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Washington Evening Journal
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Hughes hits 1,000, Warriors roll
WACO routes Highland on historic night for senior star
RIVERSIDE — WACO boys basketball fans came into the Warriors’ road game at Highland looking for more than just a win. Senior Hunter Hughes was less than 15 points away from 1,000, and they were ready to see some WACO history along the way.
Hughes and the Warriors downed the Huskies 65-23 in Southeast Iowa Super Conference North Division play, and the Warriors’ leading scorer hit the 1,000.
“It's a big accomplishment to get in a high school career, but my teammates always have my back,” Hughes said. “It just felt great hitting that 1,000-point mark.”
WACO was plenty ahead when Hughes hit his mark. The Warriors were up 24-2 after the first quarter, 43-3 at halftime and 57-11 after three periods. Hughes reached 1,000 on a free throw in the second quarter.
“I just didn't want to miss that free throw,” Hughes said.
Hughes finished with 18 points to lead WACO. Colton Leichty had 12. Hayden Shelman and Isaac Rich scored nine points each. Clayton Miller finished with five. Chase Waterhouse had four. Joel Meyer scored three. Reece Oswald and Kellen Shelman both finished with two, and Holden Hughes chipped in one.
“You always hear that quote that it's great when one of your best players is also one of your hardest workers,” said WACO head coach Paul Kissell. “Hunter is one of those seniors that has put in the time. That's just a great example for other kids to see what it takes to get to that level.”
Highland’s Nicolas Oriano scored seven points in the loss. Logan McFarland had six points. Landon Roling scored three. Louis Horak and Brody Miller had two points each. Jared Diaz, Brixton Rust and Jesse Thompason all had one.
WACO is now 9-3 overall and 9-1 in the SEISC North, with a shot at first place on Thursday night when they play at Winfield-Mount Union. Highland is now 1-11 and 0-10.
