CHICAGO — Senior guard, Ladaion Barnes of Indiana University Northwest delivered a statement performance when it mattered most, earning Chicagoland Collegiate Athletic Conference Defensive Player of the Week honors in the final week of the regular season.

The award marks Barnes' second Defensive Player of the Week honor this season (Weeks 3 and 15) and his third weekly award overall, after also being named CCAC Offensive Player of the Week in Week 11.

Despite returning from injury, Barnes anchored the RedHawks defensively in a pivotal three-game stretch that ultimately secured IU Northwest's postseason berth. He totaled eight blocks on the week, including five blocks against Olivet Nazarene University in a 65-59 contest Saturday. Over the three games, Barnes averaged 2.7 blocks, 2.0 steals, 4.0 assists, 6.3 rebounds and 18.0 points per game, impacting every phase of play.

In the matchup with Olivet Nazarene, Barnes finished with 15 points, eight rebounds (seven defensive), five blocks, two steals and three assists, controlling the paint and perimeter defensively.

He followed that effort with a crucial performance in a 79-60 victory over Calumet College of St. Joseph, posting 20 points, nine rebounds (eight defensive), three steals, two blocks and five assists as IU Northwest secured one of two wins on the week.

The RedHawks closed the regular season 11-17 overall and 9-11 in CCAC play, clinching a postseason berth behind Barnes' leadership and defensive intensity.

Barnes' impact extends beyond a single week. The senior ranks inside the program's top 10 in career blocks and defensive rebounds, while also holding multiple spots in the RedHawks' offensive record book — underscoring his rare two-way dominance.

From battling injury to closing the regular season with a conference honor, Barnes' resilience and defensive presence helped define IU Northwest's push into postseason play.