By: Kevin Moses
2024 Zach Skogen is a 6’5 prospect from Murphy High School, NC. This versatile big is aggressive and a fierce competitor. No one outworks him on both ends of the ball. Skogen plays well from the post but can shoot the long bomb very well. He can also attack off the bounce with size and strength to overpower defenders at times. Skogen is a solid defender and changes many shots with his shot-blocking ability.
Over the summer against great competition, he increased his speed and reaction time on both ends which made him more dominant than before. He fights for every rebound on both ends and with his size, being physical isn’t a problem playing through contact. Defensively, Skogen can guard multiple positions with size, speed, and athletic ability to be a lockdown defender.
In the AAU session with Team Swish, Skogen averaged 8pts, 9rebs, 1.5blks, 1stl, and 2.1asts; that’s blue-collar production right there. For last season he averaged 14pts, 10.9rebs, and 2.4asts which earned him Conference POY. He had 14 double-doubles while shooting a hit 38.7 percent from three. Also earning third-team all-district.
Skogen plans to build on that this upcoming season by repeating that CPOY while gobbling up 500 rebounds, breaking the 1,000-scoring mark, and winning 20+ games. His offensive IQ is what sets him apart at that size. He understands delivering the ball to the right place at the right time but also when to be in attack and bring the right energy.
Skogen never lets the pressure of the big moments overwhelm him but elevates his impact in those moments to be the perfect leader with intense drive and passion to get the win. This should be a breakout statement season for Skogen and I plan to catch a few games myself. Come catch this shining young star.