Wearing a gold cross around his neck, Chattanooga Christian School senior 6-foot-7 basketball standout Michael Houge believes it is important to keep his faith strong. It's carried him through a series of troubles and trial.
Spending his early years in Detroit as the youngest of five siblings, Michael lost his mother, Andrea, when he was 12, soon after moving to Bledsoe County. Six years later, he still carries her love with him every day.
"My mom was my backbone," said Houge, whose father has never been around. "On my wrist tape before every game I write her name. My mom really does propel me and is my motivation."
One day while training with his older brothers, who both played college basketball, sixth-grader Michael was asked to join an AAU basketball practice in Rhea County. On that team was his eventual best friend, Grant Van Meter.
The duo became inseparable, and Houge would often stay the summer with the Van Meter family throughout middle school.
Their chemistry has morphed into something special as the Chargers have a record of 83-17 since the "Yin and Yang" combo arrived. They are 9-0 this season. Van Meter, a versatile guard, has connected with Houge for memorable alley-oops and big shots.
"Michael and I have a great relationship," Van Meter said. "Basketball brought us together, and we have been close ever since. When we are on the court together, we bring a dynamic that is hard to stop. We have a lot of great role players around us, and our athleticism makes us tough to deal with. Being here together has been an amazing experience."
Houge grew nine inches from the eighth through ninth grade and instantly became a varsity contributor for CCS. A double-double machine who also has focused on his guard play for the next level, he has helped key back-to-back state-tournament runs.
Over the past four years Houge has gained another family as Darrell and Charlotte Davenport opened their doors to let him live in their home for an easier commute to school. The Davenports' youngest child, Amos, played with Michael for three seasons before graduating this past May.
Before every home game Houge and his teammates gather at the Davenports' to eat a pregame meal.
"I wouldn't be here today without the Davenports or the Van Meters," Houge said. "So many things could have gone different if it wasn't for them treating me like their own. I can't thank them enough for letting me stay at CCS. I can always call them. It's home."
Houge also has built a unique relationship with CCS coach Eddie Salter, as the two leaned on one another after significant losses.
"I know God directed his path to here," Salter said. "Soon after he lost his grandmother his freshman year, my mom passed away. It was tough on him, and you could tell he was feeling down. So we started checking up on each other. I teach in the elementary department, and he would come over there and just check in on me. That was something that really bonded us."
The humble and respectful Houge credits Salter for helping him mature and providing a father-figure presence.
Averaging over 20 points (38 career high) and eight rebounds per game, Houge is an unquestioned go-to leader for the undefeated Chargers, who hope to compete for a TSSAA Division II-AA state championship in 2020.
"Last year I was a leader if you looked at the stat sheet," said Houge, who has a full-ride offer from Mars Hill in North Carolina among other offers. "We had three great leaders last year. This year, I have had to step up and be more vocal in practice, hold people accountable in the classroom and on the court. I have learned how to help take care of a whole team instead of just myself."
Through the example shown to him by other families, Houge has in a way taken the unconditional love and is passing it on.
"With a lot of trials that God gives us, a lot of people can get down," Houge said. "But I see all of them as a blessing in disguise. After every battle comes something good. I am just so blessed. I want to be successful in basketball but in life as well."
Contact Patrick MacCoon at pmaccoon@timesfreepress.com. Follow him on Twitter @PMacCoon.