Hughes is set to be a defensive anchor for Fossil Ridge this season, and his presence on the floor is hard to ignore. He’s versatile and able to guard both post players and wings, applying pressure and making it tough for opponents to find easy looks. On the boards he’s active and physical, crashing the glass to create extra possessions for his team. He isn’t just a defensive specialist but he can score as well. Don’t sleep on his ability to knock down shots from range or get momentum shifting buckets when the team needs them. With his combination of defense, rebounding and scoring ability, Hughes is poised to be a big factor this year

An excellent rim runner who paces his opportunities out of ball screens well, Hughes looks to find success in the paint yet again. An efficient finisher around the basket, he only needs a sliver of space to work with to contribute layups. Particularly in June and recent high school showcases, Hughes has gotten more comfortable setting up scorers from kickout passes. His role defensively will be crucial to Fossil Ridge’s success, although him and Donovan Banek Donovan Banek 6'6" | PF/SF Fossil Ridge | 2025 State CO show all the signs of a competitive pair of interior defenders. Hughes put up 5.9 points and 4.4 rebounds per game, solidifying his role down low.

Hughes has provided steady screen setting and efficient scoring around the basket, set for an impactful season at Fossil Ridge. Effective pacing himself on the roll, he does well reading the defense to dive on time, maximizing the available openings on driving lanes. Hughes has maximized his niche role through this summer, elevating himself since last season at Fossil Ridge.

Hughes continues to show his high motor alongside the improved strength, carving out his niche early on for Fossil Ridge. Getting stronger to defend the post, he looks more comfortable holding his own while keeping both arms up to deter attempts at the rim. As well as a smart screener, he looks to read the defense before slipping or setting a hard ball screen, spacing the floor effectively for his perimeter playmakers. 

An especially long forward, Hughes brings in a wide reach to mitigate opposing shot attempts. Effective timing his contests to deter post attempts, he makes up for his smaller frame with constant activity in the post. Active setting ball screens or facilitating handoffs, Hughes works hard to get his teammates involved within the halfcourt.