SPRINGFIELD – The Gonzaga name was always a familiar one to Davis Fogle. Naturally, he came across it often growing up in Anacortes, Washington.

There’s no bigger brand for college basketball in the state, but when offers flooded in for the four-star forward, that didn’t mean the Bulldogs were the wire-to-wire frontrunner.

A decision to visit, though, reminded him of their illustrious history.

“You see their track record, how successful they’ve been in the tournament, and also just their player development with guys like me,” Fogle said.

And results speak volumes.

Fogle, the No. 42 recruit in the Class of 2025 per ESPN, reflected on his choosing of coach Mark Few’s program following Arizona Compass Prep boys basketball’s 45-41 win Monday over Montverde Academy at Springfield College’s Blake Arena. The 6-foot-7, 185-pound senior tallied 12 points, seven rebounds and three assists, taking the most shots of any Dragon to wrap up their stint at the Hoophall Classic.

It wasn’t the kind of high-scoring affair that opponents from Nike EYBL Scholastic typically produce – competing at the highest level of high school boys basketball – but it was a rock fight Fogle and crew were prepared for.

“That’s kind of our culture here… down the stretch, I think we just really buckled down on defense,” Fogle said. “One of the biggest things we’ve been talking about and working on is just our communication. I thought we did a really good job of that.”

The future Bulldog did most of his damage in the opening half, tallying nine points as part of an effort that limited the Eagles dramatically on the offensive end. No. 4 Montverde Academy had just dropped 42 points on No. 5 Utah Prep in the first half last night, but could only muster 25 facing No. 17 Compass Prep.

Fogle stands out in any given contest with his approach – perpetually tough and smart on the hardwood. Development will be critical, but his athleticism, physicality and versatility all bode well for his college days and beyond.

Gonzaga will be the beneficiary. And he’s currently the only top-100 recruit in the Class of 2025 to be en route to Spokane.

“When I took my visit, I knew it was the perfect fit,” Fogle said. “Just being around the guys and the coaching staff, I knew it was the place for me.”

Postseason success, after all, is a useful selling point. Under Few, the program has reached five Elite Eights since 2015, including a pair of national championship appearances.

Gonzaga’s ability to produce NBA talent is well-documented. Chet Holmgren of the Oklahoma City Thunder and Domantas Sabonis of the Sacramento Kings headline a group that represents the school well at the next level.

Hopes of one day being mentioned in the same sentence as such stars cross any Bulldog’s mind – Fogle being no exception. But first on tap is the remainder of his senior season.

The entirety of Compass Prep has but a singular goal, and Fogle’s development prior to the college transition doesn’t distract from it.

“Just to win, honestly,” Fogle said.