Findlay Prep
 | This article possibly contains original research. (October 2019) |
| Sport | Basketball |
|---|---|
| Founded | 2006 |
| Disbanded | 2019 |
| Conference | Nevada Interscholastic Activities Association (NIAA) |
| Based in | Henderson, Nevada |
| Colors | |
| Owner | Cliff Findlay |
| Head coach | Rodney Haddix II |
| Overall record | 381-43 (.899) |
| Championships | 3 (2009, 2010, 2012) |
| Mascot | Pilots |
| Website | http://www.findlayprep.com/ (inactive) |
Findlay Prep is a former high school basketball program located in Henderson, Nevada. The program was created in 2006 by local businessman Cliff Findlay, who owns several car dealerships in the Las Vegas area.[1] Despite closing its high school in 2010 due to the local economic downturn,[2] the Findlay Prep players took high school classes at Henderson International School. Findlay was part of the Nevada Interscholastic Activities Association (NIAA), but they were ineligible to compete in state championships due to the fact that they were allowed to recruit from outside the state. Instead, they competed for National High School Invitational (NHSI) championships, an 8 team tournament featuring the top high school teams in the country played in New York. They won a total of 3 national championships during their time, coming in 2009, 2010, and 2012, all under Mike Peck. Through the years, Findlay has produced 17 NBA players and over 70 Division I athletes. The program produced several international players as well from countries like Lithuania, Senegal, Canada, France, Georgia, and others. They had an all-time record of 381-43 (.899), with only 2 losses ever on their home court.
Paul Washington was named the program's head coach in August 2016.[3] Due to its perceived overemphasis on basketball, critics have slammed it as a basketball factory that gives students hope of a pro career instead of education. School officials refute these allegations arguing their students' "100% qualification rate" with the NCAA. Findlay Prep was branded as "non-scholastic" by the same organisation in 2013 but later affiliated themselves with the NIAA.[1][4][5]
In 2019, after the completion of their season, the program unexpectedly shut down for unknown reasons.[6]
Notable players and alumni
- DeAndre Liggins (Class of 2008) – London Lions
- Avery Bradley (Class of 2009) – last played for Houston Rockets
- Cory Joseph (Class of 2010) – Detroit Pistons
- Tristan Thompson (Class of 2010) – Sacramento Kings
- Nick Johnson (Class of 2011) – Nanterre 92
- Anthony Bennett (Class of 2012) – Hapoel Jerusalem
- Nigel Williams-Goss (Class of 2013) – Real Madrid
- Christian Wood (Class of 2013) – Houston Rockets
- Jonah Bolden (attended for one semester in 2013) - last played for Phoenix Suns
- Braian Angola (Class of 2014) - AEK Athens
- Kelly Oubre Jr. (Class of 2014) – Charlotte Hornets
- Dillon Brooks (Class of 2014) - Memphis Grizzlies
- Rashad Vaughn (Class of 2014) – Dnipro
- Allonzo Trier (Class of 2015) – Iowa Wolves
- Markus Howard (Class of 2016) – Denver Nuggets (two-way contract)
- P. J. Washington (Class of 2017) – Charlotte Hornets
- Bol Bol (Class of 2018) – Denver Nuggets
References
- ^ a b Abramson, Mitch. "Former Knick Jerome Williams coaches Findlay Prep, one of country's top high school basketball teams.", Daily News (New York), 5 October 2013. Retrieved on 24 May 2015.
- ^ Green, Steve. "Henderson International School closing all of three campuses.", Las Vegas Sun, 26 February 2010. Retrieved on 24 May 2015.
- ^ "Findlay Prep names Paul Washington Sr. new boys basketball coach". Las Vegas Review-Journal.
- ^ Brewer, Ray. "Findlay Prep’s mascot a perfect choice given Pilots’ penchant for air travel.", Las Vegas Sun, 30 March 2014. Retrieved on 24 May 2015.
- ^ "Members - Findlay Prep.", Nevada Interscholastic Activities Association. Retrieved on 24 May 2015.
- ^ Levine, Rich (June 27, 2019). "Findlay Prep produced 17 NBA players. Then overnight, the controversial program shut down". The Washington Post. Retrieved August 31, 2021.