DECATUR -- Mario Urquidi ended his high school basketball career in the Arkansas record books and now the former Decatur player will look to make his mark at the college level.
Urquidi signed a national letter of intent at Arkansas-Monticello on Friday.
He was a four-year starter for the Bulldogs and he leaves with the most career blocked shots (287) in state history. Urquidi is also sixth in the state in career rebounds (967) and he scored 1,626 points. He had 45 career double-doubles.
Last season, the 6-foot-4 Urquidi averaged 19. 1 points, 10.1 rebounds, 2.5 blocked shots, two assists and two steals a game.
Urquidi said he is looking forward to the challenge of college basketball.
"I really like the coaching staff and I got to scrimmage with some of their players," Urquidi said. "Scrimmaging with the players was a whole different level because they are stronger and older. I know I am going to have to work hard."
Decatur coach John Unger said his former player has a high ceiling,
"At a small school like Decatur, players like Mario don't come around too often," Unger said. "Mario wasn't always the most skilled player on the floor, but he was always the best athlete. He is a hard worker that is always looking to improve his skills. His athleticism will help him at the next level."
-- Paul Nielsen @NWAPaul
Sports on 05/02/2015