Forever a Tiger: Demopolis, MMI alum Tripp signs with UWA
Former Demopolis High standout Charles Tripp has signed to play with the University of West Alabama following a strong two-year run at Marion Military Institute.
Tripp averaged 13.9 points and 7.2 rebound per game for MMI this while helping the Tigers to a 19-8 overall record. For his efforts, he earned NJCAA Honorable Mention All-American as well as the Alabama Community College Conference North Division Player of the Year.
“We first knew of Charles when he was a Sr. at Demopolis HS. We really became interested in recruiting him during his freshman year at MMI,” UWA coach Allen Sharpe said of Tripp. “What has stood out the most is how much he has improved in two years at MMI; ACCC north division player of the year and NJCAA honorable mention all American.”
“Charles Tripp has been a model of consistency and determination here at MMI,” MMI head coach Phillip Stitt said. “Charles has come from not even being All-State in high school to the Player of the Year in our league and an Honorable Mention NJCAA All American. He will not only continue to improve as a player but as a person. UWA is getting one of the finest young men I have ever coached, who will represent the university with class and character.”
Tripp chose UWA over a handful of offers that also included Freed-Hardeman University, Emmanuel College, University of Mobile and Auburn-Montgomery.
“The thing that stood out the most about UWA is how big the campus is. I never knew it was that big. I also know a lot of people that go there,” Tripp said of the welcoming environment he found in Livingston.
Tripp, a 6-foot-7 forward who started every game for MMI the last two seasons while aiding the Tigers to a 43-15 record over that span, looks to plug right into the rotation at UWA after having shot 60.5 percent from the floor in 2016-2017, good for third best in the ACCC.
“They really haven’t been specific on how they’ll use me yet. They have made it clear that I will have the chance to be a big part of making this team a lot better,” Tripp said. “It really doesn’t matter what they need me to do, I’ll be ready to do whatever they feel is best for the team.”
“We do not sign junior college kids to sit on the bench. We are counting on him to contribute right away whether that’s 10 minutes a game or 30 minutes a game,” Sharpe said. “He will determine that.”
Tripp also shot an impressive 35.3 percent from three-point territory in his sophomore season, a number indicative of a shooting touch that could well help his newest set of Tigers after the UWA men’s team shot only 29.5 percent from deep a season ago.
“His versatility and his ability to score gives him the best chance of playing early in the schedule. All our players will defend and all our players will play hard. However, the ability to score is something that is difficult to coach,” Sharpe said. “Most of the time, either a kid can score or he can’t. Charles can score the ball and he can do it in a variety of ways.”
“I feel like my game has gotten better everywhere. I am shooting the ball better, my handles are getting better, I feel like I’m playing defense better,” Tripp, who will study physical education, said of how MMI has prepared him for his latest opportunity. “MMI has definitely helped me step up my game a lot.”
Tripp joins Hale County star Kaddell Perry as the only UWA signees to date, though Sharpe said the program will sign several other players in the coming weeks.