Recruiting Update: Zeke Viuhkola (2022 West Linn)

Jed Tai March 31, 2022 @ 05:45 PM

The WAVOR game (formerly known as the Northwest Shootout) takes place on Sunday and [player_tooltip player_id="857359" first="Zeke" last="Viuhkola"] is happy to be a part of it. The tough 6-foot-2, 180-pound guard from West Linn knows about the history of the all-star contest between Oregon and Washington and is not only grateful to be selected to play, but feels like his squad might just surprise some folks on Sunday afternoon. "It’s a really special opportunity that we get to play this game, especially because the seniors last year didn’t get it," Viuhkola said. "It’s also special just knowing all the players that have played in it in the past. I really like how we will be playing - no one is selfish and we are moving the ball really well. I think it’s going to work out really well for us." Getting hand-picked for the squad by head coach Larry Doty was a no brainer for Viuhkola, who put together a solid senior season. Playing alongside the likely 6A Player of the Year in [player_tooltip player_id="861091" first="Jackson" last="Shelstad"], Viuhkola averaged 15.0 points and 5.3 rebounds, shooting a sizzling 45 percent from three-point range. While West Linn bowed out in the 6A semis to eventual champ Tualatin in the state playoffs, they bounced back to defeat Mountainside to win third place. "Even though we didn’t get where we wanted to be exactly, I’m still proud of the season we had," Viuhkola said. "We still had a great year. I was happy with how my senior season went. I grew more as a leader in another year where I just got to play and continue working." What’s next for Viuhkola? The college level, of course. He’s essentially narrowed down his choices to both near (Bushnell in Eugene) and far (Westmont in Southern California) and hoping to make a decision soon. "I’m planning on taking a couple of visits this spring and hopefully I’ll figure it out," Viuhkola said. "They’re two great places where I’ll have the opportunity to play so I’m trying to figure out where’s the best fit and where I’ll really grow as a player the most." Viuhkola and his Team Oregon teammates will play in the WAVOR game on Sunday afternoon at 3 pm at Liberty High School.