College Commitment – Keller Vinyard (2027 Marshfield)

Marshfield is considered by many to be a favorite in this year's 4A race and Keller Vinyard Keller Vinyard 6'4" | SG Marshfield | 2027 OR is big part of that. The versatile 6-foot-4 swingman will be helping lead the Pirates without the pressure of college recruiting over his head as well. Vinyard announced on Monday that he's committed to Southern Oregon and after what is hopefully a long run for Marshfield, he'll look forward to continuing his college career in the Cascade Conference.

Vinyard, who had been offered by the Raiders earlier this summer, made his decision after making his official visit to campus. "Honestly, Ashland reminded me a lot of my hometown I saw it as a place that I would have no problem fitting in at," Vinyard said. "And as for the team, there isn't much of a difference between the way things are ran than they are at my high school so I can see it being a smooth transition."

Vinyard really feels the fit for him on the basketball floor is just right. "When it comes into feeling comfortable on the court, my reasoning behind it is that a lot of our players are pass first guys instead of trying to go get their own buckets, they don't care who scores as long as WE score," Vinyard said. "I haven't really got to deep dive into the offense or anything like that but from what I witnessed this weekend when I took a trip down there they like to attack downhill and try to get to the rim. Most of the guys are quick enough to go 1 on 1 and score and if the help side defender comes over to help it's an easy kick out three which is really similar to the offense we run at Marshfield."

Since getting offered, Vinyard has developed a good relationship with head coach Matt Zosel and his staff and that played a big role in his decision. "(Zosel) actually went to Marshfield Hig School and was inducted into the Hall of Fame," Vinyard said. "So being able to see what he's accomplished while being from the same town and having a similar life to me is really inspiring."

Vinyard knows there's still work to be done with his game to get ready for the college level, and he noted that since he currently gets about 75 percent of his scoring from slashing or the mid-range he would like to become more comfortable shooting off the catch and shooting the college three. That development will continue this upcoming season, one where he has high expectations but is also looking forward to one last run with his guys.

"I mean the same goal as the last 4 years - obviously wanna win a state championship but that's a pretty basic answer," Vinyard said. "Honestly I just wanna enjoy my last year and have it pay off from all the late nights in the gym that no one sees but me."

Our congratulations go out to Vinyard and his family on his decision.