Prospect Spotlight: Andrew Vaughan (2021 Portland Adventist)

<p>One of the better kept secrets last season from the Class of 2021 was [player_tooltip player_id="1069460" first="Andrew" last="Vaughan"]. The steady 6-foot-3, 180-pound guard quietly put up big-time numbers at Portland Adventist and was looking forward to doing the same his senior season. The pandemic hit which created a shift, but he’s getting it done this late 2021 season and looking forward to what the future holds for him.</p> <p>This season, Vaughan has been getting the job done. Portland Adventist has gotten off to a 6-1 start and has proven itself as one of the top teams in 3A. Ask the young man what’s been the key to his success and he’s quick to point to his teammates.</p> <p>"I definitely think being a team of predominantly upper class men helps our overall in game composure more than anything," Vaughan said. "I trust every single dude on the team this year, which to me, is huge. It definitely helps take the pressure off of me because I know whoever has the ball can make good things happen. That depth is going to be huge factor for us down the stretch as the season progresses."</p> <p>Individually, you can’t argue with how he’s done personally. Last season he averaged 19.3 points and 9.6 rebounds and his numbers have been at least the same and a lot of is due to the fact he put in the time on his game and his body after last season ended.</p> <p>"I was blessed enough to have access to a gym with my job this summer and I put in work almost everyday," Vaughn said. "I had my trainer, John Jackson come in there with me and we really worked on my explosiveness and quickness. Last year I felt like my biggest issue was on the defensive side. The stuff he had me doing really helped with my lateral movement, especially on defense. COVID was tough on so many people, but it really opened up time for me to focus on my game."</p> <p>Playing some club ball with a couple of teams also fit into the equation. "I was able to get out to Phoenix with Team Dynasty from Orlando Florida and that was a good experience for me," Vaughan said. "At the time I went down, I hadn’t played in over a month due to some upper back issues. Luckily I was still able to get down there and matchup against some of the best players in the country. On top of that, I also got to play some games with team Jones which went pretty well, definitely with COVID it was hard to put a consistent team together. There was a lot of plug and play stuff, but just being out on the court was a huge blessing."</p> <p>Part of the reason Vaughn worked so hard was undoubtedly because he wants to play at the next level. "I definitely want to hoop in college, everyone wants that big school," Vaughan said. "I understand that but at the same time I want to actually get a chance to play because I really do love the game."</p> <p>Vaughn notes that he’s heard from schools such as Corban, Pacific, University of Tampa, WAU and La Sierra University but one school has really been in contact. "Walla Walla University has been the school I have really been talking to," Vaughan said. "They have struggled historically but I like the way the new coach recruits, next year will be his first year and they have some very good young talent up there and that is something I like to see."</p> <p>As much as he likes Walla Walla, Vaughan is keeping his options open and doesn’t plan on signing until the season is over. He broke down what he’s looking for in a school and program. "I would say most importantly how I fit into the program, location of the school, academics, and the coach," Vaughan said. "I really like building relationships with people, and if I’m gonna be with someone for 4 years I want it to be someone who has a strong vision that I feel excited to buy into."</p> <p>Vaughan is currently ranked as the #86 player in the PrepHoops Oregon Class of 2021 rankings. He and his Portland Adventist teammates take on Westside Christian in a big matchup on Thursday night.</p>