By Steve Svetovich
Holy Cross Crusaders junior point guard Michael Hughes worked diligently this past off season perfecting his shot.
And it’s paying off.
The junior standout leads the Lackawanna League Division III in scoring average at press time with a mark of 18.6 points per game.
He also worked hard this off season on his foul shooting.
And at press time he is third in Lackawanna League Division III in free throw shooting percentage at .787.
Not to be outdone, the efficient point guard leads the division in 3-point shooting with 2.4 per game at press time.
Son of Michael and Michele Hughes, the scholar-athlete has a 3.5 grade point average at Holy Cross. His best academic subject is history.
“I practiced a lot on my shooting before the season started,” he said. “I practiced shooting all over the court and on free throw shooting. I wanted to practice shooting when tired. It’s important to make those shots and hit those free throws when you are tired and the game is on the line.”
He talked about what it takes to excel at the point guard position.
“You need to make your shot and find a teammate with an open shot. You need to be a floor general and control the game. You need to make the right play and maintain the tempo.”
With his team off to a 13-2 start under new coach Al Callejas, Jr., at press time, Michael credited his coach and teammates for his personal success. “My coach put me in a great position,” he said. “And my teammates get me in the right spots to make the shots.”
The junior sharp shooter said the team is transitioning extremely well following the retirement of Holy Cross legendary basketball coach Al Callejas who was replaced by his son.
“There was obviously a little pressure as he replaced his dad,” Michael said. “But he is doing an extremely great job and has led us to a 13-2 record so far. The team has adjusted very well under him.”
The stalwart point guard said he learned a lot playing under the now retired Callejas last season. “He really cared about his players,” he said. “He made me a better player, He helped me to up my game. We worked hard for him.”
Well-spoken and confident, Michael talked about the team’s success this season.
“We are following our game plan,” he said. “We never give up. We are tough on each other. We make sure to lock in on defense. We make sure to get great shots.”
A hard worker on and off the court, Michael praised his parents.
“They tell me to always stay positive. Even when things are not going well, keep working hard to keep it all together. If you stay positive and work hard then everything will work out.”
Michael, 17, enjoys listening to music in his spare time. He would like to see Drake in concert.
He talked about both his immediate and future goals.
“First of all, we want to win the district title and make a run at the state championship this season,” he said. “And then we want to do the same next year. After that, I want to go to a good college and continue playing basketball. I am not sure where yet, but I might major in business. I want to play college basketball, graduate and get a good job.”
In the meantime, he is enjoying his experience at Holy Cross.
“The teachers, coaches and students are all great. The coaches are always there for you.”