Former Lake Clifton shooting guard Will Barton has won his appeal with the NCAA and will be eligible to play for Memphis this season.
The NCAA had ruled the 2009 Baltimore Sun All-Metro Player of the Year ineligible earlier this month. Barton graduated from Lake Clifton in August 2009 – two months after his classmates – before spending a post-grad year at Brewster (N.H.) Academy. The NCAA later enacted a rule that required players to finish four years of high school in eight semesters.
"Obviously, we are very pleased with the decision from the NCAA that clears Will for competition this season," Memphis coach Josh Pastner said in a news release. "We continued to provide additional documentation to the NCAA for its review, which is part of its routine process."
Barton averaged 18 points, 10 rebounds and four assists in his lone season at Lake Clifton, teaming with younger brother and fellow Memphis freshman Antonio to lead the Lakers to an undefeated season and the Class 3A state championship. A five-star prospect, Barton was ranked Scout.com's No. 1 shooting guard for the class of 2010.
Baltimore Sun photo by Kim Hairston / March 14, 2009