The nickname “Big 30” is completely fitting for Chattanooga Prep senior Derrick Roberson.
Roberson provided one of the top highlight moments of an illustrious prep career in the closing moments of his final home game as the Mr. Basketball finalist perfectly timed a leap on an alley-oop pass from junior Kentrell Watkins for a ferocious one-handed dunk.
The emphatic finish was one of 11 dunks for the Sentinels, who were led by Roberson’s 30 points in Monday’s 82-58 Class 2A sectional statement victory over visiting Unicoi County.
“This is such a great feeling knowing I ended my last game here in ‘The Lab’ with a bang,” said Roberson, who had three dunks in the fourth quarter and also threw one off the backboard for Watkins to slam. “We definitely came out and showed out and let everybody know what we are capable of.
“Now, it’s time to go get this third ring.”
Chatt Prep (19-11) also showcased one of the state’s best one-two scoring punches in its high-flying sectional, as senior Reid Conley also tied Roberson with a 30-point performance. Shortly after the team punched its ticket for a return trip to Murfreesboro for next week’s state tournament, Conley and Roberson were each awarded basketballs to commorate scoring 2,000th career points.
(READ MORE: Top-ranked Chattanooga Prep adds region title in push for return to state)
Head coach Christian Collins’ team is intent on winning yet another TSSAA state title, even after moving up a classification this year. The Sentinels, who will be making their fourth straight appearance at the state tourney, had claimed the past two 1A titles.
“These seniors wanted to go out with a bang in their last home game,'” Collins said. “Our big thing is we are one big family. It’s not just one person. It’s everybody. We always cheer for one another. Team chemistry is what brought us back to the ‘Glass House’.”
(SIGN UP: Get the daily sports newsletter in your email box by clicking here)
The Sentinels won their seventh straight game since last falling on senior night on their home floor to Class 4A’s state-ranked Walker Valley.
Sophomore TJ Foster also shined in the victory, as the 6-foot-4 newcomer provided nine of his 15 points in the first quarter, and was strong defensively as well. Senior Joel Bulis also blocked four shots on the defensive end for Chatt Prep, which will play in the Class 2A state quarterfinals on Wednesday, March 18, at Middle Tennessee State University’s Murphy Center.
“We need the whole city behind us,” Collins said. “We are not just representing Chattanooga Prep. We are repping Chattanooga, Tennessee. If we can bring three gold balls back to Chatt, that will be great for the city. We are clicking at the right time.”
Contact Patrick MacCoon at pmaccoon@timesfreepress.com.
