HBCU Prep responds from an opening-game loss with three straight wins, showing growth, toughness, and improved team execution.
HOUSTON, TEXAS — December 3, 2024 — HBCU Prep continued its strong early-season growth with an impressive second-place finish at the Lake Houston Tip-Off Tournament, completing the event with a 3–1 record against quality competition.
The Prep opened the tournament with a narrow two-point loss to Good Vision Academy, led by standout scorer Nelson from Rod Wave Elite. Despite the loss, HBCU Prep showed fight, composure, and competitiveness throughout the matchup. Kyron Williams led HBCU Prep in the opening game with 17 points, helping keep the team within striking distance until the final possession.
After dropping the first game, HBCU Prep responded the right way. The team came back focused, winning both games on Friday and then closing the tournament with key victories over the Houston Mavericks and Salt & Light Homeschool on Saturday.
The 3–1 finish gave HBCU Prep another strong tournament result and showed the program’s continued development under Head Coach Kevin Williams Sr.
A Tough Opening Loss Becomes a Turning Point
HBCU Prep’s tournament began with one of its toughest challenges of the weekend.
The Prep faced Good Vision Academy, a talented team powered by Nelson from Rod Wave Elite, and fell by only two points. The matchup was competitive from start to finish, with both teams trading momentum and making plays in key moments.
Although HBCU Prep came up short, the game became an important learning moment.
Kyron Williams led the Prep with 17 points in the loss and helped set the tone with his leadership, scoring, and ability to keep the offense organized. Williams’ performance gave HBCU Prep a chance to win late, but the team was unable to close out the game.
Even in defeat, the Prep showed signs of progress. The team competed hard, stayed connected, and proved it could battle against high-level talent.
That loss did not define the tournament. It motivated the team.
HBCU Prep Responds with Two Friday Wins
Following the opening-game loss, HBCU Prep made the necessary adjustments and came back with a stronger team approach.
On Friday, the Prep won both of its games, showing improved energy, better execution, and stronger confidence.
One of the biggest performances of the day came from JaTerrius Turner, who led the team with 23 points. Turner provided a major offensive spark, attacking the defense, finishing plays, and giving HBCU Prep the scoring production it needed to take control.
Turner’s performance helped shift momentum back in favor of the Prep and showed the team’s ability to respond when challenged.
HBCU Prep’s Friday performance was one of the biggest reasons the team was able to remain in championship contention. The back-to-back wins helped restore confidence and showed that the opening loss had not shaken the team’s belief.
Saturday Wins Push HBCU Prep to Second Place
HBCU Prep continued its strong tournament run on Saturday with victories over the Houston Mavericks and Salt & Light Homeschool.
The team played with more rhythm, stronger defensive effort, and better offensive balance. Players shared the ball, competed on the glass, and stepped up in important moments.
One of the biggest plays of the tournament came from Jaquan Page, who scored 21 points and hit three big-time three-pointers to help secure a key win for the Prep.
Page’s shooting gave HBCU Prep a major boost when the team needed it most. His ability to knock down big shots under pressure helped the Prep close out the game and finish the tournament strong.
The Saturday wins gave HBCU Prep a 3–1 tournament record and a second-place finish.
A Complete Team Response
The Lake Houston Tip-Off Tournament showed HBCU Prep’s ability to adjust, respond, and improve over the course of a weekend.
The Prep had multiple players step up in major moments:
Kyron Williams led the team with 17 points in the opening loss and provided leadership from the guard position.
JaTerrius Turner scored 23 points on Friday and helped lead the team to two important victories.
Jaquan Page scored 21 points and hit three big three-pointers to help HBCU Prep close out a key Saturday win.
Those performances showed the team’s growing balance. HBCU Prep is continuing to develop different scoring options, stronger leadership, and a better understanding of how to win in tournament settings.
The second-place finish was not just about one player. It was about a team learning how to respond to adversity.
Statement from Head Coach Kevin Williams Sr.
Head Coach Kevin Williams Sr. said the tournament was another important step in the team’s development.
“I am proud of the way our team responded this weekend,” said Head Coach Kevin Williams Sr. “We dropped the first game by two points to Good Vision Academy, and that could have affected us mentally. Instead, our players came back focused. They listened, they made adjustments, and they won three straight games. That shows growth.”
Williams said the second-place finish gives the team a clear picture of where it is improving and where it still needs to grow.
“Of course, we wanted to win the tournament,” Williams continued. “But finishing 3–1 and taking second place shows that this team is getting better. We are learning how to compete through adversity. We are learning how to finish games. We are learning how to trust each other more. Every tournament gives us film, lessons, and opportunities to improve.”
Williams also highlighted the individual performances from Kyron Williams, JaTerrius Turner, and Jaquan Page.
“Kyron gave us leadership and 17 points in the first game when we needed someone to settle us down,” Williams said. “JaTerrius Turner stepped up big on Friday with 23 points and gave us the energy we needed. Jaquan Page was huge for us on Saturday. He scored 21 points and hit three big-time threes that helped us win. Those are the moments that build confidence for players and for the team.”
Williams said the most encouraging part of the tournament was seeing the team continue to mature.
“We are still building,” Williams added. “This group is improving every week. We are becoming tougher, more disciplined, and more connected. When you can lose a close game, come back the next day, and win three straight, that tells me the team is buying in. We are not where we want to be yet, but we are moving in the right direction.”
Program Continues to Build Momentum
The second-place finish at the Lake Houston Tip-Off Tournament adds to HBCU Prep’s growing reputation as a competitive program in the Houston area.
HBCU Prep is focused on more than wins and losses. The program is built around development, exposure, game film, leadership, college opportunity preparation, and helping athletes grow on and off the court.
Tournament experiences like the Lake Houston Tip-Off are important because they place players in competitive environments where they must respond quickly, adjust to different opponents, and perform under pressure.
For HBCU Prep, the weekend showed continued progress.
The team competed in close games, bounced back from a loss, received major contributions from multiple players, and finished the tournament with three wins.
Building Toward the Next Level
HBCU Prep continues to develop student-athletes who want to compete at a high level and pursue future opportunities.
The program places emphasis on elite training, player accountability, basketball IQ, game film, highlight content, college exposure, and character development.
With every tournament, the team gains more experience and confidence. The Lake Houston Tip-Off Tournament provided another valuable opportunity for HBCU Prep to grow as a program.
The Prep will use the second-place finish as motivation as it continues the season.
About HBCU Prep
HBCU Prep is a student-athlete development program designed to provide athletes with elite training, competitive games, exposure opportunities, game film, highlight videos, leadership development, and pathways to future college opportunities.
The program promotes the value, culture, and legacy of Historically Black Colleges and Universities while preparing student-athletes to compete at the next level.
HBCU Prep is committed to helping athletes develop discipline, confidence, skill, leadership, and competitive toughness on and off the court.
Media Contact
HBCU Prep
Website: hbcuprep.org