Senior spotlight: Oliver Barnes triggers Mosinee's offensive game

MOSINEE - Oliver Barnes had shown flashes of dominant play for the Mosinee boys basketball team in each of the past two seasons. 

But he has put everything together in his final year with the program.

Barnes, a 6-foot-6 forward, is averaging a team-high 16.9 points and 8.8 rebounds per game for a Mosinee team which entered Thursday with a 9-3 overall record. Mosinee is just a game back of Rhinelander in the Great Northern Conference and hosts the Hodags on Friday.

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"He had some times last year where he played really well but was up-and-down," Mosinee coach Andy Bruess said. "He does a nice job rebounding for us. This year he has been more consistent and he has really improved as a shooter. He always had the ability to shoot 3-pointers but he has struggled with it in the past. His 3-point shooting this year has been big and he has got on rolls where he hits four or five (attempts) in a row. We are a different team with him on the floor. He can really trigger our offense."

Barnes, who also is a member of Mosinee's football and boys track and field teams, recently sat down with USA TODAY NETWORK-Wisconsin to talk about his sports memories, both the good and bad, his favorite basketball shoes and his future plans, among other subjects. 

Do you have a nickname that your friends/teammates or family members call you?

Since I've been born, everyone has just called me Ollie.

What has been your sports highlight?

Probably the first time I ever played in a varsity (basketball) game. I was really nervous but it was exciting and something that will always be in the back of my head. The biggest thing (that stands out) was the first basket I scored. I think I got an assist from Jordan Budnik, who hit me with a pass in a post. Just hearing everyone cheer (after the basket) was one of the greatest experiences ever. 

What has been your least memorable moment, or one you would like to forget?

It was the year we lost to Lakeland in the first round (of the WIAA basketball postseason). The power went out at school and messed everything up and we ended up losing. It was really depressing because it was supposed to be the season we went far in the playoffs. 

This team came into the year with expectations but what are some reasons you are in the position you are right now? What do you like about this group?

Definitely how well we jell together. In the past we've had teams that I've been on that I didn't feel jelled the best. This year everyone plays for each other and it's just been amazing so far. 

For yourself, when did you think your game really came together? When did everything kind of click for you?

Sophomore year was a little rough and junior year was better. I would say in AAU this summer my game really started to click and I was able to bring it into this year. 

Outside of school and sports is there somethng that people might not know about you?

I love shoes, but I think everyone knows that. 

What are your favorite ones?

I have a pair of Kobe 9 Elites. They are purple to match our team colors. They are the favorite shoes I have had. 

Are you someone who is superstitious? Do you have any certain pregame routines?

I don't really have any routines. I do listen to music (before a game). There is a certain playlist I have. That's my superstition, I guess.  

Who is your celebrity crush?

Jennifer Aniston. 

Where is your dream vacation?

Probably Greece. I love the area and the culture.

What are your postgraduation plans?

I have talked to UW-Platteville about playing basketball. I have gone to a couple of their games and talked to Coach (Jeff) Gard. Right now my major is mechanical engineering, but that might change. 

FAVORITES

Sport: Basketball.

Pro or college athlete(s): Giannis Antetokoumpo, Jabari Parker, Kobe Bryant and LeBron James. 

Movie: The second "Transformers" movie ("Revenge of the Fallen").

TV show: "Shameless."

Music artist or group: Drake and I really like R&B and soul (music). That is what I listen to before games. 

Favorite food or meal: My mom's waffles with strawberries and whipped cream. I have it every morning.