Hardin's Trae Hugs will be continuing his education and athletic career at the collegiate level, as the senior announced his commitment to the Williston State men's basketball team.
Hugs was a key member of Hardin's three consecutive State A championship game appearances, winning in 2018 and earning a co-championship this year. He averaged just north of 13 points per game this season, while leading Class A in steals at nearly five per game.
"We've created a strong bond and built chemistry over the years," Hugs said of his time at Hardin. "When someone is down we can all count on each other to bring each other up."
Williston State competes in the NJCAA in the MonDak Conference. The Tetons were 16-15 this season before bowing out in the Region XII semifinals to Dawson Community College. Hugs intends to study either sports medicine or animal science.
Hugs was considering Montana State-Northern, DCC, and Miles Community College, but he thought Williston State gives him the best chance to improve on and off the floor.
"My strength, just running and get the ball up as fast as I can and look for the open guy. My weakness is I just have to get faster," Hugs said. "Just the support from the coach and how he can help me get better on and off the court."
