OH sophomore Ethan Vahl is ranked in the top 25 upcoming point guards in the US and is also ranked #3 in Prep Hoops, which ranks all of Illinois’ 2028 class based on their stats and tournament performance.
With that level of success as an underclassman, one might think Vahl would feel on top of the world, but that has not always been the case.
As a freshman, Vahl also played on the OH varsity basketball team, making him the youngest on the team. Just like any other athlete, Vahl has had his setbacks, admitting, “It was like I didn’t have any confidence,” he said. But he overcame these challenges by “getting up and putting the work in.”
Vahl has always had a passion for basketball ever since he picked one up around age four. His dad, Justin Vahl, was and still is his biggest inspiration to start his basketball journey.
Credit: Mary Vahl
Of his dad, Vahl said, “He has a big impact on my life and basketball career.” Along with his uncle and his idol, Lebron James, they have both inspired him as well.
A very dedicated player on and off the court, Vahl goes to many open gyms, camps, trainings, and workouts almost every morning, even during this off-season.
On the court, everyone can tell how dedicated and serious he is. His OH sophomore teammate and cousin, MJ Johnson, said, “He is incredibly unselfish and is a valuable asset to the team, making a significant impact.”
Vahl has already made himself well-known, appearing on ABC7 Chicago and receiving offers from the University of Incarnate Word, located in Santonio Texas, and Eastern Illinois University.
His father said, “There’s a lot of good basketball players out there, but having a good character creates opportunities.”
This year, Vahl became a part of MeanStreets EYBL, which is a top-tier basketball program from Chicago that teams in the Nike Elite Youth basketball league. This group helps players become better people on and off the court, working on personal and athletic development, along with great opportunities and college exposure.
Outside of basketball, Vahl is a valued friend to many. He likes to make TikTok dances, go on long car rides, and listen to music.
Vahl is very proud of himself for as much as he has done and is doing, yet he said, “There’s still more work to be done.”
My name is Maliyah Gossett, I am a junior at OHS and I love to attend the activities here at OHS. You can contact me by emailing 42Fifty@sd308.org and putting my name in the subject line. We welcome comments on our articles and feedback on our publication.
[…] Sophomore stand-out Ethan Vahl also had a great performance, averaging 26.3 points, six rebounds, and three assists in the three tournament games. Vahl is expected to be a key player in this team’s season and a player to watch. […]
[…] the team resides sophomore top player Ethan Vahl, ranked top 25 in the U.S. ESPN ranked Vahl, and he remains as third in the state of Illinois as well as top 25 among high […]