Short-handed due to injuries last weekend and a tough 2-game swing, the Saint Ignatius varsity basketball team needed a leader to guide the Wildcats against Garfield Heights and Cleveland Central Catholic.

Jon Barnes stepped into the role beautifully and as a result, is this week's Student-Athlete of the Week. 

The senior topped the team in scoring and rebounding this weekend, helping the Wildcats topple the favored Garfield Heights Bulldogs on Friday night, 72-59, and nearly pull off a victory over Cleveland Central Catholic on Saturday evening. 

Feeding off the energy from enthused crowds at Sullivan Gym, Barnes poured in 20 points and 8 rebounds to lead the Basketball Cats over Garfield Heights. Barnes then notched a fourth of the team's points on Saturday, recording 11 points along with 7 rebounds. 

On the year, Barnes is averaging 12.3 points per game and 3.9 rebounds per contest, both close to team highs.

Barnes and the Basketball Cats return to the floor on Thursday, hosting the John Marshall Lawyers. Then, the Wildcats head to the East side to face the tough Benedictine Bengals.

Congrats to Jon, and good luck to the Wildcats this weekend!