Crawford signs to Doane, credits decision to 'family bond' among the team

BEATRICE - A Beatrice basketball sharp-shooter has signed to play college hoops.

On Friday afternoon, Beatrice's Shelton Crawford signed his letter of intent to play for the Doane Tigers in Crete. Crawford made the initial announcement on social media in mid-February. Crawford says the coaching staff and family bond among the Tigers program, sold him on Doane.

"Just the way they are as a family and group, how welcoming their coach was," Crawford said. "I really liked how it was such a family-based team. It was great."

Crawford served as a starter for the past two seasons with Beatrice, leading the Orangemen in 3-point shooting each season. He also was a part of Beatrice's 2021 state title team.

Although knocking down from deep may be his specialty, Crawford says the Tigers are getting a player who can do more.

Q: "What kind of player are the Doane Tigers getting in Shelton Crawford?"

"Someone who can play great defense, handle the ball and shoot the ball," Crawford said. 

Crawford is currently running track as a spring sport, before graduation in May.