Hartselle basketball players Kiah Key and Ryan Dunn announced their college commitments late last week. Key and Dunn have played for the Tigers basketball program since they were freshmen.
Key announced his commitment to Asbury University in Wilmore, Ky. Key visited there a little over a month ago and loved his time on campus.
“Whenever we visited, I felt like it was home, and God was telling me to go there, and he made a way for that to happen,” Key said. “It’s a beautiful campus, and the basketball program is very good. I’m excited to be a part of a new family and try my best to succeed at another level as I’ve always dreamed of doing.”
Asbury is a member of the NCAA Division III, and they play in the NCCAA. They are coached by Will Shouse. They finished 21-7 last season.
Dunn will continue his playing career at UT-Southern in Pulaski, Tenn. He will join former Tiger Tad Sivley.
“Super excited and ready to get there,” Dunn said. “ I am looking forward to the challenge of starting at the bottom again and working my way up like I had to do at Hartselle. I am more than happy to be going to UT-Southern.”
UT-Southern is a member of the NAIA, and they play in the Mid-South Conference. The team is coached by Dugan Lyne. They finished 17-11 last season.
Key and Dunn played for coach Faron Key during their time in the Hartselle program.
“I am excited for Ryan to have the opportunity to continue his playing career,” Key said. “His ability to control the tempo and pace of a game, which is one of his strengths, in addition to his tenacious on-ball defense, will make him an instant contributor at UT-Southern. I am very proud of Ryan and am looking forward to following his growth.!”
Coach Key echoed his excitement for Kiah Key on his commitment to Asbury.
“I am so happy for Kiah to have the chance to continue playing the game he’s loved for so long,” he said. “His competitiveness and ability to fill a role that the team needs will make him an asset for Asbury. He can be a defensive stopper for them, a rebounder and make plays for others, or make shots.”
Coach Key said that both players have been hard workers during their careers and that they have earned their opportunities.
