16
Jan
Player Profile
Senior Tess Barnes is having a career year
Victorian Tess Barnes is in her Senior year at Wyoming Cowgirls in the Mountain West Conference. Picture: Courtesy Wyoming Cowgirls
Tess Barnes is delivering her highest averages in 2024-25 NCAA Div 1
- Guard Tess Barnes is in her final year at University of Wyoming
- Barnes is averaging 11.5 points, 3.7 rebounds and 2.1 assists
- She is an 87% free throw shooter
Tess Barnes is a senior guard for the University of Wyoming Cowgirls in the NCAA women's Mountain West Conference..
Standing at an impressive 1.88m, Barnes, from Gisbourne, Victoria, is a key member of the Cowgirls' backcourt, demonstrating her versatility and skill that has undoubtedly caught the attention scouts.
The 2024-25 Season: A Closer Look
As of mid-January 2025, Barnes has been putting up solid numbers for Wyoming, averaging 11.5 points, 3.7 rebounds, and 2.1 assists per game. Her shooting efficiency is a sold 45.5% from the field.
A detailed analysis of her game log reveals the ups and downs of a collegiate athlete's journey, with standout performances interspersed with tougher learning experiences.
Breakout Performance Against Fresno State
On January 5th, 2025, Barnes had her most impressive outing of the season in a victory against Fresno State. In 35 minutes, she poured in 24 points, grabbed four rebounds, and dished out two assists. She went 9-from-16 from the field including 4-from-8 from beyond the arc.
Consistency from the Free Throw Line
Barnes is consistent from the charity stripe. In multiple games, including the wins against San Diego State and North Dakota, she went perfect from the line, hitting all of her free throw attempts. She's an 87% free throw shooter.
Three-Point Threat
Barnes has shown the ability to stretch the floor with her three-point shooting. Her season high for three-pointers made came in the game against South Dakota, where she went a perfect 4-from-4 from beyond the arc. She is shooting just under 35% from three.
Versatility
While primarily known for her scoring, Barnes has shown flashes of all-around play. In the game against North Dakota, she filled the stat sheet with 16 points, four assists, and two rebounds. Her season-high of seven rebounds against Colorado early in the season also highlights her willingness to mix it up on the boards.
Areas for Improvement
Like any developing player, Barnes has areas where she can enhance her game. Turnovers have been an issue in some contests, with a season-high of five against Fresno State. She's averaging 1.8 in 2024-25, which is a vast improvement on her junior year, where she coughed the ball up 2.2 times per ball game.
Impact on Team Success
The Cowgirls have had a mixed season thus far, with strong wins and tough losses. Barnes' contributions have been pivotal in several victories, including the 68-59 win over Fresno State where her 24-point performance was instrumental.
As the season progresses, Barnes' role as a senior will be crucial in guiding the Cowgirls through the competitive Mountain West Conference. Her experience and scoring ability make her a focal point for opposing defences, which in turn creates opportunities for her teammates.
Looking Ahead: Professional Prospects
With her collegiate career entering its final stages, the question of Barnes' future in professional basketball looms large. Her size, shooting ability, and experience in a competitive Division I program make her an intriguing prospect for professional leagues both in Australia and abroad.
The WNBL has long been a destination for college graduates looking to start their professional careers. Barnes' familiarity with the Australian style of play, combined with her American college experience, could make her a valuable asset to WNBL teams.
Alternatively, the ever-expanding opportunities in European leagues or even the WNBA could be on the horizon. Barnes' versatility and three-point shooting are attributes highly valued in the modern game, potentially opening doors to a variety of professional opportunities.
Australian junior basketball
Barnes helped steer Maribyrnong Secondary to the 2017 and 2018 Australian Schools Basketball Championship Division 1 Gold Medal. She represented Victoria U18s at the Australian Championships as well as U20s. She is the recipient of the Maribyrnong College Technical Sports Award for Excellence in Basketball in 2020.
