CHS senior basketball player Peyton Talley signs his letter of intent to attend Tennessee Wesleyan on Wednesday surrounded by family and coaches. Front Row (L to R) : Kerry Duke(mother), Peyton Talley, Phil Talley(father); Back Row (L to R) : John Ferguson(Tennessee Wesleyan head coach), Micah Williams(CHS basketball coach), Ben Holl(CHS basketball coach), Will Panell(Westwood Middle basketball coach) and Bill Talley(grandfather)
It is always good to be first, and that is exactly what Peyton Talley chose to do as he signed a basketball scholarship with Tennessee Wesleyan on Wednesday morning in a ceremony at Coffee County Central High. Talley will become a member of the first recruiting class and first basketball team at the Athens, Tennessee college. Peyton chose Tennessee Wesleyan over an offer from Bethel University due in large part to the fact that “I think Wesleyan wanted me more” according to Talley. Talley was also recruited by Cleveland State Community College and King University in Bristol.
Wesleyan, which is n member of the Appalachian Athletic Conference in the NAIA, will play a junior varsity schedule in the coming school year according to coach John Ferguson. Ferguson expressed delight in picking up a commitment from Talley who he described as a good shooter and passer. “Peyton does a lot of things well on the basketball court and he fits the kind of system and program we intend to build” said Ferguson. Ferguson went on the say that Talley will be a crucial part of the first year program as the Bulldogs build toward varsity status over the next few years.
Coach Ben Holl, Talley’s head coach this past season, praised the work ethic of Peyton and believed that his competitive drive will serve the new program well. “Peyton is a gym rat. He will be a leader for that program with his strong work ethic and his drive to compete at practice and in games” praised Holl. Talley said he was excited for this opportunity and looked forward to playing “close to home” for the next 4 years. He added, “I am excited and thankful for this opportunity.”
