It was not long ago that I was raving about the young ability of 6-foot-3 now junior guard Kolby Barnes. Barnes was one of the state's top young prospects while just a mere freshman for St. Mary's High School. A lot has changed since then. Now a junior at Perry High School, Barnes is getting back to business this season, after overcoming a serious setback. In the heart of Arizona high school basketball, Kolby Barnes is writing a remarkable comeback story. While now as a junior at Perry High School, Kolby has emerged as the team’s resilient leader after a year-long battle with an injury. Previously a top performer at St. Mary’s HS in Phoenix, Kolby transferred to Perry for his sophomore year. However, a severe ankle injury during a summer club event sidelined him for the entire season.
Kolby went through the toughest challenge of his very young life, but he was completely resilient in his approach and showed serious discipline to get back to 100%. As someone that knows this young man, it was truly inspiring what he went through, and how he overcame it. Now fully recovered, Kolby has returned to the court and is making his presence felt this season.
Despite Perry’s slow 6-7 start this season, due in part to two key players, LJ Diamond and Vik Babic, sitting out under the AIA transfer rule. Barnes has stepped up in a big way. He’s currently averaging 12.9 points, 4.3 rebounds and 2.1 assists per game. His versatile offensive skill-set, high basketball IQ, and leadership have kept Perry competitive during this challenging stretch.
Under new Head Coach Justin Collard, who is regarded as one of the top coaches in the state, the team is poised for an amazing turn around, once their full roster is eligible. In the meantime, Kolby is proving again why he’s considered as one of the top guard prospects in Arizona’s 2027 class.
Barnes has a smooth shooting stroke with range, is an excellent ball-handler and has a nice ability to get teammates involved. He also has a lot of upside as a player. As he continues to mature physically, there’s no doubt he’ll remain in the conversation as one of the top players in his class.
Kolby’s recruitment is just beginning to pick up again after his injury, and with a strong finish to the season and a productive summer ahead, he’s definitely a prospect to watch. He remains one of my favorite guard prospects in the state, and I’m excited to follow his journey.
Barnes is a fine young man and comes from a very accomplished family of successful people that have worked hard to get where they are in life. Barnes has been raised in the same manner. The future looks very bright for Kolby Barnes and I look forward to watching him continue to develop.
Arizona Hoop Review Scouting Report: Barnes is a bigger point guard prospect that is still growing a great deal physically. He has an excellent feel for the game, and a nice jump shot with range that keeps defenses honest. He enjoys having the ball in his hands to make plays for himself and others, and surveys the floor for the open man on the court. He pushes the ball up the floor and plays fast, as needed. He also plays with good pace on the court and does not get sped up by defenders. He has a skillset that allows him to change speed and direction off the dribble, which makes him difficult to defend. As he gets stronger physically, he will become a much better finisher in the lane over time. A very good ball handler and passer that sees the floor, and pushes the ball up the floor to the open man. A good rebounder from the guard position. A slick defender with quick hands and feet that plays passing lanes. Has a bright future ahead of him with very good upside as a PG.
