By Michael West, Contributing Writer
It’s unusual for a freshman high school basketball player to stand out at any level of competition, much less dominate. Especially when the achievement is marked by a little controversy. Jaylene Hughes splashed onto the San Diego and national scene a mere ten games into her High School Basketball career.
The five-foot, seven-inch Point Guard flourished over four games in December 2023, scoring 35;48;58 and 45 points in succession. The 58-point outburst accounted for all but two of her floundering Mount Miguel Matadors 60 points in a 61-60 loss. The Division bottom dweller (posting a 4-24 record in the 2023-2024 season, then 4-25 in 2024-2025) consisted of six Freshman and one Sophomore when Jaylene graced the Matadors her first year in High School.
The controversy stemmed from doubts she was that successful. The California CIF quietly disavowed Jaylene’s stats for the 2023-2024 season, refusing to acknowledge her 38.7 points per game, 4.9 rebounds per game profile. That didn’t phase Jaylene however, as she followed up her 58-point Mount Miguel in that December with another 58 point stunner on February 13, 2024 against playoff bound Helix High.
So what did young Miss Hughes do for an encore? She transferred from Division I Mount Miguel to Division II Granite Hills. The phenomenal Sophomore merely led the team in scoring, boasting a solid 21.3 points per game and 1.8 rebounds this season. The Eagles failed to reach the playoffs, however, posting an 11-16 record for the 2024-2025 season. The up-and-coming Hughes was the fifth leading scorer in the San Diego Section Division II however.
Jaylene’s rise stems from her family’s basketball roots. Her brother Jasen Jr. led Mount Miguel to the San Diego Section Division II finals in the 2023-2024 season. Both siblings trained vigorously with their father, who coached Jaylene her Freshman season.
The most notable aspect of her young career is the fact she wasn’t phased by the mini controversy surrounding her 2023-2024 statistics. She simply transferred to a rival school, and quietly mounted a notable, and consistent performance. Jaylene Hughes will definitely remain a force in San Diego County Girl’s Basketball.
Checkout this interview touting her instant success as she introduced herself to San Diego Basketball: https://youtu.be/QRQNGz1gs00
The Video is a Flex Media Network Joint
You can also follow her on Instagram:
Jaylene Hughes (@jjaylenehughes)
