Barry Glanzer

ARMOUR ‘PACKERS’ – 1978

Barry was an up-tempo guard whose explosiveness seemed to always position him a step ahead of the opposition.

After helping Ron Bennett’s Freeman Flyers to third place in the State Class B Tournament as a sophomore in 1976, Barry transferred to Armour to play for his older brother Burnell. It was the start of an exceptional time for the Packers.

Armour promptly marched to the championship game of the 1977 state tourney. Although the Packers came up short against Webster they provided a preview of what was to come. As a senior in 1978 the 5-foot-10 Barry sparked Armour to the state championship and a 26-0 record. He made his second appearance on the all-state team and was instrumental in setting in motion a run that would carry Armour to a repeat state title in 1979 and eventually to a state record 64-game win streak.

In an era in which most teams employed two guards who shared ball-handling duties, Barry was a pioneer as a true point guard who could handle, pass and shoot. In addition he disrupted rival offenses with his active defense. Barry was named the state’s Mr. Basketball in 1978.

More success followed at the University of South Dakota as he played for Jack Doyle and was twice named to the all-North Central Conference team. Barry led the NCC in assists with 5.6 per game in 1981. The next season as a senior he was the NCC scoring champion with 21.4 points per game and also led the conference in steals with an average of 2.7.

Barry completed his USD career with 1,180 points, 566 assists and 186 steals. He was inducted into the Coyote Sports Hall of Fame.

After his collegiate days ended Barry enjoyed a productive professional career in Sweden. He also played in the Continental Basketball Association for the Quad City Thunder and the Omaha Racers.

Barry lives in Louisville, Neb. He and his wife Beth have three children: Haley, Anna and Lydia. The South Dakota High School Basketball Hall of Fame is proud to induct Barry as a member of its Class of 2012.

Comments (8)

  • Steve Morgan

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    Barry is the greatest guard the Armour Packers have ever had wear the maroon and gold. There have been many great ones in the past but Barry was the best. The flashy point guard could pass, dribble, and shoot like no one else could ever dream of in the late 70’s. I was a small kid during his hay day of 1977 and 1978 but the stories and video of his days are priceless. Barry congrats on the HOF!

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  • Michael Doyle

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    Barry was one of the most exciting basketball players during the 1970s and 1980s in the entire North Central Conference. He was so quick that opposing guards always struggled bringing the ball up the court. A dart of his hand and he was now driving back to our basket and no one to stop him.

    How often have I see him break for the out-of-bounds line at center court as soon as he knew Jeff Nannen would get the defensive rebound. Jeff would pivot and fling the ball without looking, knowing Barry would be there to catch it on the run for the easy lay up. No Coyote fan ever got tired of seeing that!

    Barry deserves all the accolades he receives; he has earned them.

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  • Brian Miller

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    Barry congrats you r the best I ever played against and amazing to watch! I remember going to the state tournament when u were a sophomore and going to watch u and not really the teams and was just wowed by the intensity u played with. Congratulations and much deserved, hope u r well!

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  • Dennis Tiefenthaler

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    It is an award certainly deserved my old friend…It was an honor and privilege to have been your teammate..We had a lot of fun..Take care Barry

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  • Patrik Ek

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    We in Lulea, Sweden are proud to have Barry Glanzer as a part of our history and happy to see him inducted in your hall of Fame!

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  • Jeff Smejkal

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    I met Barry long after his glory days…never once did I ever hear him brag about his high school, collegiate, or professional basketball career. I knew he was a great successful basketball player but until just now I didn’t realize just how great he was. With all of his success, notoriety, and accomplishments he continues to maintain a very humble demeanor. As his neighbor up the road he is always there to help out each and every time you need him. Helping others is what he does best. Congratulations Barry, I’m very proud of you and fortunate to be your friend.
    Jeff Smejkal

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  • Candi Nielsen Musiel

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    As a junior high kid growing up in the small town of Armour, I remember Barry and the Packers as our inspiration. We celebrated when they won, and we cried when they lost (that was not often!.) We lived for that team. We wore the maroon and gold with pride! It was Barry and this team that inspired us to get into the gym and try to experience that kind of thrill that we got to live through them during those years. Our girls program took off because of the foundation set by them. Thank you for the great memories and for being a terrific role model for us. ( I still have a sweat band made out of the top of one of your sweat socks, courtesy of Bernita McFarland!)

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  • Krtister Jonsson

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    When I was in my teens in Luleå, Sweden, we had Barry coach us about once every week. I distinctly remember at the end of each practice we played some 5 on 5 and Barry was usually not on the sideline. He was on the court driving up the tempo. Two things about having a pro playing with young kids: 1) We got used to the over the top speed and it showed later in games when we simply outran the opponents. 2) When I was on Barry’s side during the 5 on 5 I learned to run with my hands up because his passes could come at any time. If you didn’t have your hands up you’d get the ball smack in your face. Usually when you got the ball you were still so surprised that you ended up traveling though LOL. But it was a great experience to play with and against a pro at such a young age.

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