Vaughn drives against Apple Valley earlier this year at the Target Center.
Rashad Vaughn, a 6-foot-5 junior guard from Robbinsdale Cooper, scored 28 points to lead the Hawks to a first round win over Maple Grove in front of Minnesota head coach Tubby Smith. Vaughn is a prized in-state recruit for the Minnesota Gophers, who is ranked as the number ten player in the Class of 2014, according to ESPN.
Vaughn attended the Minnesota-Penn State game last Saturday. The talented junior is the leading scorer in the Metro area, averaging 28.5 points per game. Vaughn scored in double figures in all 27 games and has helped lead the Hawks to 18 straight wins. He has scored 30 or more points in ten games, including a season-high 51 points versus Marantha. He has 13 other games of 20 or more points. GopherHole.com caught up with Vaughn Thursday night after the playoff win to learn the latest on his recruitment and postseason thoughts.
Gopher Hole: You have to be very pleased with a big playoff win over Maple Grove, a team that had beaten you in the regular season?
Rashad Vaughn: Yes. We have been working hard in practice and we came out strong and we finished strong.
Gopher Hole: You have won 18 straight games after losing to Hopkins on the road and to Apple Valley in the Timberwolves Shootout. What was it that has helped turn things around for your team?
Rashad Vaughn: We were just getting stuff together and we had two players who were hurt come back and they really helped us, Brandon Baker and Brandon Robertson. They really helped.
Gopher Hole: You have Park Center next. They are a team that you knocked out of the playoffs last season. What are you expecting from that game?
Rashad Vaughn: Just to go out and play hard. They are going to come play hard, too. We know what kind of games we are getting into, but I think that we are ready for them.
Gopher Hole: Coach Smith from the Gophers and Coach Joe Dooley from Kansas were here tonight. Did you know that they were going to be here and do you notice them being at the game or do you try not to notice them?
Rashad Vaughn: I did not know that they were going to be here. I try not to notice them and focus on the game.
Gopher Hole: That has to make you feel good, though, that they took time out of their schedule to see you guys play.
Rashad Vaughn: Yes. It feels good that Coach Smith, he comes a lot and Coach Dooley, he has been up here a lot, too, so it feels good.
Gopher Hole: What is the latest on your recruitment? Anything new?
Rashad Vaughn: Nothing new. Just still wide-open.
Gopher Hole: You were at the Penn State game. What is the feeling about the Gophers right now?
Rashad Vaughn: They are playing well. It was a good game. Senior Night. I wanted to go and support Rodney (Williams Jr.). They are playing well.
Gopher Hole: Have you thought about trying to make any official visits soon?
Rashad Vaughn: No, but I am going on an unofficial tomorrow (Friday) to North Carolina to watch them play Duke.