A Pair From B’Mo: Antonio Barton & C.J. Fair

Ron Bailey, Publisher

April 12, 2007 – The recently completed Charlie Weber Easter Hoop Fest afforded i95Ballerz.com the opportunity to observe new, talented players. Resultantly, meet Antonio Barton and C.J. Fair.

Barton, a sophomore and Fair, a freshman, played for the Baltimore Stars together. They are also teammates while attending high school at Baltimore’s City College. It is there that the school’s coach, Mike Daniel, first become involved with the duo.

“They are two great kids” said Daniel recently, by telephone. “And both are going to be very good”.

For City College, which went 20-5 and finished second in the city last season, Daniel indicated “Antonio averaged around 12 points and 6 assists”, while playing the point guard position. He stands around 6’2”, and weighs 165 lbs, and has a penchant for scoring, finding open teammates, and leading a team.

Antonio Barton & C.J. Fair, shown here after compeiting for a Baltimore Stars 16 and under team. Both are 15 years of age.

Fair didn’t play much early last season according to Daniel, but worked his way into the rotation, and “will definitely play this year”. Expect C.J., a lefty, to continue manning his small forward position, where he attacks the rim despite a slim 6’6”, 175 lb frame.

Both are 15 years old (with C.J. just having turned that age), and as such have the common developmental goal of increasing their body strength, and maturity. Daniel believes in becoming stronger, they will not only increase their overall effectiveness, but improve the consistent range on their jump shots as well.

Talking to the tandem at the Easter Hoop Fest, it was obvious both are willing to improve.

“My handles, speed, and defense have to get better” said Fair, when asked what parts of his game needed the most improvement, while Barton identified his “shooting and defense” as in need of the most personal focus.

Expect Daniel to continue utilizing C.J. as a small forward during summer league play this year, further helping develop his quickness and competitive spirit, the latter something City’s coach lauded as “the heart of a lion”.

While Fair is doing that, Barton will continue competing as a point guard, but will slide over to shooting guard also. In doing so, Daniel believes the young man’s effectiveness will be enhanced greatly, as defenses will have trouble dealing with a player that can seamlessly switch between those positions.

Both young men noted Daniel demands much of them, but in unison responded “Yes” when asked if they liked the City experience. Barton then added “We are going to win the championship next year”, while Fair shared “He (Daniel) makes us better”.

Fair and Barton’s youth and consquential time to develop, coupled with Daniel’s coaching and their desire to win plus willingness to improve, will carry the pair far. And along the way cause major headaches for foes.

Be sure to check i95Ballerz.com for updates on their basketball careers.