Most high school athletes follow the usual path—two years of junior varsity, then two of varsity.
Not Nick Hudyma.
Years of hard work had him ready for the big stage from day one. He cracked Dauphin's varsity squad as a freshman, and now, four years later, he's leading a historic season as his team climbs the rankings with championship dreams.
"It's great, we have a strong community, so many people around us wanting to get better and succeed with our goals," said Hudyma.
The grade 12 star from Dauphin is averaging more than 26.5 points per game this season paired with an average of 7.5 rebounds per game and 6.1 assists per game.
"It's been a good year for me. With that said, it's about the team, I'm happy that I have been able to contribute to our team so we can win and compete with the best teams in the province, that's really the blessing of my season."
Nick is a star, but he’s just one piece of a juggernaut Clippers squad electrifying crowds across the province. This team isn’t just winning—they’re making a statement.
Dauphin has bagged two tournament titles, a runner-up finish, two bronze medals, and a consolation championship. Losses have been rare, and when they win, it’s a blowout. At BSSI, they rolled through opponents by an average of 21.25 points. In Sanford, it was 20. Ste. Rose? 46. Pembina Trails? 40. At home, they steamrolled teams by 47.6. And in Neepawa? A jaw-dropping 73.5-point margin.
This isn’t just a good team—it’s a squad on a mission, and they’re built for something special.
"We have all the pieces, I don't think we're missing any pieces," continued Hudyma. "Everyone knows how to fulfill their roles on our team this year, we have a great group."
Hudyma and his teammates were the last team standing in the past two Clipper Classic's. It's one thing to win a tournament and it's another to do so on your home court.
"It's great, it's nice to put a show on for our fans," commented Hudyma. "Always a great feeling to win on home court."
Nick has been on a tear this season, delivering all-star performances night after night.
He dropped 33 points, 12 rebounds, six assists, and two steals to lead Dauphin to bronze in Brandon. In Ste. Rose, erupted for 40 points, 12 boards, and 10 assists in a championship-clinching win over the Frontier Mosakahiken Grizzlies, the province's top-ranked team 'A' team. At Pembina Trails Collegiate, he posted another triple-double—21 points, 12 rebounds, and 10 assists in the bronze medal match—securing a third-place finish.
Big games are nothing new for Hudyma. He’s proving time and time again that he’s built for the spotlight.
How did the Dauphin star top those performances? By scoring 57 points against Portage at the team's home tournament. He also grabbed 18 rebounds while picking up 10 assists and eight steals.
"The game was flowing. We got off to a tough start but overcame that," said Hudyma. "We made a ton of defensive stops and transitioned to get some easy buckets on the other end."
Nick's season resume also includes several Player of the Game awards to go with finishing multiple tournaments as the most valuable player. The 18-year-old carries himself with quiet humility, but even he can’t deny that a little recognition feels good. Nick was also named the Dairy Farmers of Manitoba Athlete of the Week on February 12.
"It's always nice to be recognized for all the hard work I have put in over the years," added Hudyma. "Again, however, I'm doing it for the team and our success as a group."
In their most recent action, Dauphin completed a two-game sweep of the Swan Valley Tigers to win their zone championship. They won game one by 73 points and capped off the series with a 51-point victory on Monday evening. Dauphin will host a provincial qualifier on March 7 and 8 at the DRCSS.
Nick says the team is ready to put on a show for the fans, as they have been all season.
"We sure are, ready to shock the province," he continued.
It's also a family affair as Steve Hudyma is the team's head coach and Nick wouldn't have it any other way.
"It's great to have him on the bench and right by my side," said Hudyma. "He has been coaching me for the past two years and they've been great, he's an incredible father and an awesome coach. Everyone has a ton of respect for him."
As Nick’s high school basketball career winds down, he’s reflecting on the incredible journey that’s spanned the last four years. From teammates to coaches and everything in between, Nick takes immense pride in being a Clipper. But he’s not done yet—he’s determined to cap it all off with a run at a provincial championship.
"It's nice that we're ending with this team and such a dominating season," ended Hudyma. "We want to stretch out the season as far as we can and make a run at that provincial championship."
You can catch Nick and his teammates in action on Tuesday afternoon at 4:00 when Yorkton comes to town for an exhibition game.
