College Commitment – Vashon Hardges (2024 Grant)
Mark Vashon Hardges Vashon Hardges 6'2" | CG Grant | 2024 State OR off the available list. The tough 6-foot-3 guard had a variety of routes he could have taken after his great four-year career at Grant. But Hardges and his family took their time investigating the choices, and after making a series of visits the hard-nosed senior decided he’ll be starting his collegiate playing and academic career at Portland Community College.
“It was a tough decision, but PCC has classes toward my degree and it gives me the opportunity to be able to intern at a local company while attending school toward my major,” Hardges said. “I like the Coach and the style of play. Also, I like that PCC is located in the city.”
A high-academic student, Hardges camped and visited a bunch of Division III schools in the fall. A number of other four-year schools had also reached out interested in his high-motor style of play and relentless energy on the basketball floor. But Hardges and his family decided that going the JC route would be the best and after visiting a number of schools in the NWAC, decided that PCC under head coach Cam Mitchell – who made it to the league Final Four this past season – provided the best fit.
There’s no question Hardges is ready to get to work. “Getting better more on my three ball and finishing is going to be important for the next level,” Hardges said. “This summer I will be practicing a lot of it with my dad.”
Hardges finished his career at Grant helping the Generals reach the 6A State Tournament, where they came home with the 6th Place Trophy after reaching the consolation finals. While the memories of making it to the University of Portland will always be there, it’s actually something that occurred before that Hardges comes to mind for him.
“Us beating Liberty I will remember the most and I just remembered after the game,” Hardges said. “The whole team put water on Coach Sean (Brownhill) and everyone was hyped about us going to the Chiles Center. Especially for me and Charlie (Kapranos), our first time going there.”
Our congratulations go out to Hardges and his family on his commitment.