The Ridgewood senior, who is not afraid of physical play, has stepped up since Crystal Ayers was injured.
By JAMAL THALJI
Published February 19, 2004
NEW PORT RICHEY - Minutes after Ridgewood saw its leader go down with a season-ending knee injury, it watched another leader chase a loose ball out of bounds and dive headfirst into the metal stands.
For the second time that night, the Rams' season flashed before their eyes. But Jen Barrett popped right back up.
"They said watching the video I must have hurt my head," Barrett said. "But I don't remember hitting anything."
No player embodies tough-minded Ridgewood more than the senior shooting guard.
"Coaches love people that lead by example," said coach Greg Bollinger, "who just go out and get the job done and do whatever needs to be done, whether it's getting a steal or diving for a loose ball or taking a charge.
"She is one of those people that will do whatever it takes to win."
The Rams have won six straight, five on the road, because of that toughness. They have won those since senior point guard Crystal Ayers was lost Jan.28.
When Ayers went down, Barrett had to pick up the playmaking and scoring load. How fortunate for Ridgewood she had shouldered that burden before at Hudson as a freshman and sophomore before transferring.
"I think I knew I had to pick up the slack since Crystal can't," said Barrett, who is pleasantly surprised by her team's 25-1 record "I think it's unbelievable. I knew we'd still be good. I just didn't think we would be this good."
The Rams were talented, experienced, deep and skilled before Ayers' injury. Barrett said all that has changed is the team's motivation.
"In practice, everyone's involved, everyone knows they have to step up (without Crystal)," Barrett said. "I know if I'm having a bad night out there, the other four people on the court are going to pick it up for me.
"I'd do anything to have (Crystal) playing again. It's great to see that, to show everyone that we can do it with or without her."
Ridgewood had to win the regular-season finale on the road at Pasco to lock up sole possession of a fifth straight Sunshine Athletic Conference title. In the district final at Wesley Chapel, it took overtime to win a seventh consecutive crown.
Those are the games when Barrett is at her best, when she hurls her body around the floor.
"I don't even feel it," she said. "I never hurt myself. I've never gotten hurt. I've gotten used to it."
There's not much Barrett can't do. She averaged 10.3 points in the regular season, second behind Ayers' 17.4. She is second in assists (3.3) and steals (3.0).
At 5-foot-2 she's not afraid to drive the floor. Averaging 32 percent (29-of-91) from 3-point range, she's not afraid to take outside shots. After four years as a starter, there isn't a situation she hasn't faced. With a team-high three charges, she's not afraid to get dirty.
"She has a tremendous amount of experience, which I think is huge," Bollinger said. "She made two big 3s against Wesley Chapel to help give us the lead and to take it to hoop.
"We have the confidence to give (her the ball) and let her take that shot."
But Barrett would rather take a dive.
"I just give it my all to get the ball," she said. "If you see it, you've got to have it."
