 | This article possibly contains original research. (October 2019) |
| Nickname | Pilots |
|---|---|
| Sport | Basketball |
| Founded | 2006 |
| Disbanded | 2019 |
| Conference | Nevada Interscholastic Activities Association (NIAA) |
| Based in | Henderson, Nevada |
| Colors | Red, White, Blue |
| Owner | Cliff Findlay |
| Head coach | Paul Washington Sr |
| Affiliation(s) | Henderson International School |
| Overall record | 381–43 (.899) |
| Championships | 3 (2009, 2010, 2012) |
| 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 Sr 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]
- ^ a b Abramson, Mitch. "Former Knick Jerome Williams coaches Findlay Prep, one of country's top high school basketball teams.", Daily News (New York), October 5, 2013. Retrieved on May 24, 2015.
- ^ Green, Steve. "Henderson International School closing all of three campuses.", Las Vegas Sun, February 26, 2010. Retrieved on May 24, 2015.
- ^ "Findlay Prep names Paul Washington Sr. new boys basketball coach". Las Vegas Review-Journal. August 25, 2016.
- ^ Brewer, Ray. "Findlay Prep’s mascot a perfect choice given Pilots’ penchant for air travel.", Las Vegas Sun, March 30, 2014. Retrieved on May 24, 2015.
- ^ "Members – Findlay Prep.", Nevada Interscholastic Activities Association. Retrieved on May 24, 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.