Jeffersonville senior Darryl Baker told Hoosier Hills Hoops early Friday that he will play college basketball at Lamar University in Beaumont, Texas.

Baker, a 6-foot-3 guard, must sit out the first year at Lamar to improve his academic standing, he said.

“After the loss (to Indianapolis Cathedral), I talked with the (Lamar) coaches and that made things better. It kind of helped make my decision a little easier,” Baker said.

Former Jeffersonville star Sherron Wilkerson, who led the Red Devils to a state championship in 1993, is an assistant coach at Lamar. He also coached Baker over three offseasons in travel basketball. Lamar’s head coach is Pat Knight, the son of legendary Indiana University coach Bob Knight.

“My connection to (Wilkerson) made me comfortable and the decision a lot easier,” he said. “It was a big relief to make this decision. My dreams are coming true, so now I have to pursue them.”

Jeffersonville lost 74-53 to Cathedral in Saturday’s Class 4-A semistate at Seymour. The Red Devils closed the season at 24-4.

“Even though we didn’t make it to state, I think it was a great season. It was the best time of my life.”