By Steve Svetovich
Holy Cross senior guard Michael Hughes is a leader and strong producer for the Holy Cross Crusaders basketball team.
Named Lackawanna League Division III Player of the Year last season, the talented senior guard picked up right where he left off.
Son of Michael and Michele Hughes, Michael, Jr. is averaging 15.0 points and close to four assists per game for the Crusaders. He also averages 3.5 rebounds per contest as a guard.
With a 22-3 record at press time, Michael is the point guard and floor general who so far this season led Holy Cross to a league championship and two wins in the district playoffs for a shot at the district title.
Michael scored 12 points in the league championship win over Riverside, 60-57.
He scored 16 points in his team’s 86-47 win over Lakeland in the first round of the district playoffs.
Michael poured in 15 points in the Crusaders convincing 80-49 win over Elk Lake in the district semi final contest Saturday, February 22.
The win earned Holy Cross a shot at the district championship.
The scholar-athlete has a highly impressive 3.9 grade point average at Holy Cross. His best academic subject is math.
Besides being Player of the Year last season, Michael was named All Region, first-team All State, and first-team Lackawanna League Coaches’ all-star.
The hard-working senior is undecided about a college yet, but wants to play college basketball and study business/finance.
He talked about his goals. “I want to keep my grades up in high school and college,” he said. “I want to win a state basketball title this year. I want to go to college, work hard, play basketball, and be a success in life.”
The tough-minded, mature senior said he learned a lot from his parents. “They tell me to work hard all the time and listen to the good people who surround you. And, don’t compare yourself to others, because comparison is the thief of joy.”
The sharp shooter has over 1,100 career points at Holy Cross. He scored his 1,000th career point against Old Forge.
Michael talked about what it takes to excel at the point guard position.
“You need to be a good floor general. You need to knock down the shot and also create for others.”
The senior standout said Holy Cross basketball coach Al Callejas, Jr. teaches him a lot.
“He tells us to go as hard as you can all the time. He tells us not to take any game or situation for granted. Go as hard as you can on every play and don’t give up on a play.”
Michael enjoys listening to music in his spare time and would like to see Drake in concert.
Personable, with a positive attitude, Michael said he has enjoyed his experience at Holy Cross as the final months of his senior year approach.
“It’s been a very fun and exciting experience from day one,” he said. “We made a deep run in the state playoffs last year. It was a lot of fun. We have a great school band that brings us a lot of energy. They bring the energy every game. We want to win a state championship this year. That’s the goal. Holy Cross is a great experience.”