A Player You Should Know: Nate Bareno
NATE BARENO
Rockford, Senior 6’5 F Rockford High School
Bareno provided the Rams with a strong post presence last season. A 6-foot-5 forward, Bareno averaged 13 points per game on 57% shooting from the field, and led the Rams in rebounding with 5.7 per game. He was selected to the All-Area Boys Basketball Team North last season.
“Nate was our rock inside,” said Rockford coach Kyle Clough. “He often demanded a double-team and really put a lot of pressure on the rim all season. Bareno moved up to the Rockford varsity boys basketball team last season and has provided an instant impact for the Rams.
“He’s doing a great job for us, and will continue to improve because he is a hard worker,” Rockford coach Kyle Clough said. “He is one of our leaders. “On the floor, he is learning how to make his teammates better by demanding double-teams, and finding the open player when that happens. He is doing a great job of drawing double-teams in the post and learning how to play against those types of defensive situations.”
The 6-5, 200-pound senior paid his dues and played AAU basketball with Grand Rapids Storm. His work ethic is supberb and a true gym rat who enjoys the journey just as much as the destination. He’s very hungry to become one of the best post players in Grand Rapids and wants to play college basketball.
Bareno is a very strong kid who plays bigger than his height. He put the time in to improve his footwork. He’s really learning how important good footwork is and how to play against double-teams and bigger players who try to out muscle him.
“His greatest strength, though, is his love for basketball. He always comes back hungry and looking to get better. He will again take on the a leadership role this year as one of the captains. He has embraced that role and has been doing a nice job of executing our program expectations, both on the floor and off,” Clough said.
Playing in the always loaded OK Red conference will offer Bareno the chance to showcase his skills against good opponents and garner the exposure necessary for him to accomplish his goal of playing college basketball.