Olivia really got hot in the third quarter and took control of the game during a key three-minute stretch. She grabbed my attention by taking over the scoring load for her squad.

She has a nice three-point shot, knocking down several in a row, but it was her mid-range game that really stood out. Olivia showed a strong pull-up jumper and a soft floater when attacking gaps in the defense.

I also love that she embraces contact on drives—at one point finishing an old-fashioned three-point play. She’s a very smooth ball handler with the ability to play either the 1 or 2, due to her ball handling and court vision.

Definitely a 2028 prospect to keep an eye on.

Racks up steals in a hurry, with ideal quickness and height on the perimeter. Plays the passing lanes with an almost supernatural sense. Had a stretch where she deflected a pass out of bounds. Then did the same on the ensuing in-bounds attempt. Have to love any player who takes pride in causing havoc on the defensive end. Did most of her scoring in transition, often off the hard work of her determined defense.

Another highly ranked player from Arkansas that I am seeing for the first time. An excellent shooter from outside the 3-point range that needs no space to the shot off. As a Dribble Drive or 5 out coach I really like it when I see a player that attacks the paint off the wing and Olivia does just that. She makes things happen on offense by getting to the paint Creating scoring opportunities for herself and teammates. In transition offense she is attacking the baseline. A pocket hesi with change of speed is usually the move that freezes the defender. Then it is either a layup or with the vision hitt9ing the backside teammate filling the lane.

On defense she is a tireless worker on the top of that 1-3-1. Active hands and feet creating a steal for herself or a teammate. Took me now time at all watching her play to realize I was watching a highly ranked player.

Alma has a long history of success with girls’ basketball, especially with their senior star Jordan Gramlich, who became the school’s all-time leading scorer during the season. With Gramlich leaving, Alma needs a new star to get behind, and that star is Olivia Hughes Olivia Hughes 5'10" | CG/PG Alma | 2028 State AR . 

Hughes made headlines when she received an offer from nearby Arkansas-Fort Smith early on during her freshman season. She finished her first varsity basketball campaign, averaging 8.2 points, 3 rebounds, and 3 assists per game.

Hughes has been playing with Shock Hoops during the AAU season, and she has performed well in multiple tournaments. During the Border War, Hughes averaged 8.5 points and shot 67% from beyond the arc. During the Select 40 tournament, the versatile guard stood out. She posted 7.5 points a contest, recorded 4 assists during one game, and 4 steals during another. 

Olivia Hughes Olivia Hughes 5'10" | CG/PG Alma | 2028 State AR has impacted the game on both ends of the floor. She is one heck of a shooter while being a solid distributor. With her length, she disrupts the opposition, especially when they are trying to move the ball around. Keep an eye on this future star as we inch closer to the fall season.

Olivia Hughes Olivia Hughes 5'10" | CG/PG Alma | 2028 State AR is one of the best “unknown” players coming out of the state of Arkansas. Nearby Arkansas-Fort Smith seems to think they have found a gem, as they gave Hughes her first college offer. After watching her tape, I have to agree with them.

Hughes is long, and she has already shown her ability to slash to the basket. She is a great finisher who has a tendency to make near-impossible shots. As of right now, Hughes is a better shooter than slasher as she has had multiple games making 2 or more triples. She shoots well in rhythm and the defense has to close out on her catch-and-shoot attempts.

With Hughes’ length, she can make plays on the defensive end. Throw in some athleticism and Hughes actually becomes a solid shot-blocker. She is more of a guard or small forward as of now, but she can make plays in the paint. In her 29-point performance against Ada about a week ago, Hughes blocked a shot, grabbed the miss, and took it coast-to-coast for a fastbreak bucket.

Everyone, go to Alma, Arkansas and catch this team play. If not this year, then do it next year, or the year after, or the year after that, because Olivia Hughes Olivia Hughes 5'10" | CG/PG Alma | 2028 State AR is the future of Alma Lady Airedale basketball.