Baltimore’s already-loaded 2010 basketball class got a little more highly touted this offseason.

According to Baltimore Stars official Troy Franklin, brothers Will Barton and Antonio Barton, both juniors, have transferred to Lake Clifton after spending their sophomore seasons at National Christian Academy in Fort Washington.

“We’re glad to see them home,” Franklin said.

The Barton brothers, who are 11 months apart in age (Will is older), spent their first two years of high school at City College. They reclassified to the class of 2010 at NCA last year. Franklin said the Bartons will spend this year focusing on their core academic classes and providing a “great one-two punch for Lake Clifton,” the defending Baltimore City champions.

Will Barton, a 6-6 shooting guard, has McDonald’s All-American potential, according to Franklin. He sports offers from Central Florida, Indiana, Maryland, Miami, Pittsburgh, South Florida, Temple, Tennessee, Towson, Villanova, Virginia Tech, Virginia and several others.

“He’s long and he can do everything,” Franklin said. “He can handle, he can shoot it, he can finish around the basket, he’s a great passer. He can play the 1 if he’s pressed to it. ... His basketball IQ is off the charts. He can stroke it from deep and make an entry pass in the post. In the open floor he makes the right pass, the right decision. And he can defend. When you pump a jump shot in his face, he’s going to block it. He’s an exciting player.

Antonio Barton, a 6-3 point guard, has offers from Central Florida, Miami, South Florida, Temple and Villanova, according to Franklin.

“Antonio is faster [than Will]. He’s a scorer,” Franklin said. “He can really take over the game. ... He can finish and he can shoot it. He’s going to be a 1 and he’s still growing.”

Other Baltimore Stars notes

• Small forward Terrell Vinson, a 2009 prospect and four-star player, transferred to St. Frances from Montrose Christian in Rockville this offseason. Vinson has already taken an official visit to Loyola Marymount, while Maryland, Georgetown and Villanova are also under consideration.

• City College forward C.J. Fair, a 2010 player, was sidelined this summer by a torn ACL suffered near the end of the school year. “He’s going to be fine,” Franklin said. “It’ll be a full recovery. The surgery’s done, he’s walking and stretching and everybody’s excited about his recovery.” Louisville, Kentucky, Maryland and many others are involved in Fair’s recruitment thus far, according to Franklin.

• Two underrated 2009 prospects, according to Franklin, are Centennial point guard Tanardo “Nardi” Bogues and City College guard Quinton Goodwin. Bogues is the nephew of former Dunbar star and retired NBA guard Muggsy Bogues. Goodwin’s older brother, Dejuan Goodwin, starred at Mount St. Joseph’s before moving on to Marist. Franklin also predicts big things for Digital Harbor guard Justin Jackson, a 2010 player. “He’s going to really blow up and he’s right there with Antonio Barton,” Franklin said. “He’s a super.”

• Ending on a sad note, Leslie “Tar” Dennis, a longtime fixture in Baltimore’s AAU basketball and parks and recreation scene, lost his bout with cancer on Monday. Dennis, 58, volunteered countless hours of his time coaching and mentoring young, local basketball players. Listed below are the funeral arrangements for Dennis:

Viewing: Friday, Oct. 3. 1 p.m. – 8 p.m. -- Phillips Funeral Home, 727 North Monroe St., Baltimore.

Funeral: Saturday, Oct. 4. 10:30 a.m. -- Greater Harvest Baptist Church, 1617 West Saratoga St., Baltimore.

Repass: Saturday, Oct. 4. 3 p.m. – 8 p.m. -- John E. Howard Recreation Center, 2011 Linden Ave., Baltimore. 410-396-7849

Click here for a tribute to Dennis by I.W. Asir.