Barrington's Tucker wins 500th game

Barrington coach Bryan Tucker did not want any attention. But his team and school would have none of that.

Tucker was honored after Tuesday's game by his assistant coaches, administrators and friends. That's because the longtime coach picked up his 500th career win in Barrington's 67-29 win over Wheeling.

"It is not about me," Tucker said. "I feel that it says three things. One, I am old. Two, I have been very fortunate to have really good players. And number three, I have been really fortunate to have to have good people around me both administration and coaches. That's what it is all about."

Tucker is now 500-262 while in his 28th year as head coach.

He spent five seasons at Marian Catholic where he went 71-60. He then was at Loyola for 8 seasons going 164-66 while coaching both of Michael Jordan's sons.

This is his 15th season at Barrington. He has posted the winningest record in school history at 265-136. That includes the 4-1 mark his team has this season after their win over Wheeling.

Barrington used a Tucker-like clinic to bolt to a 10-0 lead. The Broncos nailed their first five shots on a layup, layup, 3-pointer, 3 and layup. They hit 8 of their first 10 shots to lead 18-2 and never looked back.

Tucker was able to clear his bench and have 10 different players score, which helped add to the evening.

"I was proud of how everyone came in and did their job," Tucker said. "They shared the ball and played solid defense. I was impressed with our effort today."

Alec Schmidts led the Broncos with 17 points and 10 rebounds in just over two quarters of play. Bruce LeBlanc had 10 points, Oliver Gray and Adam Baird each had 9 points and Nick Peipert had 8 points.

"I love him," said Schmidts, who is a senior and who Tucker moved up to the varsity two years ago when the Broncos finished third in the state in Class 4A.

"He is hard on us at times and pushes us to what we are capable of. And that brings out the best in us. Just like tonight. Coach taught us to respect all and fear none. That's how we approached the game tonight. We played our own game and our defense led to our offense and that took care of itself."

Wheeling (3-5) was led by Pawel Rakoczy, who had 10 points, and Zach Neukrich, who had 9 points.

"First, congratulations to coach Tucker," Wheeling coach Tom Antonsz said. "They played real well and we didn't. We are going to keep working and keep fighting."

Tucker joins Barrington girls coach Babbi Barreiro in the 500 win club. Barreiro eclipsed that mark late last season.

"I am just so happy for coach Tucker," Barrington athletic director Ryan Rubenstein said. "All the things he does for kids on a daily basis both on and off the court. I am impressed in the type of person he is and everything he does."

Former Barrington athletic director Mike Obsuszt was on hand for the game.

"It is a great milestone for sure," Obsuszt said. "And think about how many schools have their boys and girls basketball coaches that are currently coaching with 500 or more wins. That is pretty impressive. He has been so consistent with his coaching over the years."