By Ken Hansard
Carthage High School senior shooting guard and student-athlete Colt Pugh spoke to VYPE SPORTS in a recent interview.
VYPE SPORTS: What are your personal goals for the year?
Pugh: Going into the season I wanted to grow in a lot of areas – both in life and in basketball. As far as basketball goes, I’m known as a shooter, so improving on that was my main goal, but I also wanted to improve my inside game, particularly getting to the basket and finishing at the rim. I really wanted to add another dimension to my game that would open up more opportunities for me and for my teammates.
VYPE SPORTS: What is your favorite memory about your association with this team?
Pugh: I would probably say the overnight trip we took to Harrison, Arkansas. We went in there as one of the bottom seeds and beat two state ranked Arkansas teams to win the tournament.
VYPE SPORTS: What teammate has left the biggest impression on you and why?
Pugh: My freshman year I had the opportunity to play with my older brother, Joel Pugh, and I would say he has left the biggest impression on me. My game mimics a lot of how he played, and I know I wouldn’t be the same basketball player without him.
VYPE SPORTS: What is your favorite part of being a part of this team?
Pugh: The friendships that I’ve built throughout the four years that I’ve been a member of the Carthage Tigers. The memories I have made with my teammates will definitely stick with me for the rest of my life.
VYPE SPORTS: What clubs, community groups, or campus groups are you involved with and why?
Pugh: I am involved in both FCS and Youth Group. Being involved in the Church is a big priority in my life, so I take any chance I get to be involved in these groups. I am also involved in DECA, FBLA, National Honors Society, and Talent Search.
VYPE SPORTS: What accolades (in any sport or non-athletic activity) are you most proud of?
Pugh: As far as school is concerned, I would say making the top 5% in my class. For basketball I would say winning the Harrison, Arkansas tournament.
VYPE SPORTS: What has this sport taught you that you use in your daily life?
Pugh: Basketball has taught me how to work with others as a team and how to overcome obstacles and struggles. I have used skills and lessons I’ve learned from basketball a lot in my daily life, and I know these will also help me in the future as well.
VYPE SPORTS: What is the best advice that anyone has given you?
Pugh: I don’t know if this is technically a piece of advice, but something that has changed the way I live my life is doing everything with the mindset of making myself less and Jesus more. Knowing that his plan is higher than my plan – no matter what I think is best – is something that I have to constantly be reminded of.
VYPE SPORTS: Who inspires you and why?
Pugh: I’d definitely say my family inspires me. Growing up competing with my brothers in the gym and in the driveway has made me want to be, and helped me to become, a better basketball player. Seeing all the things my parents have done for me has also inspired me, not only in basketball, but in life.
VYPE SPORTS: Here is your chance to give a shout out or say thank you to anyone you wish.
Pugh: I’d like to thank my siblings for pushing me, through all the years of playing in the driveway, with Gym Rats, and in high school, to become a better basketball player. I’d also like to thank my parents for all the time they have given up and the sacrifices they’ve made – taking me to games, practices, and cheering me on.
