Two senior basketball players, Jacob Berry and CJ Tyson, had been dreaming of March 29 for years. It was the day that their transition from the high school level to the college level had become a reality. Berry and Tyson both officially signed their National Letters of Intent to play college basketball for Ecclesia College of Elm Springs, AR.

“It’s (playing college basketball) been my dream since I was able to pick up a ball,” said Berry. “Now that I’m a college athlete, I just want to thank everyone who helped me get here.”

Family, friends, and students from Har-Ber, Springdale High, and surrounding areas came to show support for the two former Wildcat basketball standouts as they signed their Letters of Intent.

“Being able to share this experience with all of my family and friends is an amazing feeling,” said Tyson. “All of this is like a dream come true.”

During the signing ceremony, Tyson said that he was “very thankful to be able to continue his basketball career along with his best friend (Berry).”

“Ecclesia has been nice enough to give me and my best friend, CJ Tyson, a chance to play college ball together,” said Berry.

Berry was a key leader for the Wildcats last season, especially on the offensive side of the game. Berry was 2nd on the team for points per game, averaging a little over 9 points a game.

Tyson also contributed a lot of talent to the Wildcats’ basketball program despite only playing one season after transferring from Fayetteville High. Tyson made electrifying plays on both offense and deffense, from blocks to dunks.

Berry and Tyson definitely left big shoes to fill for future Wildcat basketball players.