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Wright choice: Ursuline’s Hughes commits to Raiders
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Ursuline’s Mark Hughes puts up a shot against Cleveland Villa Angela-St. Joseph during a regional final at the Canton Fieldhouse. Hughes has committed to Wright State to continue his basketball and academic careers.
By Curtis Pulliam
Youngstown
Mark Hughes will have green in his jersey not only next year but for years to come.
The class of 2015 point guard from Ursuline High School has committed to extend his basketball career at Wright State University in Dayton.
“When I went and visited the campus, it had a nice feel to it,” Hughes said. “It just seemed like the best fit for me and my family.”
Hughes is coming off of a season which he led the Irish in scoring with 16 points per game. Ursuline head coach Keith Gunther is very happy for Hughes.
“It is great for the school and it’s big for the Mahoning Valley commuinty,” Gunther said. “Having another kid at the D-I level is exciting. But one of the best parts is he has a 3.9 GPA.” Gunther believes Hughes, who was an honorable mention All-Ohio selection last season, has a very bright future.
“He is a great lock-up defender,” Gunther said. “He’s one of the best I’ve seen off the dribble and he really made himself a great player by improving his 3-point shooting.”
Hughes had looks from a few D-I schools, including Loyola (Ill.), Davidson and Youngstown State.
“I really like him,” Hughes said about Wright State’s head coach Billy Donlon. “He’s really energetic and I’m use to that with coach Gunther.”
Gunther says Hughes is a special player.
“In the 15-20 years I’ve been in the area, he one of the best I’ve seen,” Gunther said. “He’s one of the best at breaking people down and getting into the lane.”
The 6-foot-2 Hughes also averaged eight rebounds and four asissts for Ursuline last season.
“I think the pressure is gone now,” Hughes said on making an early commitment. “It was the best time for me. I can now focus more on the season since all the pressure of coaches coming out and [recruiting] stuff is now off.”
Hughes realizes the jump from high school will be an intresting one.
“I think my biggest challenge will be trying to get used to the playing style,” Hughes said. “The players are faster [in college].”
The Irish are coming off of an 18-8 season in which they appeared in the Division III regional final, falling to Cleveland Villa Angela-St. Joseph to end the season. In the regional semifinal, Hughes had 27 points to lead the Irish over Creston Norwayne.
But Hughes feels defense is going to get Ursuline to the next level.
“I think the key next season is rebounding,” Hughes said. “If we rebound well, I think that we can beat anybody.”
And playing well next season is his top priority as of now.
“Win a state championship,” Hughes said for the upcoming season’s focus. “That’s the goal every year.”