There’s an old saying, “Timing is everything,” a reminder that success often hinges not just on ability, but on preparation meeting opportunity. Acting too early—or too late—can change outcomes in life, business, relationships, and in this case, basketball.
For Beau Maye, his first year as a head coach could easily be summarized as being “in the right place at the right time.”
Maye comes from an elite athletic pedigree. His father, Mark Maye, was a standout quarterback at the University of North Carolina before going on to a successful NFL career. His older brother, Luke, played basketball at UNC and was part of the Tar Heels’ 2017 NCAA National Championship team. Another brother, Drake, followed in the family tradition as a star quarterback at UNC and is now regarded as one of the premier quarterbacks in the NFL with the New England Patriots.
After graduating from Hough High School in 2020, Beau chose to attend UNC, where he earned a spot on the basketball team as a walk-on. While he loved the game, his true calling was teaching and coaching. That passion led him to become a graduate assistant for the UNC men’s basketball program during the 2023–24 and 2024–25 seasons. Beau earned his undergraduate degree in 2024 and completed his master’s degree in 2025.
In speaking with Beau, he summed it up simply: “God put me in the right place at the right time.”
Shortly after graduating from UNC, Hough High School in Cornelius, North Carolina, had an opening for a math teacher and varsity boys basketball coach. The timing couldn’t have been more perfect.
Hough entered the 2024–25 season coming off a modest 13–13 record, but the roster had been senior-heavy. Graduating were the team’s three leading scorers: Judah Freeman (16.7 PPG), Evan Otto (10.3 PPG), and Jadah Freeman (7.3 PPG). Returning was 6’6 senior John Slusher, committed to Sewanee—The University of the South—who averaged just 5.9 points per game the previous season, along with rising junior Tre Ratliff, who averaged only 4.0 PPG.
Heading into the 2025–26 season, expectations were limited. Maye was the third head coach for the program’s rising seniors, and stability had been lacking. To make matters more challenging, Hough opened the season without football standouts Christian Coleman and Jaylen Byers, who were busy winning a state championship on the gridiron.
Hough was largely flying under the radar.
The season began slowly, with losses to Mooresville (80–77) and Lincolnton (66–63). A shorthanded Hough squad later dropped a heartbreaking 60–55 decision to Lake Norman. Yet despite the early setbacks, the team began to find its identity. By the time Hough traveled to North Mecklenburg on a Friday night, they had quietly built a surprising 10–3 record.
This year’s group was defined by overachievers—players who played hard, played together, and genuinely enjoyed competing alongside one another. Still, few believed they could pull off the upset.
In speaking with Maye, he noted that Hough had lost 23 straight games to North Mecklenburg, with the three losses during this senior class’s career stinging the most. Facing a preseason Sweet 16 favorite, Maye emphasized effort, togetherness, and embracing the moment—reminding his team that basketball is supposed to be fun.
At the time, John Slusher was averaging 15.2 PPG, 6’3 junior Tre Ratliff had emerged as a scoring threat at 14.2 PPG, and 6’4 newcomer Oliver Stamey was contributing 13.2 PPG.
After 23 consecutive losses, Coach Maye challenged his team to believe.
Hough responded.
The Huskies secured—and held on for—a thrilling 58–56 victory over preseason favorite North Mecklenburg, one of the biggest wins in program history. Hough now sits with an 11-3 record and excitement in the program and its future.
For Beau Maye, everything aligned. Preparation met opportunity. The stars aligned.
In the end, it really did come down to being in the right place at the right time.