LCA's Barnette commits to UK women

By Jennifer Smith

jsmith3@herald-leader.com

Tim Webb

Lexington Christian Academy's Sarah Beth Barnette scored against Lyon County during last year's All-A Classic in Richmond.

Sarah Beth Barnette, one of the top sophomore basketball players in the state last season, has verbally committed to Kentucky, her father Ross Barnette confirmed Friday morning.

The Lexington Christian Academy swing player spoke with Coach Matthew Mitchell Thursday night and told him that she was headed to UK.

“Coach Mitchell solidified the deal for us,” Ross Barnette said. “He’s shown a lot of class in all of our dealings with him and we felt really comfortable with him and UK.”

Several schools around the country were showing interest in the 6-foot-2 Barnette, including Duke, Louisville, Western Kentucky and Arkansas, her father said.

But she had her heart set on Kentucky, Lexington Christian Coach Jason Seamands said.

“I’m just thrilled for her,” Seamands said. “It’s kind of her dream school. I know her family’s a Kentucky family.”

As a freshman, Barnette started on the LCA team that won the Sweet Sixteen. She also has started on both of the Eagles’ back-to-back All “A” Classic championship teams.

This past season, Barnette averaged 13.2 points, 8.4 rebounds and 1.4 blocks a game while hitting 52 percent from the field and 41 percent from three-point range. Barnette also made 78 percent of her free throws.

Off the court, Barnette is even better, Seamands said.

“I told (Mitchell) he’s getting a great player, but an even better person,” Seamands said. “aShe’s just a spiritually, emotionally healthy person and those kind of people do well wherever they go.”