Jim Walker

jim.walker@irontontribune.com

 

HARRISONBURG, VA. — Even at the college level, she’s knocking down a new “Barrier.”
Going from Ironton High School to James Madison University was a big transition last season for Lexie Barrier, but the 5-foot-10 sophomore guard seems to have adjusted well.
Barrier was named to the All-Colonial Athletic Association second team last Wednesday and then came up big in the postseason
Barrier was the Lady Dukes’ third-leading scorer and ranked 20th in the CAA with 11.3 points per game while averaging 4.3 rebounds, 2.5 assists and 1.0 steal per contest.
Barrier’s assist total ranked third for the Dukes and 14th in the league. Barrier tallied 19 double-figure scoring games, which included a season-high 23 in the opener against Rutgers. She also had one double-double.
On Thursday, Barrier scored a career-high 27 points as James Madison won its Women’s National Invitational Tournament opener 60-52 over East Tennessee State.
Barrier’s point total was the most scored this season by a JMU player. It was the second time in three games that Barrier established a new personal career high. She had 24 in the CAA tournament quarterfinals against College of Charleston.
Barrier was 8-of-17 from the field including 3-of-8 from the 3-point line. She converted all eight free throw attempts. She also had seven rebounds.
James Madison (21-9, 16-2 CAA) won a share of the regular season CAA championship but lost 76-53 to Elon in the conference tournament semifinals.
The impressive season still earned the Dukes a bid in the WNIT and after the win over ETSU they played Radford at home on Saturday.
Despite sitting out much of the second half in foul trouble, Barrier had another big game as she scored 19 points in a 62-35 rout of the Highlanders (24-9).
Barrier was 6-of-13 from the field including 2-of-6 from the 3-point line. She was perfect on five three throw attempts.
Barrier also grabbed four rebounds.
JMU plays the winner of the St. Joseph’s-West Virginia game to be played on Sunday.
Barrier was joined on the All-CAA team by teammate Kamiah Smalls who was first teams and Kelly Koshuta who was third team.