Forrest's Tyler "Juice" Rumley recently decided to take his sharpshooting kills to Bethel University in McKenzie, signing a Letter of Intent to play basketball for the NAIA Wildcats.

"I am extremely happy," said Rumley. "I just want to do the best I can, make sure I keep my grades up to earn my scholarship and develop my basketball as best I can."

Rumley came on strong at tournament time in his junior season, earning a District 9-A All-Tournament selection before a stellar senior season for the Rockets.

Reign of 3's

Averaging 16.3 points per game, including eight games with 20 points or more, Rumley accounted for 45 three-pointers in the 2012-2013 campaign, while dishing out 4.2 assists per game.

"Juice was one of our hardest workers and the time he spent in the gym is paying off for him," said Forrest head coach Wes Hobbs. "If you ever wanted to find him, look for him in the gym, that's where you will find him. That is where he built his great work ethic."

Known as a scrappy player, the Forrest shooting guard grabbed almost four rebounds per game, stole the rock on the defensive end at a two-per-game clip, and his clutch 83.1 percent performance from the free-throw line led the Rockets.

"We went to him all the time, definitely at the end of the game when we were looking for him to get those fouls and get to the foul line for us," said Hobbs.

"He became more of an all-around scorer last year, while still being that pure shooter."

Region berth

After winning the regular season district title in 2010-2011, the Rockets posted a 19-12 record this past season, earning a Region 5-A Tournament berth with Rumley as one of the team's co-captains.

"In his senior year, he really worked on going to the basket and also added a pull-up jumper, so his mid-range game really improved," said Hobbs.

For his efforts, Rumley earned a myriad of post-season awards, including District 9-A all-regular season and all-tournament selections, All-Region 5-A, and was named the Rockets' Co-Offensive MVP, along with fellow senior Mark Pope.

"Great player, great kid," said Hobbs. "That's the best part, he is a great person as well and I really enjoyed coaching him."

Rumley was also great in the classroom, ending his academic career with a 3.3 G.P.A. and the new Wildcat is looking to major in physical heath and minor in psychology at Bethel University.

Bethel impressed

Bethel assistant coach Jonathan Stanley was happy that the Wildcats were able to bring Rumley aboard, saying, "Obviously, he is a high-character kid that was very well coached, someone who loves the game of basketball; he will come in and work hard, be a part of the tradition at Bethel, and those are the type of guys we want to bring in to our school."

The Wildcats posted a 24-7 record last year, including an 8-6 mark in the TranSouth Conference.

"I think a lot of these kids see this as an opportunity to further their education, and what a great way to do it," said Stanley. "You have to work to earn your scholarship, so basically it's just as hard as getting a normal job because you are putting the time and effort on the court to maintain your scholarship, while playing the game you love."

Bethel is well known for looking at the small school kids with great work ethic and Stanley looks for Rumley to build on his skills and be a part of the future at the fast growing school.

"He is definitely someone who will help us in the long run, one of those 'zone-busters,' who can step up and nail that shot," said Stanley.