The Oregon 5A Basketball Player of the Year, Zach Gengler, has signed an aid agreement with Portland State University for the 2013-14 academic year. Viking Head Coach Tyler Geving announced the signing today of one of the state's top prep players.
Gengler, a 6-2 guard from Silverton (OR) High School, was named the 5A Player of the Year in late March in voting done by state coaches. Gengler led his Silverton team to a 23-5 record and third place finish in the 5A state tournament. For the season, he averaged 23.3 points, 4.1 rebounds, 4.3 assists and 4.6 steals in leading his team to the Mid-Willamette Valley Conference Championship.
"Our recruiting philosophy has been to try to get the top recruits from Oregon and Washington. Zach really fits that mold as the 5A Player of the Year," said Geving. "One thing we really liked about Zach was his understanding of the game. He has a high basketball IQ. In addition, he can handle and shoot the ball. He is very skilled with sneaky athleticism to him."
As a junior, Gengler was the MVP of the Mid-Willamette Valley League and first team All-State. The Foxes placed sixth in state in 2012. He is a three-time first team Mid-Willamette Valley selection.
Gengler is the second high school signee for the Viking basketball program for 2013-14. PSU signed 6-6 forward Kyle Benton last fall. The Viking program also announced the signing of four transfers last week. Two starters, eight letterwinners and two redshirts return for the Vikings in 2013-14.
PORTLAND STATE BASKETBALL SIGNEES FOR 2013-14 (announce date)
Zach Gengler, FR, G, 6-2, 180, Silverton, OR (Silverton) - June 3, 2013
DaShaun Wiggins, JR, G, 6-2, 185, Bronx, NY (Bridgton Academy/Eastern Utah/Howard (TX) CC) - May 29, 2013
Sebastian Suarez, JR, G, 6-4, 205, Ancud, Chile (Western Nebraska CC) - May 29, 2013
Tiegbe Bamba, JR, F, 6-6, 205, Sarcelles, France (Snow JC/Midland (TX) JC) - May 29, 2013
Kyle Richardson, SR, F, 6-7, 235, Lakewood, CA (Mayfair HS/Long Beach State) - May 29, 2013
Kyle Benton, FR, F, 6-6, 220, Long Beach, CA (St. Anthony) - Nov. 16, 2012