Expectations are sky-high at Fairview this winter, and for good reason.
The Warriors return nearly their entire core from an 18-win season, including four starters, and head coach Ryan Barry believes this group has the talent, depth, and determination to make a deep postseason run.
“We had a great summer and feel confident that whenever we get our football players back in the gym, we will be ready for a successful season,” Barry said. “Despite our success, our boys felt like they underachieved last year and are eager to get back on the floor.”
Barry, entering his ninth season with a 137-58 record, calls this group the deepest he’s ever coached.
“If we stay healthy, this will be the deepest team I have coached in my nine seasons,” he said. “We are confident in playing a lot of guys. We also feel like our experience should be a strength.”
That experience starts with senior guard Will Allen, the reigning Chagrin Valley Conference Metro Division MVP and one of the most electrifying players in Ohio. Allen averaged 20.5 points, 4.3 assists, and shot a remarkable 94.7 percent from the free-throw line last year.
“Will is one of the most dynamic guards in the state of Ohio,” Barry said. “He is a four-year starter, our leading scorer, and has a great ability to create for others. His commitment on the defensive end the last couple of seasons has really elevated his game.”
Joining him in the backcourt is Burke Lowry, a 6-foot-4 senior who averaged 12 points, 6.7 rebounds, and 4.4 assists last season. A standout on both the basketball court and football field, Lowry brings versatility and leadership.
“Burke is a four-year varsity player for us,” Barry said. “His size and athleticism create mismatches for our opponents. He can defend all five positions at a high level and is our best communicator on defense. His senior leadership and basketball IQ are huge keys to our success.”
Sophomore Carter Reagan returns after starting as a freshman and averaging 9.3 points and 4.3 rebounds.
“Carter started as a freshman for us and was a big part of our success,” Barry said. “He has had a tremendous offseason and has improved his ball handling and ability to create off the dribble. Physically, he has gotten taller, stronger, and more athletic. We expect big things from Carter this season.”
Rounding out the projected starters are Malik Walker II, a 6-foot-3 senior guard who brings energy and toughness, and Kyle Farkas, a speedy 6-foot-1 junior guard known for his defensive pressure.
“Malik came to our school last fall and steadily progressed in his first year in our program,” Barry said. “His energy off the bench and team-first mindset were huge for our team.” Barry added that Farkas “may be our fastest player on the floor. He always plays at full speed and really enjoys the defensive side of the ball. His on-ball defense, speed, and rebounding will have him competing for a starting spot this season.”
Senior Savijan Harris, another returning starter, adds athleticism and grit after averaging 5.4 points and 2.8 rebounds.
“Savijan started every game for us last season,” Barry said. “His experience, athleticism, and toughness will keep him in the mix for a starting spot this season.”
The Warriors will also look for contributions from Carter Holliday, a skilled sophomore guard; Rayden Fraser, a sharpshooting junior; Cal Reis, a physical defender; and Nathan Clark, a 6-foot-4 sophomore forward with range and IQ.
“Carter played in 13 games for us as a freshman and really did a nice job adjusting to the speed of the varsity game,” Barry said. “Rayden had a great offseason and made the most of his opportunities,” he added. “Cal is arguably our most physical and best on-ball defender,” and “Nathan’s size, outside shooting, and basketball IQ will have him in the mix this season.”
Barry said the Warriors’ goals are simple but demanding.
“We want to compete every night and continue to improve throughout the season. It will be tough, but we want to compete for a conference and district championship.”
With Allen just 28 points shy of 1,000 career points and Lowry within striking distance as well, the milestones could pile up quickly for a team loaded with experience and chemistry—especially since much of the basketball core also stars on the football field.
“Our football team has been very successful this season, and the QB is Burke Lowry and his wide receivers are Will Allen, Savijan Harris, Cal Reis, and Rayden Fraser,” Barry said. “We are hoping their football chemistry spills into basketball season.”
Barry knows what will make the difference.
“We are experienced and have some depth this season,” he said. “The most important key to success will be how we play for one another. We must be selfless, resilient, and make no excuses.”
