Barton adds two more Indiana players to roster

Barton adds two more Indiana players to roster
The state of Indiana has been good to Barton County Community College men's basketball coach Ryan Wolf. With the success of past players from the state, it is not surprising that two more players from Indiana will be playing for the Cougars this season.

Indianapolis high school stars Aaron Patterson, a 6-6 forward from Warren Central High School, and Jesse McClung, a 6-0 point guard from Lawrence North High School are the two newest products from the Hooiser state.

Patterson scored 18 points a game as junior at Ben Davis High School in Indianapolis, one of the most storied high school programs in the state. He participated in the Nike All-American Camp following his junior year. That camp is for the top 100 high school players in the nation.

Patterson transferred to Warren Central his senior season, where he averaged 22 points a game.

"I chose Barton because of what the players from the state of Indiana have done here in the past," Patterson said. "I also like Coach Wolf. He's been successful."

Look for Patterson to step into the power forward spot for the Cougars.

"He's a perfect fit for us at the power forward spot," Coach Wolf said. "He has the perimeter skills of Joe Fermino and the athletic skills and toughness of Jackie Rogers. He has a chance to have a great career here."

McClung spent much of his time playing second fiddle to Michigan State signee Chris Hill at Lawrence North. But McClung still averaged 15 points, eight assists and four steals a game at Lawrence North. The left hander will provide quickness at the point.

"Jesse is just what you look for in a point guard," Coach Wolf said. "His quickness is comparable to that of Eric Bush, but he is not quite the scorer Bush was. He is a more complete point guard."

It is because of players like Bush that McClung chose the Cougars.

"Barton has a history of great point guards," McClung said. "I like the way they have developed in their years at Barton, from Alton Mason to DeMarcus Minor to Eric Bush."

Coach Wolf feels the combination of Patterson and McClung will be a good one for the Cougars.

"With those two guys on board it gives us a solid foundation for the next two years," Coach Wolf said. "They are both quality kids who have played for some great coaches. Maybe that will make up for my lack of coaching."

Patterson, McClung, transfer Omari Westley and returnee Jason Carter are the four out-of-state scholarships players for the Cougars at this point.

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