University Prep repeats as Charter League champs, puts school on the map

HARPER WOODS, Mich. - A few years ago, University Prep was known as one of the better academic schools in Detroit, right in the heart of Wayne State University. Now you add two-time Charter School League boys basketball champion to its resume, with a 64-49 win over Old Redford Academy. Once at the bottom of the league, U-Prep is No.1 now.

"This is real satisfying, because we have seven seniors, and they've been in the program for seven years," said head coach Yusuf Sabree. "They had the opportunity to carry this program on their shoulders, and that was a huge satisfaction for me. Seeing them win it, and play a major role in winning, is gratifying."

"Going back-to-back shows how well we have been developing, and the work we've been putting in is finally paying off."

Tavis Smith played all four years of high school at U-Prep, and ended his career in the Charter League with a team-high 27 points, as well as another league title. He scored 17 points in the second half, including 11 in the fourth quarter, which helped the Panthers pull away from the Ravens. The real prize for the senior was hoisting the trophy again at the end.

"It feels good," Smith said. "There is no better feeling than doing it with my teammates that I have been playing with since 8th-grade. It feels good to repeat as league champs. I feel like I had to play bigger than my roll tonight, but it was good enough to win the game."

U-Prep held a 14-point lead at the half, but a hot shooting quarter by Old Redford sophomore guard Mark 'Rocket' Watts helped them keep the game close, and pull within four in the third. Watts his three 3-pointers in the third, finishing with 29 a game-high 29 points. He had 28 points in the semifinals.

The Panthers regrouped on defense, allowing just 14 points to Old Redford in the final quarter, capping off what was an exciting season in the Charter League as the No. 2 seed. In four years at U-Prep, Sabree has won a state district, won two league titles, and has given the city something to talk about at U-Prep.

"Everything we have done here is a testament to all the hard work we have put in," said Sabree. "We started cross country, we're in the weight-room, playing summer league, and all that stuff matters, and we have a large participation rate. Our junior varsity made it to the championship, they were 13-3 this season, we're 15-3, and everyone is buying in. And once everyone starts buying in, we get wins, and people start getting better."

Terrence Bowens chipped in 11 points and 12 rebound for U-Prep, while sophomore Derrick Bryant Jr., got all of his points from the free throw line, going 10-12 from the charity stripe.

The support U-Prep got from its fans, parents, students, and administration after the game was tremendous, and to add icing on the cake, the team was invited up to Lansing to be recognized by the legislature up there March 4, for winning the league title. Another honor in itself for the rising basketball program.

"That's another testament to our hard work," said Sabree. "It's a testament to the commitment that we have all been putting in, and we are finally getting the respect that we deserve."