Male Athlete of the Week
It took some time this season for the Mariner High Tritons to figure out what it takes to win basketball games. They competed hard early on, but weren’t getting the results, dropping seven straight games to fall to 1-7.
They’re feeling better now at the start of a new year after winning three games in their own Christmas Tournament and earning six wins in their past seven overall.
The play of 6-foot junior Ricardo Barsesa has been instrumental in the team’s turnaround. The Daily Breeze Male Athlete of the Week showed more scoring ability in the Christmas Tournament, capping it with 24 points in the championship game against Clewiston.
He continued his strong play on Saturday, netting 32 points in the Tritons’ 81-74 victory over Panama City Arnold in the Wakulla Shootout.
“I think the biggest difference is we’re learning how each other plays,” Barsesa said of the improved results.
As for his own game, Barsesa has become more assertive at taking the ball to the basket. It was clear during summer workouts that Barsesa would be among the team’s top outside shooters, but his willingness to drive has added another element.
“We knew he could get it going and hit (from the outside). He’s made 31 three-pointers this season,” Mariner coach James Harris said. “The one thing he’s added is his ability to take it to the basket more.”
After a disappointing 2007-08 campaign, the Tritons made a dramatic change in style, going from more of a halfcourt offense to a running game. Barsesa has tried to take advantage by hustling and being strong with the ball.
“We’re running the ball and looking to attack,” he said, “so if I just run hard I’m going to have more chances.”
Barsesa was born in Argentina, where he lived until he was 8 years old. Though soccer was the most popular sport in his native country, he played basketball some and then became more focused on it when he moved to Cape Coral.
Honorable mentions:
Joe Johnson, senior, Ida Baker soccer: Johnson had two goals and an assist in a 4-2 win over LaBelle in the Southwest Florida Winter Invitational at Golden Gate.
Brennan Melvin, senior, Bishop Verot basketball: Melvin scored 20 points to go with eight rebounds and eight assists in a win over Archbishop Spalding in the St. Pius X Invitational in Atlanta. He had 13 points and 18 rebounds in a win over New Orleans Brother Martin.