April 17, 2009

Jake Hughes, a high school senior from Cedar Rapids, has signed a National Letter of Intent to attend Upper Iowa University and play for the Peacocks. Head coach Brian Dolan announced the signing today.

Hughes, a 5-foot-11, 170-pound point guard, averaged 12.5 points per game and 4.7 assists per game as a senior for Kennedy High School in Cedar Rapids. He led Kennedy to a 21-2 record during his senior season. Jake was the starting point guard for Kennedy for three years, leading them to state tournament berths during his sophomore and junior seasons, finishing third in 2007 and fourth in 2008. He was recently selected by the Iowa Newspaper Association as a Class 4A All-State player this season.

"Adding Jake to our program is a positive on so many levels," said Coach Dolan. "He is a tremendous basketball player, a great student, and comes from a great family with great character. There is no doubt people will see his physical contributions on the floor and in the classroom, but hopefully everyone in the Upper Iowa community will experience his character first hand. I know Jake is going to have four very successful years here at Upper Iowa."

Hughes joins an incoming class that already includes fall signees Tucker Wentzien (Solon), Kurt Bearinger (Oelwein) and recent spring signees Sam Elgin (Center Point-Urbana) and Brad Burgus (Indian Hills Community College).