Hughes reaches mark of excellence

By Ivan Sanders
STAR CORRESPONDENT

   Taukia Hughes of the Cloudland Lady Highlanders has accomplished a special feat that many high school players only dream of. Hughes collected her 1,000th career point on the first basket of the Knox Webb contest Friday night at Sonny Smith Gym.
   Hughes was presented the game ball as a token of her accomplishment by head coach Matt Birchfield.
   "Taukia has been a member and leader of this team for four great years,' said Birchfield. "She is a great athlete and a coach couldn't ask for a better player to coach."
   Hughes becomes the sixth player in Lady 'Lander history to etch her name in the record book. The feat also is a back-to-back happening for the Lady 'Lander program with Ashley Stockton scoring her 1,000th last season.
   Said Hughes: "I didn't even know I was close to 1,000 points in my career. I have been playing basketball since the first grade which seems like forever, so this is just wonderful."
   Hughes is well-loved by her team and the Cloudland fans. What really stands out is that Hughes reached the mark with only three years under her belt as a starter. She was the sixth man during her freshman year.
   Congratulations to Taukia Hughes on reaching a tremendous milestone for any high school player.