Recruiting Update: Zeke Viuhkola (2022 West Linn)

<p>The start of the early signing period is Wednesday and [player_tooltip player_id="857359" first="Zeke" last="Viuhkola"] won’t be inking a letter-of-intent. That’s not to say the tough 6-foot-2, 180-pound combo guard from West Linn couldn’t have done so if he wanted to as he has some options. But right now the senior is busy helping out the football team on a title quest and will look to make a decision on his college future after hoops season is done.</p> <p>This summer, Viuhkola did focus on basketball and played in a number of tournaments with the Oregon Prospects. "We had a great group of guys and I really liked how we played in our tournaments," Viuhkola said. "I felt like my flow and rhythm got a lot better and I really fit into my role. I really wanted to get better at that."</p> <p>With the Prospects, Viuhkola did his thing knocking down open shots, creating and finishing off the dribble, and being an active defender. College programs liked what they saw out of Viuhkola and two have stepped up with offers - Bushnell and Corban. He also is talking with Menlo College, Cal State Maritime, and a little bit with Portland. <br /> Viuhkola is in an interesting position as there is definte interest in him being a preferred walk-on at a D-I program or he could go the small college route with scholarship money in hand.</p> <p>"I’m just really seeing where the season goes and what happens," Viuhkola said. "It’s still early so I’m trying to feel it all out and see what level I can play at. If I can walk-on at a D-I school, maybe I’ll do that if it’s a good situation. I just need to see what the best fit is."</p> <p>While he’s honed in on the Lions football run, Viuhkola can’t help but look forward to the season. West Linn did take a hit as big man [player_tooltip player_id="857340" first="Mason" last="VanBeenen"] was lost for the year with injury but with star junior [player_tooltip player_id="861091" first="Jackson" last="Shelstad"] back alongside him in the backcourt, Viuhkola has his hopes high.</p> <p>"It really hurts missing Mason, so we’ve really got to step up," Viuhkola said. "But it’s going to be really fun."</p> <p>Viuhkola currently ranks as the #10 player in the recently updated PrepHoops Oregon Class of 2022 rankings.</p>