Class of 2021: Early Stock Risers

<p>We've played the first week and a half of the 2019-20 season and a number of players have started to really make a name for themselves. Here's a look at some of the juniors who have really shined, most of whom are in larger roles from last season.</p> <p><strong>Brady Grier (2021 Westview)</strong> - Current Rank #18</p> <p>Grier has stepped into the starting lineup and has become one of Westview's top offensive players so far. The 6-foot-4 wing can still knock down jumpers but has also shown the ability to use his size and body to create off the dribble and score at all three levels. Of particular effectiveness is a floater he uses in the lane.</p> <p><strong>Braden Hudgins (2021 Forest Grove)</strong> - Current Rank: #19</p> <p>Hudgins is one of the top outside shooters in the class but having added strength to his 6-foot-5 frame, the junior can now also score off of the dribble and at the basket. He's already rung up three 20-point efforts in Forest Grove's four games thus far and has emerged as the Vikings' top scoring threat.</p> <p><strong>Roy Bunn (2021 Jesuit)</strong> - Current Rank: #21</p> <p>Bunn showed some of his potential last year off of the bench as the title team's backup point guard and he made some big plays in the 6A final. The 5-foot-10 junior has seamlessly stepped into the starting point guard role and is effortlessly driving and creating for his teammates while also playing some outstanding on-the-ball defense, recently holding Barlow star guard Jesse White to eight points.</p> <p><strong>Edy Essien (2021 Century)</strong> - Current Rank: #31</p> <p>Century is guard heavy this year and the shots will be distributed around, but Essien has started off as the most consistent offensive player for the Jaguars. The 5-foot-9 guard has one of the nicer outside strokes in 6A and has also added some strength which enables him to do more scoring off the dribble as well.</p> <p><strong>Kell Estep (2021 Sunset)</strong> - Current Rank: #42</p> <p>Estep continues to evolve as a player. Always an offensive threat either to hit long range threes or get to the basket, the 6-foot-3 combo guard is leading Sunset in scoring but has shown himself to be more efficient with the ball. As opposed to the extensive dribbling he did last season, Estep has cut down the amount of ball-handling, instead using passing to keep the offensive moving.</p> <p><strong>Liam Ruttledge (2021 Jesuit)</strong> - Current Rank: #76</p> <p>Shooting is always highly valued - especially at Jesuit - and Ruttledge has provided plenty of that so far for the Crusaders. The 6-foot-3 junior has a smooth lefty stroke where he can do well spotting up, coming off of screens for the catch-and-shoot, or using dribble pull-ups to create space for a shot.</p> <p><strong>James Lang (2021 Jesuit)</strong> - Current Rank: NR</p> <p>The cousin of former Crusader standout and current Gonzaga walk-on Matt Lang, James Lang has been a pleasant surprise for Jesuit. With Connor Kollas out, the 5-foot-11 junior stepped into the starting lineup and performed well offensively. Lang can knock down the open shot and also create a bit off the bounce. He's a solid ball-handler who makes good decisions in transition too.</p>