Barrington's Ivanauskas to attend Brewster Academy
The ball must bounce better in a different state.
For the second consecutive year, one of the northwest suburbs' top incoming senior basketball players has decided to transfer to an out-of-state prep school.
Barrington's Rapolas Ivanauskas, who was the Daily Herald's player of the year last year as a junior, has opted to take his 6-foot-9 frame to play at Brewster Academy in New Hampshire for his senior season.
Ivanauskas joins St. Viator's Roosevelt Smart as players who have transferred heading into the senior season. Smart left St. Viator for Sunrise Christian Academy in Kansas.
Like Sunrise, Brewster Academy is a basketball powerhouse. The Wolfeboro, NH school has had eight players make it to the NBA. They have won 4 National Prep titles in the last six years and have seven of Rivals' top 150 players.
"I would have loved to sit in the stands and watch him play for another year at Barrington High School," Barrington athletic director Mike Obsuszt said. "So yes, we are disappointed.
"I am sure the family is making the best educational decision for Rapolas. They are obviously taking into consideration his basketball future as well. We wish him all the best and look forward to following his career."
Ivanauskas, who was highly sought after by colleges, committed to attend Northwestern in the spring. Before that, he led Barrington to its first MSL title since 1979, averaging 18 points, 8.3 rebounds, 2 assists and 3 blocked shots.
With Ivanauskas, Barrington, which finished 23-7 last year and lost to Conant in the regional final, was was the clear-cut favorite in the MSL West next season. Conant and Fremd now move into that position.
Ivanauskas informed some of his teammates and coach Bryan Tucker, who is on vacation, of his decision on Wednesday.
Tucker is no stranger to handling Division I players. He was in charge at Loyola Academy, where he coached both of Michael Jordan's sons in Jeffery and Marcus. He also coached Collin Falls, who went on to play at Notre Dame.
"Obviously I think the education and coaching you get at Barrington High School is pretty top-notch as well," Obsuszt said. "I am sure that making this decision was not easy for their family."