Recruiting Update – Andwele Bridges (2026 Forest Grove)

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>There are a select number of individuals still playing Oregon high school basketball this season that have surpassed the 1000 career point mark and [player_tooltip player_id='1687834' first='Andwele' last='Bridges'] is one of those few. The talented 6-foot guard from Forest Grove isn't resting on his laurels though and has continued to work hard on his game, hoping to not only help lead his team but get him to his goal of playing at the college level. He got a big jump on all that playing high-level club basketball this past spring and summer with [program_tooltip program_id='2736879' first='Team' last='Progress'], and it was an opportunity he seized by the horns.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>"It was really fun - it was our first time playing in the Nike circuit and a lot of good competition," Bridges said. "We weren't really expecting it, but I think as things went on, we were able to adjust and improve to that level of physicality and athleticism. At the start, I kind of came out slow, but I was able to adjust to the speed and was able to play with more pace and quicker, more physical."</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Playing with Progress helped augment the skills Bridges hoped to improve upon this off-season. "I've been working a lot on my pace, so being able to go from slow to fast and manipulate the ball," Bridges said. "And a lot of just shooting, getting my shot right, being able to extend my range."</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Since AAU basketball ended, Bridges hasn't stopped putting in the time. He's been attending several elite camps and combines, hoping to continue catching the eyes of college coaches especially locally. He notes that he's talked the most with George Fox, Pacific, and OIT and of those, Pacific University has already extended a roster spot offer.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>"I don't have a certain school that I really want to go to - I'm kind of just weighing my options," Bridges said. "But I think I want to go anywhere that I can make an impact instantly - I want to be able to play right out the bat."</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The plan is to play out the season before making any decisions in his recruitment. And if all goes well, it should bring about some options as and it looks like a big year is ahead for Bridges and the Vikings.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>"I think with the way our league is looking, I think we can definitely be top three," Bridges said. "I mean, we have a lot of young guys coming from JV, but they compete well and I think we'll be good. Team-wise, we should definitely win the league or either be second, and for myself, just being able to become a better leader and more vocal for my team."</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Bridges currently ranks as the #5 player in the PrepHoops Oregon Class of 2026 rankings.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->