FAIRBURY, Neb. -- Fairbury basketball is sending its third player in three years to a NAIA school for college basketball. 

Ethan Smith went to Midland in 2022 and Jax Biehl committed to Nebraska Wesleyan in 2023, something head coach Ryan Garver is proud to be a part of.  

“You know it's awesome to see these guys get to the next level,” Garver said. “And really something that they want to accomplish. It’s great for them to get to.”

Senior basketball player Blake Starr signed to Doane University on Wednesday in front of classmates and family.

For Starr, it wasn’t always simple for him to put the work in when he was younger.

“It wasn’t always easy because you have to have a parent watching you at the 47 Gym,” Starr said. “So, my mom had to get herself a key and then she had to come and watch me every time I wanted to shoot, which I’m very grateful of.”

Starr played 10 games this season averaging nearly 12 points per game before he was injured, tearing his ACL for the second straight season. 

Starr said Doane Head Coach Ian McKeithen told him his injury wouldn’t be a problem and offered him a scholarship. 

Coach Garver said he believes those injuries has made Starr stronger. 

“Blake, I’ve had him for three years now. And seeing him grow every year. He battled through a lot of injuries which was tough for him,” Garver said. “But I think he learned a lot during those injuries and really learned how to come back from them.”

Doane finished last season a 7-21 record, and a 2-18 conference record.