A Night to Remember: Hughes Joins 1K-Point Club as Holy Cross Outlasts Old Forge

By: Justin Bradley | Sportzwire | January 28, 2025 | Photo courtesy Justin Focus Photography

DUNMORE, PA – Tuesday night at Holy Cross was about more than just basketball. It was a night filled with emotion, celebration, and a milestone moment as senior Michael Hughes etched his name into Crusaders history by scoring his 1,000th career point in front of a packed home crowd on Coaches vs. Cancer Night becoming the 6th player in school history to reach the milestone.

Hughes' achievement was the highlight of an intense matchup, as Holy Cross (14-3, 8-1) held off a furious fourth-quarter rally by Old Forge to secure a 69-61 victory in a pivotal Lackawanna League Division II showdown.

The Crusaders set the tone early, using a balanced attack to control the first three quarters. Matt Lyons was electric, leading all scorers with 23 points, while CJ Thompson added 20, showing poise on both ends of the floor. Hughes, in his milestone performance, contributed 13 points, adding another special chapter to his already memorable career.

But Old Forge (13-4, 6-3) wouldn’t go down without a fight. Cameron Parker nearly willed the Blue Devils to a comeback, dropping 12 of his 19 points in a scorching fourth quarter as Old Forge erupted for 29 points in the final eight minutes. Logan Fanning (14 points) and Ryan DeMarco (13 points) also stepped up, keeping the game within reach until the final buzzer.

For Hughes, the night was bigger than just numbers on a scoreboard. Reaching 1,000 career points on a night dedicated to the fight against cancer made the moment even more meaningful. As the home crowd erupted in celebration, teammates and coaches embraced Hughes, recognizing the dedication and hard work that led him to this milestone.

With the playoffs looming, Holy Cross continues to build momentum, and Hughes' milestone only adds fuel to their championship aspirations. But for one night, the focus wasn’t just on the future—it was about celebrating a player, a team, and a community coming together for something bigger than basketball.

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