By TODD MOORE
Barton Sports Info
Barton Athletics will honor its first-ever men's basketball national championship team on Saturday, Sept. 21 at the Barton Gym.
The ceremony, including the presentation of championship rings, will take place immediately following the Cougars' volleyball team hosting Dodge City Community College in a 6 p.m. first serve.
Attendance for the volleyball match and ceremony to follow is free and open to the public.
An expected reunion of all members from the 2023-24 squad, the ceremony will present each with his championship ring signifying the program's trifecta of accomplishments including its first national team title in 56 seasons of competition.
Making the most of just its 5th national tournament appearance, the Cougars completed the third leg of its 2023-24 mission with an 88-73 victory over Triton College for its 27th straight victory to claim the program's first ever and College's 60th team national title.
On the way to the crown, Barton's 19th straight victory earned the program's first conference title since 2009 and its 10th overall before securing its 4th regional crown and first since 2001 in earning the top seed bullseye for the national tournament.
A season ending at 36-1 for the most wins in program history, the balanced squad landed seven members on the All-KJCCC/Region 6 post-season award list highlighted by Lajae Jones tabbed a NJCAA 2nd Team All-America selection becoming the program's 17th overall.
This will likely be your last chance to see each member of this incredible team altogether in person. Come cheer on the volleyball team and help us celebrate the 2023-2024 men's basketball team once more in style as they receive their championship rings!