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Mark Hughes Ursuline | Boys Basketball
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Mark Hughes played a huge part in leading the Ursuline Irish to consecutive Division III regional finals. Even though the Irish fell to Cleveland Villa Angela-St. Joseph on both occasions, the 2015 Division III player of the year enjoyed the experience against the Vikings.
“The game was really intense and emotionally charged,” Hughes said. “We got to talking to each other and the refs were telling us to calm down a little bit because we knew what was at stake.”
The Wright State commit had many fun times playing at Ursuline, including beating arch rival Cardinal Mooney.
“Beating Mooney is always fun,” Hughes said.
But there was one game this season that stuck out above the rest for Hughes.
“The Harding game, that was probably my most prized experience,” Hughes said. “It was just so close. They went up 11 in the third but we battled back and remained tough.”
The Irish won 72-71 over the Raiders and finished the season 22-6 overall.
Hughes said playing for head coach Keith Gunther was an experience in itself.
“It was something,” said Hughes, smiling and laughing. “You could always expect to be pushed everyday. He wouldn’t let me relax, especially being the senior and leader of our team. It was hard work every day and I’m really thankful for that.”
Hughes has some big plans for his first season as a Wright State Raider in the fall.
“I’m really excited and I just want to play my role,” Hughes said. “I want to get my hands dirty early and really see what I’m made of.”
Hughes will cherish his time in an Irish uniform.
“I definitely going to miss putting on the jersey before game time,” Hughes said.
Playing at Ursuline will always be a part of Hughes.
“I would describe it as the best experience I’ve had throughout high school,” Hughes said. “I just really made a brotherhood for those four years. I feel like that is something I’m going to remember for the rest of my life.”