Bethel makes Ferguson's college dream come true

Staff photo by Mike Buhler
Clarkton standout Dustin Ferguson signed a national letter of intent to play college basketball at Bethel College in McKenzie, Tenn. on Tuesday. Pictured are (front row, from left) Rick Ferguson (father), Tammy Ferguson (mother), Dustin Ferguson, Clarkton coach Scotty Blackburn, (back row) Bethel assistant coach Aaron Johnson and Bethel head coach Jeff Britt.

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After a high school career that saw him become the first ever two-time Tri-County Conference Player of the Year, score over 2,000 points and lead his Clarkton Reindeer to just their second district title in the last 40 years, that dream is coming true.

Ferguson signed a national letter of intent Tuesday afternoon to play for Bethel College in McKenzie, Tenn. next season, where he is expected to make an immediate impact for the Wildcats.

"It's a dream come true," Ferguson said. "It's what I've worked for since I was a little kid. I really like (Bethel) coach (Jeff) Britt and (assistant) coach (Aaron) Johnson. I love the atmosphere at Bethel. I feel like I can fit in great there. What I like most is there is going to be an opportunity to play there immediately. It's intriguing."

Britt is excited to have Ferguson in the fold at Bethel.

"We're very excited about what we've seen in him ..." said Britt. "He's a very gifted student-athlete, he's a very good student and a good person. We feel like he can fit our program."

Ferguson had a storied career for Clarkton, starting all four years and helping the Reindeer win three Tri-County Conference tournament titles, while being recognized as the TCC's top player his sophomore and senior seasons. He also earned Daily Dunklin Democrat Player of the Year honors as a junior and senior.

Ferguson scored over 2,100 points in his career, scoring point No. 2,000 in the semifinals of the TCC tourney against Cooter -- a tournament that saw him average over 30 points per game.

"Dustin was a great player for Clarkton," Clarkton coach Scotty Blackburn said. "He worked hard and set a good example for us. Now he's got an opportunity to play at the next level with an excellent school and excellent college. They run a good program and it's just a great opportunity for him to grow and improve."

Ferguson has several memories from his high school career, but two stand out.

"Winning Clarkton's first district since 2003 and scoring my 2,000th point," said Ferguson. "Those are pretty memorable for me."

Blackburn echoes his star player's sentiments.

"His accomplishments for four years as a varsity starter...over four years he's done a lot of things," Blackburn said. "As a senior class (his senior class) won more games than any at Clarkton. ... He's been really successful."

Notes: Bethel competes in the NAIA's Trans-South Conference against such schools as Union and Lambuth, both located in Jackson, Tenn. Another conference foe is Lyon College in Batesville, Ark. ... The Wildcats finished 14-17 last season, including 3-13 in league play.