Prospect Spotlight: Liam Ruttledge (2021 Jesuit HS)

<p>There were several key graduation losses from Jesuit’s 2019 title team which meant some younger players needed to move up into those holes. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="855989" first="Liam" last="Ruttledge"]</strong> was ready for the challenge. The sharp-shooting 6-foot-3, 170-pound wing stepped right into the starting lineup and delivered plenty of buckets for the Crusaders, helping them repeat as Metro League champs and advance to the 6A state tournament before it was abruptly canceled.</p> <p>Entrenched on one wing, Ruttledge ended up averaging 13.4 ppg - second on the team - and led Jesuit in threes made with 54, hitting them at a 38 percent clip. While the final numbers show that he successfully made the adjustment, the rising senior admits it took some time.</p> <p>"I feel the physicality and speed of the varsity level was the most challenging part of playing at this higher level," Ruttledge said. "First couple a games were rough for me because I was both trying to figure out my role and how to compete at a tougher level. As the season went on I felt found that role and my teammates and I used each other very well on the court to succeed. I would say going into the starting lineup wasn’t really easy but it put me in a position to do everything in my power to help my team win games."</p> <p>While there’s no question that Ruttledge made his mark as a shooter - the lefty has a super smooth stroke and quick release - he didn’t just stand in the corner firing threes. He’s capable of creating off the dribble as well and that’s something he’s been continually seeking to improve as well what he’s best known for.</p> <p>"Some parts of of my game I’ve been working on this off season have been lots of ball handling and explosive work around the basket so I can use different finishes," Ruttledge said. "But my main focus has been my shooting mechanics like footwork on catch and shoot, creating a shot off the dribble, and trying to extend my range even more."</p> <p>On the college recruiting front, Ruttledge’s play this last season has started to open some eyes.  He’s been in contact with George Fox the most but other Division I schools such as Arizona State and San Diego have informed him that he’s on their radar. At this point in time, he’s keeping all options open including the possibility of becoming a D-I walk-on, something that’s a bit of a Crusader tradition.</p> <p>"Anywhere that’s interested in me, I’ll play for," Ruttledge said. "Definitely academics are really important to me as well. But I love playing basketball so anywhere that gives me a shot - just to be playing college basketball would be a huge honor for me."</p> <p>With AAU currently shelved, Ruttledge has been working out on his own but he notes that he’ll join The Program if/when play resumes. He currently ranks as the #42 player in the PrepHoops Oregon Class of 2021 rankings.</p>