Prospect Spotlight: Cole Hardy (2020 South Salem HS)

<p>The recent Prime Time Top 40 featured a number of well-known guys but one of the more unsung players receiving an invite was <strong>Cole Hardy</strong>. The 6-foot-4, 185-pound senior wing was grateful to get an opportunity to play against the best in the Pacific Northwest as he's looking forward to not only the upcoming season with South Salem but possible college opportunities ahead.</p> <p>"It was amazing," Hardy said of the PT40. "It was a great atmosphere and a great opportunity to get better and I was super happy to be there."</p> <p>The invitation to participate was a reward of sorts for how Hardy performed this off-season. "I just kept working and was hooping all summer," Hardy said. "I was in the weight room a lot, working on my bounce and just getting bigger and stronger. And shooting - I've gotten to be a lot better shooter than last year."</p> <p>At the PT40, Hardy had some moments, mostly from playing hard and not backing down from anyone at the event. The college interest has largely been from local JCs such as Linn-Benton and Lane but Hardy isn't picky at this point. "I want to play but I'm keeping my options open," Hardy said. "I want to play as high as I can go."</p> <p>Hardy will get his chance this season. After playing at Salem Academy, he'll make the jump up to 6A at South Salem where the hard-working wing should be one of the key guys on the Saxons. "It's been a lot different but the team has embraced me," Hardy said. "They're like a really good family of brothers. It's been really good. We have a lot of transfers so it's going to be us getting chemistry. None of us are selfish and we work together as a team. I think we'll get it together and win league. It's going to be fun."</p> <p>Hardy currently ranks as the #82 ranked player in the PrepHoops Oregon Class of 2020 rankings.</p>