Player Profile: Zach Baugher – 2019 (Santiam Christian HS/Team Jones)

As he prepares to narrow his choices with the goal of making a final college decision, Santiam Christian wing Zach Baugher is used to new situations.  Considering the fact that his family moved to Albany from Montana prior to the start of the 2017-18 school year, making the choice to leave the local area for college isn't something that scares Baugher.  His list of offers currently includes out of state schools such as Carroll College in Montana, William Jessup in Northern California, Lewis & Clark State in Idaho, along with Corban and Northwest Christian in Oregon.  As the 6'7 wing works his way through this slew of NAIA level offers, Prep Hoops caught up with him for an update and what he might be looking for in a potential college home.

"I'm hoping to narrow down my options soon.  I have a couple of more visits scheduled this month and then I'm hoping to decide.  It's going to be a really hard decision, because all the schools that have offered me have been great and I've liked things about every visit."  "I'm just looking for a place that is a good fit for me personally and where I can develop as a player."  When asked to describe his strengths as a player, Baugher commented, " I feel like I can score at all three levels but really like to spot up in transition.   I feel like I'm a tough match up with my size and shooting ability, so however we can exploit a mismatch is what I look to do."

Baugher mentioned an excitement about starting the season and rightfully so, as his Santiam Christian team is the overwhelming favorite to win the 3A state championship.  The Eagles feature Baugher's younger brother Josh, a 6'6  sophomore wing and added a pair of talented transfers from Lebanon in 6'9 junior post Koby Williamson and 6'8 Joseph MaQuatish a Top 15 player in the class of 2021.

Prep Hoops Evaluation:

Zach Baugher is a 6'7 senior (2019) wing who plays at Santiam Christian High School in Albany and for Team Jones during the AAU seasons.  He's a lefty shooter who can really get it going and can shoot to range.  He has a great feel for the pick and pop game and also has shown the ability to exploit size/skill match ups as they present themselves.  He must continue to improve his physical strength and foot speed to reach his maximum college potential.  Baugher is also a very good student who should qualify academically & most institutions.  He is a prospect that should be on the radar of D2 & NAIA programs.