Maurice Dupree is taking his high-octane basketball style just a mile or two southwest of Centre.

Last Thursday, the CCHS All-State guard signed a basketball scholarship with Gadsden State Community College.

Several out-of-state four-year schools were courting Dupree, but he decided to remain close to his Warrior roots for at least the next two years.

“It feels really good knowing that I can play more basketball at the next level,” said Maurice. “After looking at some schools outside of Alabama, I thought that as long as I’m going to play junior college ball, I may as well stay close to home.”

Dupree acquired an impressive resume during his four years in the Warrior starting lineup.

This season, 5’11” Dupree helped lead CCHS to the state’s No. 5 ranking, a 25-7 record, the County championship, the County Invitational championship, and the Class 4A, Area 12 championship. The latter title was the Warriors’ first in 11 years.

His 2003-04 statistics included county-best 23.3 points per game, 4.0 rebounds, 3.1 assists, 76% shooting at the free throw line, 44% shooting from the field and 34% shooting form the three-point line.

Dupree was named to the All-County, All-Area and Second Team All-State squads and was selected Most Valuable Player of three tournaments, including a second straight county MVP trophy.

He also came close to the 2,000 career point mark with 1,994 points, and was named All-County for four years and All-Area for three.

In his final two seasons, Dupree scored in double figures in all but one game, and scored over 30 points in 12 games.

“We’re all very proud of Maurice’s accomplishments over the past four years at [CCHS], and we want to congratulate him of this achievement,” said CCHS Assistant Principal Ben East.

“I’m very glad that Maurice selected Gadsden State,” said CCHS boys head basketball coach Tommy Lewis. “[GSCC head] coach [Hal] Davis is excited to have him on the team, and he’ll certainly make use of what Maurice does best.”

“This is the first kid that we’ve signed from [CCHS] since I’ve been here, and Maurice will be a very good player,” said Davis. “He was No. 1 on our list to sign, and we’re just thrilled to get him.

“Coach Lewis teaches such good defense that all we’ll have to do is plug Maurice into our offense, and he’ll contribute. He’ll definitely play somewhere after he graduates [from GSCC].