Recruiting Update: Joe Juhala (2020 West Linn HS)
His first year playing at the varsity level, Joe Juhala has certainly seen a lot. But through it all this year at West Linn, the springy 6-foot-7, 195-pound forward has been keeping a positive attitude. Whether he’s starting or coming…
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Continue ReadingHis first year playing at the varsity level, Joe Juhala has certainly seen a lot. But through it all this year at West Linn, the springy 6-foot-7, 195-pound forward has been keeping a positive attitude. Whether he’s starting or coming off the bench, whether he’s playing the full game or just a few minutes, the junior has enjoyed his time on the basketball floor and being part of a squad that’s competing to make the state tournament.
“I really like the chemistry that all of our guys have,” Juhala said. “I believe that we’re such a good team that we can throw out any kind of lineup and we can still come out and compete – and that’s what I like about this team.”
Juhala has definitely riden the roller coaster of what has been a bit of a tumultuous season for the Lions. For himself, there have been times when he’s been asked to start and play major minutes while there have been others when he’s come off of the bench. There’s no question that Juhala has some natural ability and it will come out at times with his ability to knock down the open three and go inside and throw down a hammer dunk. He’d be the first one to tell you that he’s still a work in progress but he likes how things have been going.
“I love showing everybody what I can do and what this team is able to do,” Juhala said. “I’m just looking forward to more opportunities in the future to show what I got. As a first year varsity player, I had the nerves at first. But being able to compete at a high level I think I’ve been coming along really well.”
With his size and potential, Juhala has started getting a little bit of college attention. He notes that he’s been talking to Pacific assistant coach Brant Minor and he has enjoyed their conversations. This spring he’ll start back up with AAU basketball and the opportunity to get seen by more college coaches will be available. “I’m excited to get out there and get a little more looks,” Juhala said.
There’s still business for Juhala and West Linn to attend to this season, however. The Lions escaped with a win over a feisty Forest Grove team in the first round of the OSAA 6A playoffs and on Friday night, they will travel to South Salem to take on the #2 ranked Saxons.
“We just need to outbattle every team and give more effort,” Juhala said. “We have the talent – we have more talent than a lot of other teams. If we just keep on giving that effort then we’ll be successful.”
Juhala currently ranks as the #18 player in the PrepHoops Oregon Class of 2020 rankings.