Updated 2021 Rankings: Stock Risers
Our Class of 2021 rankings have been updated and there were definitely some notes and game film to go over in order to make our best placements for now. There were a number of guys that made moves up in…
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Continue ReadingOur Class of 2021 rankings have been updated and there were definitely some notes and game film to go over in order to make our best placements for now. There were a number of guys that made moves up in the latest iteration of our rankings and here’s a look at the top stock risers (listed in the order of biggest jump).
Liam Ruttledge Liam Ruttledge 6'2" | CG Jesuit | 2021 State OR , Jesuit – #74 to #42
We clearly underestimated the impact of Ruttledge at the varsity level. The 6-foot-2 lefty was a sniper from the outside as expected, feeding of the drive-and-kick passes from Jesuit’s point guards, and knocked down threes at a 38 percent clip. But Ruttledge also showed the ability to create off the dribble and score around the basket as well.
Nash Kuykendall Nash Kuykendall 6'4" | SF Sheldon | 2021 State OR , Sheldon – #56 to #40
A tremendous run and jump athlete, Kuykendall’s stats weren’t gaudy as he played in Sheldon’s balanced offensive attack. The 6-foot-4 wing has an all-around game as he can catch and knock down open threes but can also put the ball on the floor, create, and finish with either hand. An unselfish player, Kuykendall also averaged over two assist a game.
Kell Estep Kell Estep 6'4" | CG Sunset | 2021 State OR , Sunset – #41 to #33
Estep made the conversion from the supporting cast to a starting role with no issues this past season. The 6-foot-3 is adept at scoring off of the dribble and his offensive game got more efficient as he cut down on unnecessary dribbling. A solid shooter and ball-handler, his numbers are sure to rise next season as he will really have the ball in his hands a lot.
Asher Krauel Asher Krauel 6'1" | CG Sherwood | 2021 State OR , Sherwood – #40 to #32
Known best for his defense as he’s a tremendous individual on-the-ball defender, Krauel made some strides with his offensive game as a junior. The 6-foot-1 combo guard can certainly stroke the three – his 11-three performance in one game was one of the ages – but he’s improved his game off the bounce as well.
Mo Hartwich Mo Hartwich 7'0" | C Portland Christian | 2021 State OR , Columbia Christian – #37 to #31
Mobile seven footers are hard to come by and that’s exactly what Hartwich is. With the departure of Ben Gregg Ben Gregg 6'8" | SF Clackamas | 2021 #50 Nation OR , Hartwich was called upon to step up on the offensive end and he was able to showcase his soft touch around the basket this season. Defensively, he had his way blocking shots left and right at the 2A level.
Kobe Jenson Kobe Jenson 6'6" | PF Life Christian/Alexandria Area | 2021 MN , Life Christian – #60 to #54
Jenson is an absolute load to handle at the 1A level with his 6-foot-5 height and his thick frame. He showed improvement with his conditioning and stamina, and his mobility has also gotten better as well. Double-doubles with five or more blocked shots were common with Jenson this season.
Dane Erikstrup Dane Erikstrup 6'10" | C Beaverton | 2021 State OR , Beaverton – #12 to #9
The main jump into the top ten was made by Erikstrup, who was the one player in the Metro League that other teams had to game plan for on defense. The now 6-foot-10 post was extremely effective near the basket, with the ability to score with either hand and if he missed, was often in position to grab the offensive rebound. Improvements in his mobility and athleticism will certainly continue this off-season.