Pitt coach, Duke star Jeff Capel honored for his historic run with South View basketball
South View High School hung its No. 32 jersey on the wall for good in Miller Gym to honor the school's all-time leading scorer.
University of Pitt head coach and former Duke star Jeff Capel III was recognized Friday night with his high school jersey being framed and retired for his terrific three seasons as a Tiger.
Capel set the school's record for points with 2,066, along with 668 rebounds and 663 assists, which all remain the record today. "I was inspired when I first came here (South View) as a sophomore from the greatness that was already here," Capel said in acceptance.
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In 1993, Capel was named North Carolina High School Player of the Year and led the Tigers to a 31-1 record that ended with an NCHSAA 4A state championship, marking one of the greatest seasons that Cumberland County has ever witnessed, after Capel drained the game-clinching layup to take home the trophy.
Capel was joined by his family, friends, high school teammates and coaches, and thanked them all for helping him on his journey. Capel thanked two people who made a drastic impact on his life that were in attendance in spirit -- his late-great father, Jeff Capel II, and his late-great high school coach, Ron Miller.
"My dad put the ball in my hands, and he's the reason why I was a pretty good basketball player. The second guy that I want to thank is Coach Miller -- he was like second father to me. Every time I stand on the sidelines to coach, I think of him," Capel said.
South View's girls and boys were both victorious in the 'Battle of the Bridge' against Gray's Creek, in front of the Tigers legend. The Lady Tigers (16-4, 11-1 United 8) won 49-33, while the boys (13-9, 7-5 United 8) won 48-45.
This article originally appeared on The Fayetteville Observer: Jeff Capel high school jersey retirement at South View High School
