Haught opts for Concord hoops
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ELLENBORO -- Ethan Haught's days as a standout student-athlete at Ritchie County High School might be over, but the Rebel is looking forward to paving a new path at Concord University where he'll continue his career on the hardwood for the Mountain Lions.
A tri-valedictorian at RCHS, Haught carried a 4.3 GPA and plans to major in exercise science with an eye on going to graduate school and becoming a physical therapist.
"They've been recruiting me since after my sophomore year. I've gone down there to their elite camps," said Haught, who surpassed 1,000 career points and helped the Rebels to the state tournament during his sophomore year where they came up short against Charleston Catholic despite his 24 points, eight rebounds and five assists.
"It's a nice atmosphere there. The school is a good fit for me, the team, the culture and they want to get better and win games. It was the best decision for me. Concord was my only official visit, but I talked with other schools. I never really knew if I wanted to play basketball, but I didn't want to play football."
During his prep career, Haught earned four letters in both basketball and football. He earned three letters in track as well as a trio of academic letters, and was a member of both the National Honor Society and National Technical Honor Society.
"Don't get me wrong. I love football throughout the years," admitted Haught, who was named the Class AA first team all-state quarterback after helping the Rebels captured the 2021 state championship.
"You really have to like the sport to play at the next level. It came to me around my junior year I wanted to play basketball at the next level and I started getting my name out there."
Since he doesn't have to report to Athens until August, Haught is just taking it easy so to speak.
"Working out. Doing their workouts and enjoying my last summer," said Haught, who was a second team double-A all-state basketball honoree after averaging 21.6 points, 9.6 rebounds, 4.6 assists, 3.7 steals and nearly a block a game. "I don't know if you can call me a high-schooler since I just graduated. I'm just having fun with my friends and working out.
"I'm going down there to just be the best basketball player and best person I can be. Basketball is going to be my life for the next four or so years. Just going down there, hitting the gym when I can and getting as many shots up as I can. Learn the system and try to give the team what the team needs, all while trying to complete my major."
Following the state football title, this past season the Rebels were marked for payback and finished 5-5.
"That was a little rough because we lost a lot," admitted the now ex-Rebel. "We were only returning three guys on each side and one of them got hurt and couldn't play, and he was one of my linemen.
"I still had fun throughout the season. We started off a little rough, but we found our identity and just got short of the playoffs. Everything happens for a reason. It was still a fun year. Got to play on the new turf and everything."
Adjusting to the next level both on and off the court is something Haught will have to deal with, but he's fairly confident things will work out.
"I think I feel all right with it," Haught said of being a student-athlete at the Division II level playing in the Mountain East Conference. "I'd feel different if I had time off during high school, but I was doing three sports. I was always going to practice and school. I might have more free time at college.
"The workouts and coursework will be harder than high school, but I think I'll be able to stay on top of it as long as I stay motivated. It's exciting playing in the Mountain East. Every game it will be fun to travel the state and see the different colleges and programs, and be able to see some of the guys I played against in high school."
One area that Haught says shouldn't be a concern anymore is his free-throw shooting. Although he managed to get to the charity stripe 127 times, he basically shot 50% as only 63 found the bottom of the net this winter.
"Honestly, throughout the season when I was shooting at the free-throw line I think it was mental," he said. "I don't know what I was doing. Even during the season I'd get up before school and shoot 100, 200 free throws. I don't know what I was doing, but I changed my routine a little bit, gained some confidence and I'm ready to go."
In a perfect world, Haught would've capped his senior basketball campaign with a nod on the eight-member first team, something no Rebel boy ever has accomplished.
"I was kind of disappointed because I always wanted to be the first," he said. "I wanted to pave the path. It is what it is. Double-A was loaded this year.
"We had a young team. We did the best we could and I put up the best numbers I could every night, but it's rough when you don't get all the state tournament publicity."
The guard, who also dabbles in chess, is working on adjusting to the college 3-point line.
"I'll always miss my hometown," Haught continued. "I'll come back as many times as I can, but I'll be busy. I always liked it here. I'm excited for a new adventure. You got to move on. Concord's campus is really nice and beautiful.
"I'm excited for that as well and wearing some new colors and meet some new people. I'm not used to shooting farther away from the basket. I'm trying to get my range a little more comfortable, my shot a little deeper and be more consistent at that range."
Contact Jay Bennett at jbennett@newsandsentinel.com