The high school class of 2016 was one of the most highly touted groups in years, with future lottery picks and NBA All-Stars at the top of the rankings and talented pieces throughout the first 30-40 names. And so far, they’re living up to the hype. Each of the top 10 prospects -- aside from the injured Harry Giles -- is averaging at least 12.0 points, while the likes of Josh Jackson, Lonzo Ball, De’Aaron Fox and Markelle Fultz are packing stat-sheets every night and T.J. Leaf and Lauri Markkanen are pushing for double-doubles with regularity. Going through each of the ESPN 100 freshmen, 28 of the top 40 players are averaging at least 8.0 PPG -- with only 15 players ranked between 41 and 100 hitting that mark.

So outside of the stars, which players are exceeding expectations?

Inside the top 50

Zach Collins, Gonzaga: The 7-foot Collins (No. 37) was a McDonald’s All-American last spring, so it’s hard to say he’s truly a surprise -- but he’s given Gonzaga a surprisingly consistent offensive weapon. Despite playing just 17.0 minutes per game, Collins is averaging 10.6 points and 5.7 rebounds. His ability to face-up and knock down jumpers makes him a matchup problem for opponents, and will really be tough to stop once West Coast Conference play begins. Collins has the size and skill of an NBA player, and he’s rising in the eyes of scouts. Expect him to continue to improve.

Nick Ward, Michigan State: Ward (No. 39) was thrown into the proverbial fire earlier than expected this season, after preseason injuries to UNLV transfer Ben Carter and senior Gavin Schilling. The need for frontcourt production was exacerbated even further when freshman star Miles Bridges went down with an injury. And Ward has stepped up. Over the last four games, Ward is averaging 15.3 points and 6.8 rebounds for the Spartans, while also blocking nearly two shots per game. Ward is extremely efficient around the basket, shooting 64.9 percent from the field in that span.

Robert Williams, Texas A&M: Williams (No. 50) is the early candidate to be this year’s Marquese Chriss: a guy who was ranked around the top 50, but had the size, length and athleticism to be an impact player -- and potential lottery pick -- if he realized his potential quickly. The 6-foot-9 Williams is averaging 9.8 points, 5.7 rebounds and 2.6 blocks, while shooting 61.5 percent from the field. But it’s more than just the numbers. Williams has a 7-5 wingspan and a great motor, with high-level athleticism and a growing offensive game. He’s just scratching the surface right now.

Inside the top 100

Charlie Moore, California: Among players ranked in the ESPN 100 for 2016, Moore (No. 61) ranks No. 4 in scoring so far, averaging 17.1 points. He originally committed to Memphis, but reopened his recruitment after Josh Pastner went to Georgia Tech. Moore sent a message early this season, scoring 38 points in an overtime win over UC-Irvine, and hasn’t slowed down since. With the departures of Jaylen Brown and Tyrone Wallace, and a back injury to Jabari Bird, Moore has had to carry the scoring load and provide some perimeter balance for Ivan Rabb.

Anthony Cowan, Maryland: Cowan (No. 62) boosted his stock as his high school career progressed, impressing scouts at the Under Armour All-American Camp the summer before his senior year and then continuing to produce as a senior. And as a freshman, Cowan has stepped in immediately alongside Melo Trimble and been excellent as a complementary piece in the backcourt. He leads the team in assists (3.6 APG), is third on the team in scoring (10.2 PPG) and is also grabbing nearly five boards a game.