LAURA BARNES N.Y.'S TOP PLAYER.(Sports)

Byline: Al Hart Staff writer

Laura Barnes, who with her twin sister Debbie formed a sensational 1-2 punch for State Public School basketball champion Shenendehowa, has been named New York state Player of the Year.

Laura and Debbie both were first-team members of the five- player squad, selected by the New York State Sports Writers Association. Also named to the first team were Nakia Hill and Darlene Saar, both of Christ the King, and Rhonda Singleton of August Martin.

The Barnes girls learned of their laurels and Laura's Player of the Year honor on Wednesday from their coach, Ken Strube.

"For Laura, it's a tremendous exclamation point to her …