Duke signs with Crowley's Ridge College

Rector's Justin Duke signed to play basketball with the CRC Pioneers Monday at the RHS gym. Pictured are, from left: Front--Justin Duke and his mother, Sheila DaBelko. Back--Pioneers basketball coach Chris Perkins and RHS athletic director Mark Manchester. (Democrat photo/Ryan Rogers) [Click to enlarge]

Cougar long-range specialist Justin Duke will be taking his sharpshooting ability to the collegiate level, having signed with Crowley's Ridge College Monday at the RHS gym. For the past two seasons, Duke has wowed Rector fans with his clutch performances and his ability to bury the three-point shot with consistency.

Now, the shooting guard will be bringing his perimeter touch to the first-year CRC coach Chris Perkins' Pioneers program.

"He's the type of player we like to have," Perkins said. "He's got a very good outside shot which fits us perfectly. We need a guy that can step out there and be consistent. It's a great equalizer in today's game."

Perkins said he saw Duke's ability showcased during a workout at the college this spring. At that point, he decided to give the marksman the opportunity to continue his time on the court at CRC.

Perkins said character was another determining factor in extending the offer to Duke.

"I look for first-class people (when recruiting). We're interested in guys that we know are going to make the right decisions off the court, as well as on it."

Perkins said his squad will utilize an up-tempo style of play. The Pioneers will be relying on tough defensive pressure, then look to score in transition.

Duke says he is looking forward to making the transition to college ball.

"I'm happy. I'm very excited CRC took me. I hope to do a good job. I can't wait to get the chance to go out there and show them what I can do."

The fruits of his effort are now paying off for Duke.

"You've got to stay in the gym," Duke said of his development. "You can't just come in and goof off. Every day, I would shoot around for a few hours by myself, then play against the other guys. It takes a lot of work to get better. I always set my goals high."

Going to CRC will allow Duke to remain close to home.

"It's right there in Paragould," Duke said. "I get to play college and stay nearby. I'm going to live on campus and experience college life, but be able to get home at pretty much any time I want."

In his two years at Rector, Duke averaged just over 18 points, three assists, four rebounds and two steals per game while shooting 40 percent from beyond the arc.

"We're really proud of Justin," Rector athletic director Mark Manchester said. "He's been a really important and appreciated part of our basketball program. I'm very happy that he's getting a shot to continue his career. I'm confident that he can play at the next level."

Duke is the 19-year-old son of Keith Duke and Sheila DaBelko.