Playing college basketball has long been an aspiration for Logan Hart. But not until the conclusion of his junior year did he begin to believe it was a realistic possibility.

A senior at Liberty Christian Academy, Hart recently signed a letter of intent to continue his basketball career at the next level for Lincoln University in central Illinois. 

“I’ve wanted to play collegiate ball for much of my life,” said Hart. “And coming off that junior season I felt even better about it and knew I had that entire summer of work that I could put in to get ready to play.”

He and his Eagle teammates finished as runners-up in the Missouri Christian Schools Athletic Association Tournament that junior year.

The Eagles returned his senior year to claim the state title. During his final season playing for Liberty Christian, Hart averaged 17.8 points while shooting 50 percent from the field. He also was named to the MCSAA first-team all-state last winter.

Hart considered several schools, including Missouri Valley, Kansas Christian College and Central Christian College of the Bible.

At 6-foot-1, he was asked to be a versatile player in the Eagles’ offense, both shooting the three and driving the lane. 

“I feel like I have the ability to do a little bit of everything,” said Hart. “I’ll do what I can to get on the court and help the team.”

He will be joining a Red Lion team that finished 14-15 in NAIA competition last winter.

Hart says making the move from Warrenton to Liberty Christian midway through his freshman year helped his long-term outlook, giving him the opportunity to earn early playing time. 

“It benefited me because of the experience and confidence I gained in myself,” said Hart. “When I was ready to leave I had all these games under my belt and I had been through every situation.”

Hart plans to study elementary education at Lincoln University and ultimately pursue a master’s in athletic administration.