Augusta Prep star turns attention to track career

Jim Hull wrapped up a recent run at Augusta Prep with a stretching session, using a set of hurdles to the side of the track.

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Chris Thelen/Staff

Senior Jim Hull led Augusta Prep to its first region basketball title this year. The track star will run for the University of Richmond in the fall.

Track shoes and running shorts are staples for Hull, a senior.

The highest-scoring hoopster in the area no longer needs a basketball.

"I haven't touched a basketball in a month," he said.

Not since the GISA North-South All-Star Game. The Augusta Chronicle Independent Schools All-Area Boys Basketball Player of the Year is committed to track now. He will run in the fall for the University of Richmond, which offered him a spot in late 2008.

Hull accepted with little hesitation.

He scored more than 2,700 career points during his high school basketball career, but he was met with lukewarm receptions from college programs. And since committing to run for Richmond, Hull said he hasn't looked back.

"I haven't really missed it," he said. "I enjoy track."

Hull will defend state titles in three events at the GISA Class AAA meet this spring. He won the 3,200, 1,600 and 800 meters as a junior.

Last year during spring break, Hull was involved in multiple basketball tournaments. This year, he has two optional track practices, three days of running on his own and a break to watch some golf.

If Hull is done with competitive basketball, he exited on a solid note. The Cavaliers won their first region title this season after entering the tournament as the fourth seed.

Hull led the GISA at 34 points a game. He attempted 257 free throws, the most in the state. He needed 16 points against Edmund Burke on Dec. 4 to reach career 2,000. He scored 46.

Coach Mike Guthrie said Hull looked for his 3-point shot more this season. Hull made 50 3-pointers, more than he attempted (49) as a junior.

Hull faced a variety of different defensive looks, like the triangle-and-two employed by Curtis Baptist. But unlike in the past, stopping Hull did not mean stopping the Cavaliers.

Sophomore John Paul Lynn emerged as another scoring threat and helped handle the ball. Hull had more chances to work off screens and free himself for open looks.

When Central Fellowship double-teamed Hull each time he touched the ball in the first round of the region tournament, Hull would find Lynn for easy baskets. Lynn had a game-high 19 points.

When guarded straight up, Hull went off. He scored 34 points in the tournament semifinal to beat Gatewood in overtime.

And given the ball in crucial situations, Hull delivered, scoring the final eight points against rival Westminster in the region final.

Guthrie thought Hull should have received more interest from college coaches.

He also thinks Hull is at home on the track.

Guthrie said he hopes the school isn't saying goodbye to someone who will be as remembered the greatest player in school history.

"I hope not," he said. "I hope there will be another one."