Barringer steps down as boys' hoops coach at Woodbury

Justin Barringer, who led Woodbury to the South Jersey Group 1 boys' basketball title last season, has stepped down after three years as the Thundering Herd coach.

Barringer said he made the decision because of the demands of being an adjunct coach.

Barringer is a history teacher at Sterling. He said the "constant stress" of trying to maintain and build the Woodbury basketball program as an adjunct who would travel from Somerdale to Woodbury for practices and games took a heavy toll on him.

"There's no bad blood," Barringer said. "I love the kids. I love Woodbury. I went there. I played there. I think Cap Paine Memorial Gym has the best atmosphere in South Jersey.

"It's just that being an adjunct, it really wears on you. You want to be in the building with the kids, interacting with them, helping to build that culture. And it's tough as an adjunct. It becomes too much to juggle."

Woodbury last season went 26-6, winning the SJ Group 1 title as well as the state semifinal. The Thundering Herd lost 69-54 to Verona in the state final.

"Growth," Barringer said of what he will remember most. "I saw these kids grow as young men. I said Ja'Zere (Noel) develop into a leader."

Woodbury projects as a Colonial Patriot and SJ 1 contender again next season, with sophomore guard Aaron Estrada having the potential to emerge as one of the area's top players.

Barringer said he planned to devote more time to his wife and young son. He didn't rule out coaching in the future "if the right situation came along."

Barringer is the second coach of a Colonial Patriot and South Jersey Group 1 power to resign in the last 10 days, following Paulsboro's Sean Collins.

-- Contact Phil Anastasia at panastasia@phillynews.com

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