Another Bradley Central athlete has chosen a collegiate home to continue his playing career.
Senior Jackson Ary has signed a Letter of Intent to join the NAIA National Champion Freed-Hardeman basketball program in the fall.
"We are beyond excited for Jackson signing with Freed-Hardeman," proclaimed Bear head coach Zach Carpenter. "I believe this is a great fit for Jackson on and off the floor.
"All the hard work that he put in outside of practice is paying off and his best basketball is ahead of him."
The 6-foot-7 swing man can dominate in the post as well as step out and hit the 3-ball with consistency. He was a three-year starter and two-rime All-District performer.
"Jackson has played a big part in our success over the last three years, and now he gets a chance to go do something special and compete for a National Championship," remarked Coach Carpenter.
"Freed recently won the National title, they have high expectations and know what it takes to win. I know that is something Jackson was looking for throughout the recruiting process. We are excited for him and look forward to following his career."
A Christian college located in the West Tennessee town of Henderson, Freed-Hardeman went 32-4 this past season, defeating Langston (Okla.) University 71-67 in the title game in Kansas City.
A nine-time national qualifier the run included the first Fab Four and championship game for the program and National Coach of the Year Drew Stutts, who just completed his fifth year directing the Lions.
Freed-Hardeman is losing just two seniors off the title team.
Missing eight game with an injury Ary started 22 of his 23 outings and posted a 10.0 point average, plus cleared the class for 5.2 rebounds a night.
Draining 42.4% from beyond the arc, Ary found the bottom of the nylon on 25-of-59 attempts.
From inside the 19-foot line, he was a 51.6% shooter (98-of-190), plus went 29-for-50 at the charity stripe.
Ary dished out 26 assists, copped 23 steals and blocked 19 shots in helping the Bears (22-9) to there first district championship and TSSAA Sectional Game since the 2019-20 season.
