Michael Houge, a versatile 6-foot-7 senior for Chattanooga Christian this past basketball season, has committed to Mars Hill University, an NCAA Division II program in the hoops-crazed state of North Carolina.
"The coaches at Mars Hill told me nothing will be given, but I have the potential to come in and be a big-time player right away," said Houge, who made his commitment to the Lions public on Monday. "I am ready to put in the work. To be able to get a full-ride scholarship is so surreal."
Houge helped the Chargers to a combined record of 90-26 the past four seasons. He averaged 23 points and 11.8 rebounds per game and shot nearly 50% from 3-point range in his final high school season.
He also starred for the AAU's Chattanooga Elite, whose participation in a South Carolina tournament led to Mars Hill taking notice of him.
Grant Van Meter goes off the backboard to 6-foot-7 star Michael Houge for the slam. CCS already off to a 21-0 lead over Whitwell with 3:23 left in 1Q. Houge has 11. #BestofPreps pic.twitter.com/06FXJjP5nj
— Patrick MacCoon (@PMacCoon) December 20, 2019
The Lions went 12-17 overall and 10-12 in the South Atlantic Conference this past season, losing in the opening round of the league tournament. Houge was also recruited by Lincoln Memorial, which dominated SAC play with a 22-0 league record and was 32-1 overall.
"My incoming class wants to change the program into a basketball power," Houge said. "We have a 6-foot-11 guy and some really good shooters, too. They are losing their leading scorer, who was a first-team all-conference player. I want to be a good two-way player and feel I can help fill the scoring void right away."
The Detroit native also received interest from college football programs, including Austin Peay and the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga.
"None of this would be possible without my family, friends, coaches and CCS," Houge said. "I want to play professional basketball one day. This is a dream come true, and I hope to make everyone proud, especially my mom."
Contact Patrick MacCoon at pmaccoon@timesfreepress.com. Follow him on Twitter @PMacCoon.