Quietly, Joe Wolfinger went virtually unnoticed tucked away at Aloha (Ore.) High School as a senior last season. A couple of programs showed an interested in the gangly 7-footer but he decided to make a cross-country move to Northfield (Mass.) Mount Hermon School for a fifth year. Since arriving in the Northeast, Wolfinger has seen his physique and college options grow.

Wolfinger had a strong senior season and shined at the Les Schwab Invitational in Portland, Oregon. Rivals.com came away impressed with Wolfinger’s ability to score inside and rebound despite playing at 210-pounds. His recruitment heated up somewhat after the event and he even flirted with the idea of taking a red-shirt year at DePaul this season. Instead, he moved East and since then, his future and body has changed.

Northfield Mount Hermon Associate head coach John Carroll said Wolfinger began a weight program two weeks ago and lifts three days a week on top of taking a strength and conditioning class. Wolfinger has upped his weight to 225 pounds and Carroll says he wouldn’t be surprised to see the center at 235 by the time the season begins in December.

“He just loves to compete,” Carroll said. “He loves being in the gym and not taking anything for granted. He’s always in the gym, working on everything.”

Wolfinger is a solid shooter and can take his game to the perimeter and high blocks. He’s an aggressive rebounder for his size and isn’t afraid to block a number of shots on the defensive end.

Carroll said Wolfinger will make an official visit to Cincinnati this weekend, his first of the year. Florida State and Boston College are both coming to NMHS on Tuesday for an open gym while Nebraska is coming on Thursday. Providence, Oregon State and Washington State are also interested.

“Joe is just looking for the best fit possible for him,” Carroll said. “He’s really wide open.”

Carroll also said he expects Wolfinger to take two more official visits and unofficial visits to Boston College and Providence because of the proximity.