Tiger basketball star Tyler Dominy will lace up his shoes at the University of North Georgia next season.

Dominy, a four-year starter for Dawson County, chose the university over the likes of Georgia College, Lipscomb University and Union College, just to name a few schools.

"There were several factors that led me to choosing [University of] North Georgia," Dominy said. "I felt my relationship with Coach [Chris] Faulkner and Coach [Josh] Travis, assistant coach, is very good. I met several of their players and there seemed to be a great team chemistry. It just seemed like a great fit."

Faulkner has been the head coach at the school for the past 11 years. He has a 143-145 record at the college.

North Georgia is a Division II school that plays in the Peach Belt Conference. Last season, the team posted a 16-12 overall record, while going 10-9 in conference play.

"Coach Faulkner has a lot of high integrity. He expects a lot of his players. I knew within the first couple of minutes that he was an honest guy," Dominy said.

Dominy most likely will play at the 2 or 3 position in college.

The 6'4" athlete was also an outstanding football player for Dawson County High School Coach Jeff Lee.

Dominy said choosing basketball over football was a tough decision.

"A lot of people ask me that question. It was a very tough decision. I had some football choices for college, but basketball just seemed like the best fit for me."

"It is an honor to play college basketball," Dominy said. "One of the first things I wanted to do was just to get to college. It's an exciting time for me right now and I'm getting to go to college to play a sport I love."

Thad Burgess was Tyler's high school basketball coach while at Dawson County.

"He has been a joy to coach. He is even better to be around off the court. Tyler was a four-year starter for us, you don't see that much anymore," Burgess said.

"He is the most athletic player in North Georgia. I am so excited to see what he will do when he is only doing basketball and can really work on his fundamentals and get his body into basketball shape."

Burgess said that Dominy's personality is also a big draw.

"Everyone likes him because of his personality. He will be very successful at North Georgia. Tyler meant more to me as a person than a basketball player. He will go down as one of the top two or three best players to have ever played at Dawson County. It will be great that we will be able to still see him play," he said.

Dominy also had nothing but praise for his high school coach.

"I can't speak enough of Coach Burgess. He was just like another father figure for me. Coach has had one of the biggest influences on my life," he said.

Dominy's mother, Teresa, is also excited that her son will be continuing his career so close to home.

"My mom obviously loves that I'm going to North Georgia," Dominy said. "She told me just to pray about my decision and doors will open to decide where I should go. She told me that my heart will take me to that door and it will lead right through."

Dominy said he is also excited to play so close to the community that has supported him.

"I would like to thank everyone who has supported me in middle school and high school. I love my home town," he said.