Empowering Your Educational Journey

About
Houghton Prep

Houghton Academy and Elevate Athletics are excited to announce the launch of Houghton Prep, a new prep basketball program created in Western New York.

Houghton Prep will provide student-athletes with the opportunity to compete at a high level while preparing for the next step in their academic and athletic journeys. The program will compete both locally and nationally, creating exposure and development opportunities for players who aspire to play American college basketball. The program will also serve as a pathway for international student-athletes who are seeking the chance to study and compete in the United States.

The program will operate out of Houghton Academy, a respected charter school located in rural Western New York that has been serving students since 1883. With a long-standing reputation for academic excellence, the academy provides an environment where student-athletes can pursue their educational goals while competing at a high level on the court.

One of the unique advantages of the program is the close proximity and partnership with Houghton University, which is located just steps from the academy’s campus. This relationship helps create a college-like atmosphere for high school students and provides a glimpse into the academic and athletic expectations of collegiate life.

Houghton itself offers an ideal setting for student-athletes. Located in a safe and welcoming rural community in Western New York, the town is known for its friendly and supportive environment. Students arriving in Houghton quickly experience the warmth of the community and the sense of belonging that makes the area special.

Houghton Prep was created with the goal of helping student-athletes reach their full potential. The program is designed to challenge players both on and off the court while exposing them to the structure, discipline, and lifestyle that college basketball players experience every day.

Through a combination of strong academics, high-level competition, and a supportive community, Houghton Prep aims to develop well-rounded student-athletes who are prepared for success at the collegiate level and beyond.


Why Houghton Prep?

  • Houghton Prep players gain a distinct advantage by training and competing under the guidance of Titus Ahrens, a former college coach with experience working with athletes at every level of the game—including NCAA Division I and even players who have reached the NBA. His experience provides players with real insight into what college coaches are looking for and how athletes can prepare themselves to compete at the next level.

    Beyond skill development, players are taught how the recruiting process works and how to identify college programs that are the right academic, athletic, and personal fit. Our goal is not just to help athletes get recruited, but to help them make informed decisions that set them up for long-term success.

    On the court, players compete in an extensive and competitive schedule that includes games against college JV teams, junior colleges, and top prep programs throughout the regular season. The development continues beyond the school season with a full AAU schedule through our partnership with Elevate Basketball Training, giving players additional exposure and opportunities to compete.

    The combination of high-level coaching, recruiting education, competitive scheduling, and year-round development provides student-athletes with a unique pathway to pursue their dream of playing college basketball.

  • Our prep program offers student-athletes a true academic advantage built on a proven tradition of excellence that began in 1883. For more than a century, Houghton Academy has helped students from around the world thrive academically. International students consistently succeed here thanks to our strong ESL program, which provides the language support and academic preparation needed to excel in the classroom and beyond.

    Students also benefit from access to university-level coursework at nearby Houghton University, giving motivated learners the opportunity to challenge themselves and begin experiencing college academics while still in prep school. Beyond the classroom, our program emphasizes accountability and growth through structured study sessions, academic monitoring, and individualized development plans. This supportive environment keeps players focused, organized, and progressing toward their academic and athletic futures.

  • Houghton Prep is located in the heart of Western New York, in a quiet rural community that provides a safe, welcoming environment for students to live, learn, and grow. The village of Houghton offers a close-knit atmosphere where students feel supported both on and off campus. This setting allows players to stay focused on their academics and athletic development while enjoying the security and comfort of a small community.

    Our program is built on a strong Christian foundation, where values such as integrity, respect, service, and personal growth shape daily life. Students benefit from a positive culture that emphasizes character development alongside academic and athletic success. Families from around the world appreciate the supportive environment, where young athletes can pursue their goals in a community that genuinely cares about their well-being and future.

Contact Us

Wondering if Houghton Prep is right for you? Schedule a time where we can meet to discuss your future with Houghton Prep.