Former Wisconsin star Trevon Hughes just led the Kettle Moraine boys basketball team to its first state tournament. The school has now let him go.

Milwaukee Journal Sentinel

Kettle Moraine head coach Trevon Hughes draws up a play during the WIAA Division 1 state boys basketball semifinal against De Pere on March 17. After leading the Lasers to their first state tournament appearance, Hughes was let go by Kettle Moraine.

Kettle Moraine boys basketball and coach Trevon Hughes have parted ways after two seasons.

In a Facebook post, Hughes said the move came with "great sadness" and was "not something I had anticipated."

"However I do respect their decision for their program," Hughes continued. "I appreciate the opportunity I was given over the past 2 years, and will cherish the memories we made this memorable season for a lifetime."

When sought for comment on the matter, Kettle Moraine athletic director Ryan Tomczyk shared a brief statement sent to athletes' families.

"This is certainly not a decision that we have made lightly. We sincerely thank Trevon for his two seasons as our head boys' basketball coach and wish him nothing but the best in his future endeavors," the statement read in part. "We are actively searching for our next coach and appreciate your understanding as we work through this process."

Trevon Hughes just led Kettle Moraine boys basketball team to its first WIAA state tournament

Kettle Moraine was fresh off an 18-11 season that concluded with the program's first-ever appearance at the WIAA state tournament. The Lasers lost 55-44 to eventual Division 1 champion De Pere in the state semifinal on March 17. Hughes, who attended UW-Madison from 2006-10, was part of a 2007-08 Badgers team that set a then-program record win total of 31. In his return to Madison at the WIAA state tournament, Hughes felt a familiar enthusiasm in the crowd from his own days as a player.

"The energy was there," Hughes said immediately after the state semifinal loss. "I just felt like I belong, you know? Hopefully, it's not the last time I make a state appearance, but when (point guard Drew Wagner) comes back ... I hope he comes back because he's a football stud. ... I've had a good group of guys and like I told them earlier, just live in the moment. You never know if you're gonna be back here or not."

Hughes concluded his Facebook post on Wednesday also wishing the program well, while not closing the door on coaching himself.

"I am looking forward to continuing my coaching career and open to new opportunities," Hughes' statement ended.