Calvin Herting Steps Up For Selah

2019 Selah (Wash.) point guard Calvin Herting has been the glue that's kept the Selah Vikings together this year.

It’s a role he’s never had to embrace before, and there’s good reason for that.

For the last three years Herting has been the proud right hand man of division I commit Elijah Pepper.

Herting’s primary role was to rack up three pointers while playing stout perimeter defense. It was something he excelled at.

When Pepper needed knee surgery late this past off-season, a decision had to be made who would be Selah’s new floor general.

The decision was quickly resolved over the Summer however, as head coach Tim Garza was blown away by Herting’s efficiency.

“I’ve been running the point my whole life,” Herting said. “It wasn’t until I got with [Elijah Pepper] that changed.”

Eight years of prior experience may explain why Herting has looked so natural leading the Vikings.

Right now he’s averaging a career high 17 points per game, and his team is one game out of first place in the CWAC.

Growing up in the Naches Valley, Herting made the decision to waiver into Selah prior to his freshman year.

He cites the high academic standards at Selah as the primary reason why he made the move (Selah is regularly academic state champs.)

Also he would have the chance to play with several of his AAU teammates like Elijah Pepper and Will Middlebrooks.

Since December of 2015 Herting has been a mainstay on the varsity roster.

During that time his role has expanded from sixth man to now a featured playmaker.

This past Friday he notched his 1000th career point; One of the rarest achievements in high school basketball.

As balanced as his game is, the casual fan probably best know him for his beautiful rainbow three-pointers.

His scoring ability has been the difference-maker in countless Selah games over the years. But you also have to acknowledge his tremendous defense, and his leadership behind the scenes.

With multiple All-League honors to his name and a wealth of experience, Herting has started to appear on the radar of several colleges.

George Fox University has reached out to him with heavy interest in bringing him on board. Then there’s also the option of going the junior college route.

“I think playing college basketball is something I’d like to do,” Herting said. “George Fox seems like a place I’d like to go to.”

The second option for Herting would be to focus solely on his academics.

Taking care of business in the classroom has always been important for Herting. He currently sports an incredible 3.97 GPA and plans on majoring in engineering wherever he goes.

This is a decision that will affect Herting for the rest of his life, and so he’s open to as many different scenarios as possible.

For now though his energy is focused on how he can get Selah a conference title and a deep playoff run.

The pieces are absolutely there to make it happen.

Freshman guard Cooper Quigley has been a pleasant surprise this year. He's being described as a true lockdown defender.

Also sophomore Shad Smith is a laser shooter that is proving to be a building block for this year and years to come.

Combine them with veterans like Will Middlebrooks, Noah Pepper, and of course the returning Elijah Pepper. This is a team nobody’s going to want to face in February.

“I think we’ve got a lot of grit,” Herting said. “Winning another CWAC Title would be special for this group of seniors.”