After leading the Lady Devils in nearly every statistical category, sophomore A’Lyrica Hughes has been named the Owensboro Times 2022 All-County Player of the Year.
“To receive this honor means so much to me and it’s a true honor that I was chosen for this award,” Hughes said. “It tells me that I’m capable of so many things and can do anything I put my mind to. It also allows me to push myself to succeed more in the future because I feel like I can do so much better.”
Being the leader on a very young team, Hughes led Owensboro to a 13-16 overall record. The talented guard finished the season averaging 15.1 ppg and 8.6 rpg, doing so with a 44% clip from the field.
Hughes goal this season was to work on herself this season not only in terms of how she approaches the game competitively, but also how she leads on the court for her teammates.
“My main goal coming into the season was to have fun and play my heart out every chance I get because anything can happen,” Hughes said. “Also, to personally work on myself as a person and to have a better attitude and work on my body language as a player.”
This turned into results, as the Lady Devils improved their win total by three and a career year statistically. One thing that helped Hughes achieve these things—her selfless mindset at the helm of the offense.
“I think what separates me from anyone else is that I’m just overall different from everyone else,” Hughes said. “For one, I’m very humble. I don’t really like when there’s a lot of hype on me or reading about myself. I want to see my teammates. When I go out on a basketball court I’m going out there thinking ‘I want to get out here and personally have fun and help my teammates.’ Yes I love to score and win, but I’d rather see my teammates get to have the chance to get these awards and go out and play their best game even if it comes out in a loss. I want to be known as a good teammate.”
Hughes competitive desire to be in the conversation as one of the best players in the region also drives her on the floor.
“Another thing that separates me is my mindset on things. Everyone knows I get in my head a lot, but what goes through my head is the crazy thing. When I get out there I’m going out there to show everyone who I really am, no holding back. I go out there to prove regardless of size, weight, or strength, whatever you believe you can do, you can do. Another thing is I know I’m not the best player in the region and there are a lot of people that are better than me overall, but I go out every game and prove that my name should be up there even in a bad game.”
The young guard was thrilled to receive the Player of the Year award and said she couldn’t have done it without all of those who showed their support this season.
“I’d like to thank my family, friends, teammates, coaches, trainers, teachers and so many more people that I may have missed for all the love and support that they show to me regardless of my mistakes,” Hughes said. “It means the world to me when all of them show this support. It really helps me overall as a player and pushes me to be better.”
Hughes said she’s proud of receiving the honor, but said that the process never ends. Looking forward to making more memories with her teammates, Hughes and company are looking forward to coming back even stronger next season.
“The best part was our practices or the long bus rides there and back,” Hughes said. “Another moment that I really enjoyed was playing in the big games and getting the opportunity to show everyone who we are regardless of the losses and wins. My favorite moment was winning this award, but I’m going for regional next year.”
