Friends of Basketball

Jean Hughes

Year Inducted: 1993

Category: Friends of Basketball

Schools / Organizations:

Genoa-Kingston High School

Biography:

Jean Hughes was a fixture at Genoa-Kingston HS basketball games for a quarter of a century at the time of her induction.  For the previous 25 years, she had been the official scorekeeper.  She handled both home and away games, traveling on her own with no reimbursement regardless of the distance. Many times she would leave her work as a legal secretary in Sycamore so that she could arrive on time to the game.  When traveling, she and husband, Elmer would often eat on the run.

A very meticulous lady, Jean rarely made a mistake while tending the book.  She began keeping score as a fan in the stands during the time her daughter was a student.  When asked how many points a particular player would have, Jean always had the answer. 

Since transitioning to the scorer table, Jean’s hard work was recognized with several awards including 2 plaques for excellance.  For at least a decade, Jean was joined at the table by her husband, Elmer, who became the official timer for games.   Jean knew each player by name, face and number but admitted that she may not always recognize them if seen in street clothes.  Jean said, “I love basketball as it helps me stay young.”  According to then athletic director, Lenny Peterson, Jean was a joy to have at a gme due to her friendliness, pleasing personality and comfortable smile.

Jean Hughes died on July 21, 2019 at the age of 96.