Whether he's catching passes or finishing in the paint, Brian Barlow knows what to do with the ball in his hands. But the studious Sherando seniors also knows that athletics aren't his priority.
"You're a student athlete not an athlete student, so your grades are always first. You know, it's hard, you want to put your sports ahead of your grades, but your grades are always first." says the Sherando basketball and football star.
Barlow recently signed a letter of intent to continue his football career at James Madison University, and Brian says before the Dukes coaching staff ever asked about his athletic abilities, they made sure his grades were in order.
"Before they even start talking to you, they always go into your school and ask your guys about your grades and your SAT's, and then they start talking to you about your athletic skills and stuff. If you have good grades, thats easy they can just worry about the athletics later." says the future Duke.
On a Sherando hoops team with 7 seniors, Brian's leadership style is unique. While he may not be the loudest guy on the team, Barlow's success in school and sport lets his teammates know what's expected.
"He's a guy that gives us good muscle round the basket and he's a very strong rebounder. And you know, kids always look up to him because they know when he's in the game he's always going to give his best effort." noted Sherando Head Basketball coach, Garland Williams.
Congratulations to Brian Barlow of Sherando High School. TV3 Winchester Student Athlete of the Week.