"The Undersized Giant Who Plays Bigger Than the Moment"

Ezra Barga

@iamezrabarga

Class of 2026

Ezra Barga steps onto the court with a steady confidence that immediately shows he is ready for whatever challenge stands in front of him. High school brought moments when people doubted him, sized him up too quickly, or assumed he couldn't match the physical presence of taller players. But Ezra never allowed that to shape how he saw himself. He let his game speak instead. He competes with strength, heart, and a willingness to go at anyone who lines up across from him. That confidence is not loud or forced. It comes from knowing he has already proven himself in the toughest situations.

Ezra is a senior who has spent his entire life at Lighthouse, and this program means everything to him. The brotherhood inside this team drives him in every tough moment. He trusts his teammates and values the connection they have built. When games get tight, he leans into that bond, knowing he is surrounded by brothers who will fight with him every possession. To Ezra, the unity at Lighthouse is not something that happens everywhere. It is special. It is real. And he carries pride in being part of it.

Faith shapes every decision he makes. When adversity hits, Ezra turns to God first. He prays, reflects, and talks it through with his family and circle. His relationship with Jesus Christ keeps him grounded, focused, and steady in moments where others might fold. His parents, his church, and his youth group give him the support he needs to stay centered. Ezra carries himself with humility because he knows who guides his steps.

His edge on the court comes from experience. Ezra spent years playing center when his team needed him, battling bigger players night after night. He learned how to take contact, carve out position, finish through pressure, and fight for every rebound. Now that he plays the three, he still uses everything he learned. That toughness did not leave him. Those instincts stayed with him. And now, when someone assumes he is an easy matchup, he enjoys proving them wrong. Ezra embraces the challenge and takes pride in showing he can compete with anyone on the floor.

This season, he steps into a leadership role. Lighthouse wants to repeat as state champions and make a real push at nationals. Ezra knows what younger players need from him. He wants to guide them, challenge them, and help them grow into their roles. He understands what it takes to win at a high level, and he carries himself with the responsibility of someone who wants the group to succeed.

His future after high school is still forming. No offers and no interests yet. But Ezra does not panic, rush, or worry. He trusts God with the next chapter. He believes the right opportunity will come at the right time. Right now, his focus is simple. Lead his team. Stay grounded. Compete with purpose every night.

Ezra Barga represents toughness, loyalty, and belief. He is a player who competes with everything he has, a teammate who values brotherhood above all, and a young man whose faith keeps him steady through every challenge. He is ready for this season, ready for the responsibility, and ready to keep proving what he already knows inside.

I assess that Ezra brings physical presence and steady reliability, shaped by the years he spent battling bigger players at earlier positions. His toughness, competitive nature, and loyalty to his teammates make him a strong contributor who elevates team chemistry. His calm confidence and faith-driven approach allow him to stay composed and focused, creating value on both ends of the floor. The experience he gained in the paint gives him instincts that make him a unique and dependable presence at the wing.

Ezra has the potential to grow even more as he continues refining his game at the three. His competitive fire, resilience, and willingness to embrace challenges help him stand out in moments that require leadership. With continued development and trust in his faith, he can become a reliable and effective contributor at the next level. Coaches can expect effort, maturity, and consistency as he builds toward the future. Stay tuned.