Barker is an excellent defensive wing/forward who can be a versatile player on both sides of the ball. Barker excels around the basket, scoring through contact, and rebounding in traffic. On defense, she is a hard-working defender who plays with a chip on her shoulder. She may not score 20 every night at the next level, but once a coach sees what she brings every day, it will be hard to take her off the floor. Her motor is something else, and she never gives up on plays. She’ll generate extra possessions wherever she ends up.

The Kenosha native didn’t back down from the competition when her Team Herro group made the EYBL Nike Nationals. She went straight at some of the largest players on the floor and wasn’t fazed when she got her shot blocked. I loved how physical she was on the defensive end. She is a player who has come along nicely over the past few years and has become a player whom scholarship programs should take a look at if they have the time over the next year.

The Kenosha native is an under-the-radar player with the tools to be a productive two-way player in her own way. Coaches never need to run a set for her, because her motor allows her to get second-chance points by attacking the offensive boards. She’s also a versatile defender who can slide her feet on the perimeter to stay in front of guards, and has the physicality to defend post players around the basket.

Rihanna Barker truly impressed me with her all-around skill set. She has a smooth shot stroke and a lethal jump shot that consistently finds the mark. Barker plays with strength and physicality, finishing strong at the basket. Her quick first step off the catch allows her to blow by defenders, and she shows the ability to spin and play off of contact easily. She is relentless and always charging to the ball for offensive rebounds or loose ball opportunities. Once at the basket, Barker can easily maneuver around defenders using a step-through or euro step. Her composure in clutch moments stood out, particularly during a game-changing drive where she euro-stepped through traffic to finish at the rim and take the lead with 34 seconds remaining. A player to watch, Barker’s drive and basketball IQ are undeniable.