By KEN HAMWEY

Staff Sports Writer

Branch Barnes is a dynamic competitor who also is a great ambassador for Natick High School.

The 18-year-old Barnes, who plays outside hitter for the Redhawks’ volleyball team, has a plethora of achievements and attributes that make him a breed apart.

Consider theses accolades — the 6-foot-2, 160-pound senior has been a three-time captain, starting as a sophomore; he’s been a Bay State Conference all-star three times (twice as an honorable mention); he was an all-state selection by the Boston Herald as a junior; and he’s viewed as the No. 1 setter in the New England club-volleyball circuit.

A high-honors student who carries a GPA of 4.0, Barnes’ coach at NHS, Peter Suxho,  knows he’s got a gem who’s very special.

“Branch is very athletic,’’ Suxho said. “He can jump, block and hit. He’s got power, he’s well-skilled and his volleyball IQ is really high. Branch is a read-and-react player who relies on good instincts. A versatile player, he’s a captain who leads by example and by being supportive of all his teammates.’’

Branch Barnes is a high-honors student who carries a grade-point average of 4.0. Photo by Jason Stracuzzi

 Barnes likes to think that his work ethic and his leadership ability are what make him tick.

“When we hit a lull in our play, I like being the catalyst who restarts the flame,’’ he emphasized. “In my role as an outside hitter, I like delivering the knockout punch by putting the ball on the floor. I’m an ardent believer of taking the game to our opponent.’’

A native of Natick, Barnes is acutely aware that an athlete’s effort and work ethic can’t surpass 100 percent. He says his competitive philosophy and his No. 1 goal in his final season at Natick are “to leave everything on the floor and give 100 percent on every play.’’

“I compete like I want to reach 110 percent,’’ he said. “And, no matter what our record is, I go into every match like we’re 0-0. It’s a plus to have a short memory.’’

When the Redhawks began the season, they dropped their first two matches — to Needham and Brookline. Barnes showed no signs of panic.

“Those are two of the top four teams in the state,’’ he offered. “Both have strong programs. Newton North and Natick are the other two. We’ll be okay.’’

He was right.

At Local Town Pages deadline, the Redhawks were on a 12-match winning streak. They were 12-2, well-positioned for a playoff run. And Barnes’ statistics have been a key to Natick’s surge. He’s compiled 185 kills, 28 blocks, and 22 aces.

“My No. 2 goal is to advance in the playoffs and hopefully go on a deep run,’’ he said.

Barnes is no stranger to tourney volleyball. Or deep runs. As a freshman and sophomore, Natick got to the Elite Eight before elimination. Last year, after defeating Springfield Central, Cambridge and Winchester, the Redhawks were ousted in the Final Four by Newton North.

“For my goals to be achieved, it’s crucial that we compete with great effort on every play in every game,’’ Barnes said. Natick lost four seniors from last year’s 15-5 squad and this year’s contingent is young. “Four of our starters are first-year varsity players,’’ Barnes noted.

Besides Barnes, who last year compiled 210 kills and 39 blocks, Natick’s other captain, junior setter Luke Dratch, and senior Simon Pedrelli (middle blocker), are top-notch contributors.

“Luke has a tough job following in the footsteps of Harrison Landry, an all-star and all-state player,’’ Barnes said. “He’s smart, a true student of the game who is very analytical and has a high volleyball IQ. Simon has a great attitude and is a team player who’s the rock of the team.’’

Barnes, who’s in his fifth year of club volleyball, is also a fan of his coach, who’s won state titles at Natick and Millis. “Coach Suxho is a proponent of tough love,’’ Barnes said. “He tells you what you need to hear, not what you want to hear. A great motivator, he emphasizes being relentless.’’

Barnes has yet to choose what college to attend but he knows he wants to major in computer science and definitely play volleyball, either at the varsity or club level. “I’ve had some offers from Division 1 schools but my top priority is academics,’’ he emphasized.

Natick’s back-up setter, Barnes plays that position for his club team (Small Volleyball of Boston). After playing in a variety of club tournaments, Barnes usually is ranked top setter in New England.

As his Natick High career nears the finish line, Barnes gets reflective when recalling his best match and his top thrill in volleyball.

“Beating Newton North last year, 3-1, was my best match,’’ he said. “That win gave us the No. 1 rank in the state for awhile. It was a great all-around effort, for me and the team. I felt like that match was the most prepared I’ve ever been. I just felt very confident.’’

Barnes’s top thrill is being named a captain as a sophomore, then two more times. “It tells me that the program and its coaches have faith in me and trust me,’’ he said. “It’s been great to associate and work with our coaches.’’

Embracing his role as an outside hitter, Barnes likes his role that embodies both offense and defense. “I like scoring and forcing opposing teams to adjust to us and I also enjoy transitioning to defense,’’ he said. “The position is challenging because it requires a well-defined skill set. It involves being adept on defense and also at passing, hitting, and serving.’’

Calling his parents (Mark and Sarah) role models for their support and encouragement, Barnes says: “My dad is athletic-minded and has really embraced volleyball and my mom is like a captain off the court. She’s heavily involved in the program and organizes lots of team dinners.’’

Barnes has learned valuable life lessons in both interscholastic and club volleyball. “Because of sports, I’m able to handle adversity, be resilient and remain committed,’’ he noted. “Sports have also helped me to become a strong leader and a good teammate. Two other lessons include being accountable and responsible.’’

Branch Barnes is the total package — in volleyball and in academics. He definitely personifies desire, dedication and devotion to whatever task he tackles.