Warren Central senior Elijah Starks is ready to continuing putting in the work to succeed on the basketball court.

Starks put himself on the college recruiting radar with a stellar senior season for the Dragons and now he’s getting ready to head off to his next challenge – college basketball.

Starks announced his decision to play next season at Danville Area Community College in Danville, Illinois.

The 6-foot-5 wing is eager to take the next step in his basketball career.

“It means a lot,” Starks said after Wednesday’s ceremony. “A year ago, I wouldn’t think I would be at this position in my life. A year ago I was thinking about quitting basketball. I really didn’t any love for it. When I moved here, coach (William) Unseld gave me the love for it, gave me the passion for it and I got back in it. And I’ve achieved what I wanted to – now it’s time to get back to work.”

After sitting out a season following his transfer from Bowling Green, Starks made the most of his lone season count for Warren Central.

A steady performer throughout the season, Starks averaged nearly a double-double with team highs of 16.8 points and 9.5 rebounds in 24 games.

With Starks combining with Western Kentucky signee Kade Unseld and forward Drevin Bratton as part of a deep roster, Warren Central defended its Region 4 tournament championship to reach the KHSAA Boys’ Sweet 16 state tournament for the third straight season.

“He’s grown a whole lot, both physically and mentally – he’s just been very mature for us,” William Unseld said. “He came and all he wanted to do was win. All he wanted to do was win and he put forth that effort every day. He did everything I asked him to do and I’m so proud of him and proud of what he’s going to become. This is just the beginning. This is step one.”

Danville Area CC plays in the Mid-West Athletic Conference. The Jaguars went 18-12 last season under coach DaJuan Gouard.

“Honestly, just trying to figure out my role, get there and be the hardest working person in the room,” Starks said of his expectations of college basketball. “And just earn the respect of the coaches.”