Recruiting Update – Dax Hanzlik (2024 Westside Christian)

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>It's never too late to start blowing up and this fall, [player_tooltip player_id='1565738' first='Dax' last='Hanzlik'] opened some eyes. Whether it was fall league, a showcase, or camp, the athletic 6-foot-5 swingman took advantage of every opportunity put in front of him to show people what he was all about. Now entering his senior season at Westside Christian, he's ready to really capture the attention of college coaches while hoping to lead the Eagles back to Coos Bay.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Things all got going the second last season ended. Hanzlik played some AAU basketball with ONE Basketball and also worked out on his own. "I was really trying to develop just being a three-way scorer," Hanzlik said. "I was working out with Jacob Begin and [player_tooltip player_id='1276626' first='Isaac' last='Carr'] and they pushed me to get better, so I'm just trying to help my team win this year. I think my handle definitely got better. My shot was there before, but getting to my spots and stuff is something I need to work on."</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>This fall, the results showed. In Hoopsource Fall League, he often put together some highlight reel plays including some dunks that brought fans off their feet. And at the recent Who Wants Smoke showcase held at McDaniel High School, he really showed out. "I actually got invited last minute, and then I just decided to show my game," Hanzlik said. "I just showed them that I'm athletic obviously, but also that I'm a good defender, so I'm good on both sides of the ball, and I can get to my spots and get my shot off."</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Hanzlik hopes the performance leads to more recruiting interest, especially as this upcoming season progresses. He notes that he's been talking to many of the local D-III schools but has also started hearing a bit from Eastern Washington and Portland State. He's aiming high when it comes to his recruitment.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>"I mean, obviously, I want to be a Division One basketball player," Hanzlik said. "I think I'm up there with those guys, and hopefully I can take it there and see where I end up in a few years. But I'm willing to play anywhere, man."</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>A big senior season should help him reach his goals. He realizes playing at 3A is a little more under the radar but is ready to not only make some noise individually but also help Westside Christian take that next step and knock off two-time defending champion Cascade Christian. "They don't really look at us because we're small schools, but we definitely got some talented players," Hanzlik said. "Cascade (Christian) is good, but we're coming."</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Hanzlik currently ranks as the #81 player in the PrepHoops Oregon Class of 2024 rankings but will surely move up in the next update.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->