, but obviously that’s probably one of the hardest situations I’ve ever been put in. I’ve struggled from the free-throw line all year. I haven’t had the highest percentage. It’s something I’ve worked on in practice constantly.

“It wasn’t enough.”

It was one of those situations that every little kid in Indiana dreams about…a chance to be a hero in a key moment in a State championship game.

But let’s look at what success is and the outstanding career for the LCC Senior.

During the title game on Saturday Barrett played all 40 minutes of the game, he was the Knights co-leader in scoring with 13 points, he had a double-double adding10 rebounds, 2 assists and a steal. Those are impressive numbers and it kept the Knights in the game.

How good is Barrett? He is also is a top QB in Indiana and has signed to continue his football career at Marian University in the fall.

He also celebrated scoring a 1,000 points in February during his career at LCC.

Sure it would have been a moment to remember for Barrett…but when you talk about a successful career Barrett is at the top of that list. There are many who strive to reach what Barrett has done during his time at LCC.

Coach Norman Dale said it best in ‘Hoosiers’ –

If you put your effort and concentration into playing to your potential, to be the best that you can be, I don’t care what the scoreboard says at the end of the game, in my book we’re gonna be winners.

Clark Barrett is a winner.

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