Michael Hughes | The Dunmorean

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.”

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.”