Barnett returns for post-season

By: Rich Fisher
   It’s hard to say how different the South Brunswick High girls basketball season would have gone with point guard Janay Barnett in the lineup all year, but at least the Vikings are getting to find out a little of Barnett’s impact in the post season.
   The junior, who looked to be gone for the entire season, returned from ACL surgery just in time for the Greater Middlesex Conference Tournament. She did not start in either game against Edison or South Plainfield, but at least got to test her knee out for the first time since November.
   "It felt real great to get back," Barnett said. "I tried to push it a lot for my team because I knew they needed me. They kept saying ‘When are you coming back?’ throughout the whole season.
   "Me and my doctors talked about it, that I would be ready for GMCs. We tried our hardest and I pushed to come back, at least for a couple of games so I know I could be back in the mix and play at least one game my junior year."
   Barnett has at least one more game, as the Vikings open state tournament play Monday at Jackson. Barnett said that physically, the only problem has been some stiffness when she comes out of the game. But mentally, it’s a different story.
   "In my head, I’m trying to run quickly and I’m trying to push it,, but I know my body can’t because it’s just coming off a knee injury," she said. "It’s a little hard. I’m used to going at a fast pace, but now I have to slow it down. I’m trying to run, but my body’s like ‘You can’t do that.’"
   It’s tempting to wonder how much better the Vikings could have been with Barnett, who is a talented and experienced point guard. That’s no knock on thosewho filled in, but there’s no true substitute in basketball for an experienced point guard.
   Plus, Barnett is a rare breed who can take it to the next level. She was the lone returning starter from last year, and she spent this season providing pointers from the bench just to keep herself from going crazy.
   "Janay is one of a kind so it’s always good to have her back," coach Beth Barrio said. "She’s motivational, physical, knowledgeable about the game. Whether she’s sitting on the bench or she’s out on the floor she’s definitely an asset to us.
   "Having her be able to go out there and bring some of that spirit she’s been holding in all these games is beneficial. And it’s a big motivation for the girls. They’re very close to her, they want her out there, and when she gets out there it just gives them a boost mentally that she’s with them."