LONG BEACH – In a head coaching career of 200 victories, this one will definitely stand out for Long Beach City College's Barry Barnes.
The Vikings put an exclamation point on the win, pouring in a season-high 121 points in dominating visiting Rio Hondo College Friday night by a final score of 121-88 at the Hall of Champions Gym.
Barnes, who starred for the Vikings as a player before transferring to Biola University, made his way back to the college as an assistant coach for six seasons under Gary Anderson. He eventually took over the program from Anderson in 2009, and prior to the start of the 2022-23 season, added the title of Director of Basketball Operations for the Vikings.
Over 12 seasons, he's led LBCC to four South Coast Conference championships and six Southern California Regional Playoff appearances. With an updated coaching record of 200-151, Barnes currently ranks fourth behind a trio of Long Beach coaching legends:
LBCC Men's Basketball Career Wins
1. Gary Anderson, 378
2. Bill Fraser, 374
3. Charlie Church, 235
4. BARRY BARNES, 200
5. Mel Griffin, 185
"It's a honor to reach 200 wins and become apart of so many amazing basketball coaches here at Long Beach City College," said Barnes. "But more importantly, it's been a pleasure to coach so many great student-athletes throughout the years."
In Friday's milestone victory, Kameron Mayhan posted one of two LBCC double-doubles with 28 points and 20 rebounds. Lorenzo Marsh matched the feat with 21 points and 10 boards.
Shane Hunter totaled 25 points and 6 rebounds while Bonard Johnson Jr added 21 points.
Long Beach improved to 11-5 overall this season and is back in action on Wednesday (Jan. 11) when it hosts Los Angeles Trade-Tech College in another SCC crossover game. Game time is set for 7 p.m. at the Hall of Champions Gym.
