Juniors On The Rise

<p>The high school basketball season is a little more than a month in the books, and several juniors have asserted themselves as some of the top talents in the area. Let's take a look at a group of prospects in the 2021 class who are currently on the rise and making an impact in the conference races across Ottawa and Kent County.</p> <h6><a href="https://prephoops.com/player/kobe-bufkin/"><span style="color: #ff6600;">Kobe Bufkin</span></a>, Grand Rapids Christian</h6> <p>Kobe has been one of if not, the most talked-about prospect in the class of 2021. The production has matched the hype, as Bufkin has Grand Rapids Christian rolling right now, tied atop the OK Gold standings at 7-0. Kobe has shown his skill set and versatility in multiple big games already this season, consisting of big performances against Zeeland East, Grand Rapids Catholic Central, and Rockford.</p> <h6><a href="https://prephoops.com/player/trinidad-chambliss/"><span style="color: #ff6600;">Trinidad Chambliss</span></a>, Forest Hills Northern</h6> <p>Trinidad has led the Huskies to a 5-3 (2-0 OK White) start to the season with his steady demeanor at point guard. The junior ball-handler has already faced a juggernaut of a non-conference schedule including a fair share of road and neutral-site contests. The Huskies will contend with Forest Hills Central and  Northview for the OK Gold crown, and Trinidad's play will be crucial to the Huskies success.</p> <h6><a href="https://prephoops.com/player/ethan-erickson/"><span style="color: #ff6600;">Ethan Erickson</span></a>, Forest Hills Northern</h6> <p>Ethan plays alongside Trinidad in the Forest Hills Northern backcourt, giving defenses fits on a nightly basis. The junior sharpshooter came out firing from all over the court this season, including a 22-point performance in the season-opening win over East Kentwood. Ethan is a crafty guard who can find his shot in a variety of ways. His development will have a direct impact on the Huskies win-total this season. </p> <h6><a href="https://prephoops.com/player/carson-gulker/"><span style="color: #ff6600;">Carson Gulker</span></a>, Zeeland West</h6> <p>Carson has had a solid start to the season, helping the Dux win a couple of hard-fought games against quality opponents. His 13 points led the Dux in a crucial 52-49 win over Holland Christian at the Holland Civic Center on Tuesday. Carson and teammate Eli Steffen are the main sources of scoring for Zeeland West, but it's been Carson's ability to find open teammates and spread the wealth which has garnered the most attention in the first six weeks of the season.</p> <h6><a href="https://prephoops.com/player/sam-krist/"><span style="color: #ff6600;">Sam Krist</span></a>, Rockford</h6> <p>Following a brutal non-conference schedule that ended in losses to several teams who should finish near the top of their respective conference standings, Rockford found its level and is now tied for first place in the OK Red at 2-0. At times when the Rams have struggled to find consistent scoring, the one reliable scoring threat has been Sam Krist. Krist showed he isn't afraid of competition as he battled Christian's Kobe Bufkin blow-for-blow, scoring 14 points in the 56-43 defeat. Rockford will need Krist's confidence to continue to surge if they hope to continue to make noise in the crowded OK Red.</p> <h6><a href="https://prephoops.com/player/bryce-marvel/"><span style="color: #ff6600;">Bryce Marvel</span></a>, Cedar Springs</h6> <p>Bryce is the do-it-all point guard for Cedar Springs, scoring in double figures on a near-nightly basis. The junior point guard led the Red Hawks to a Cornerstone Holiday Tournament Championship over the break, helping Cedar Springs defeat Muskegon Mona Shores and Potters House. Marvel took home Tournament MVP honors following his 20 ppg performance over the two-game trip.</p> <h6><span style="color: #ff6600;">Trip Riemersma</span>, Zeeland East</h6> <p>Trip has been at the forefront of the scoring attack for Zeeland East, leading the Chix to a 6-2 (2-0 OK Green) record. Trip is an excellent scorer and isn't afraid to get dirty for a loose ball or rebound. His 20 point, six rebound performance against Byron Center on Tuesday is the type of production the Chix will need consistently if they hope to take down Unity Christian for the OK Green title.</p> <h6><a href="https://prephoops.com/player/koby-vanderwoude/"><span style="color: #ff6600;">Koby Vanderwoude</span></a>, Caledonia</h6> <p>After breaking his neck during a scary fall in an AAU event in the Summer of 2018, Koby battled to get back on the court for Caledonia. Now in his junior year, he's one of the must-watch guards in the OK Red, looking to lead the Fighting Scots to new heights. After picking up key non-conference wins over Byron Center and Middleville Thornapple Kellogg, Koby will look to lead Caledonia into a daunting stretch in the OK Red.</p> <h6><a href="https://prephoops.com/player/zac-velthouse/"><span style="color: #ff6600;">Zac Velthouse</span></a>, Hudsonville Unity Christian</h6> <p>Unity Christian has the ultimate luxury of having a junior leading its team following a sophomore campaign that ended in a State Championship. Zac Velthouse found himself in Crusader lore after last March's heroics against River Rouge, grabbing rebounds left and right to help secure the program's first-ever state title. Now with the majority of that team gone, Zac is being asked to contribute in more ways than one. Sitting at 6-1 (2-0 OK Green), everything is going according to plan for Zac and the Crusaders. </p> <h6><a href="https://prephoops.com/player/colin-weber/"><span style="color: #ff6600;">Colin Weber</span></a>, Hopkins</h6> <p>It's been a while since any team in the OK Silver stood a chance against powerhouse Godwin Heights. 53 games to be exact was the last time Godwin Heights last lost a conference game, dating back to 2015. Hopkins' Colin Weber had other plans, as he dominated the Wolverines for 25 points during the Vikings 66-59 win over the Wolverines. It appears that the Silver is wide-open this year with several suitors ready to take the throne. The Vikings have to feel good about its chances if it can get consistent play from Weber.</p>