MADISON- The early signing period was only a few hours old but Bob Jones basketball standout Dalton Barkley didn’t waste any time. He signed a basketball scholarship with UA Huntsville Wednesday morning.

It is the second year in a row a Bob Jones player has signed with UAH. Tanner Finley signed last year.

“That’s awesome, it played a huge role knowing the guys I will be playing with,” Barkley said. “Tanner is one of my best friends so playing with him again is going to be something special.”

Barkley has been a starter since his sophomore season and is now 6-foot-7. He averaged 13 points and and 9 rebounds last season. He rarely fouled out and played all 32 minutes most games.

In the sub-regional win over James Clemens he shot 5 of 6 from the field scored 11 points and had 4 rebounds but it was his defense that made the difference in the game. The 55-53 win sent Bob Jones to the Northwest Regional at Wallace State where they upset Minor.

Barkley said the team has several goals this season including making it to the Final 48 Championships in Birmingham. Bob Jones has not made the championships since 2011.

“I am happy with UAH. I wanted to sign and make it official and move on and finish my senior year strong. Academics played a huge role. I know I will get a really good education. I will be studying engineering,” Barkley said.

Bob Jones basketball coach Graham Aderholt is a UAH graduate. He also played and coached basketball there.

“UAH has been recruiting him hard for over a year. They know what he can do at that level, he will be a very good player for them. We work well with UAH, Coach Acuff knows we have players that can help him win,” Aderholt said.

Barkley “can step out and make shots and he is very crafty around the rim. He is a versatile player, can do a lot of different things,” Aderholt said.

Barkley said his family played a big part in his decision. “I lean on them for support and they help me get better and teach me still. My dad helps me. Seeing them in the crowd is a big confidence builder.”

His mother Melanie is principal at Discovery Middle School.

Barkley said he has played basketball since he was 4 years old. He played at Liberty Middle.

“Basketball is my first love and my favorite sport.”

Bob Jones had their first game of the season Tuesday night, a 63-61 win at Grissom. Barkley had 14 points. The home opener is Friday night against Decatur.