Class of 2025 Rankings: Top 5, June 2023
In this article:
While top spot remained the same, there was a shake up in the players behind Carlsheon Young Carlsheon Young 6'5" | CG Midwest City | 2025 State #83 Nation OK . Which tracks with the huge jump that happens as…
Access all of Prep Hoops
Continue reading this article and more.
Continue ReadingWhile top spot remained the same, there was a shake up in the players behind Carlsheon Young Carlsheon Young 6'5" | CG Midwest City | 2025 State #83 Nation OK . Which tracks with the huge jump that happens as players go from sophomores to juniors. High upside players are starting to play to their potential and college coaches are starting to notice.
The headliner of the class, Young is a power guard who excels on both ends of the court. On defense he has great instincts that go well with his quick hands and strong frame, making him a true disruptor. While offensively, he’s at his best when getting downhill. Where he has a variety of finishing options at the rim. He’s streaky as a jump-shooter, improvement there is one area to watch going forward. Young’s great physical traits and two-way talent have led to more Power 5 offers this spring, including Louisiana State, Mississippi and more. A newcomer to Carl Albert this summer, the Titans will enter the season as favorites in Class 5A.
While writing this article, Rayfield picked up another Power 5 offer. This one from Iowa goes along with a recent Oklahoma State offer. As his recruitment continues to gain steam, it’s a perfect reward for the increased aggressiveness and passion in the high upside hybrid forward’s game. Since Putnam City West came up short of the State Tournament in March, Rayfield has attacked games with renewed focused. Instead of occasionally flashing an high upside block or dunk, they have become regular occurrences for him. Instead of floating along the perimeter on offense, Rayfield still takes the occasional but focuses on attacking the basket. Where his height and exceptional wingspan are best put to use. The 405 prospect looks to be on the verge of becoming a true game changer on both ends of the court.
Nickson had one of the best high school seasons of any player regardless of class. He broke into the 1000 point club and was a dominant and versatile force for the Class 4A State runner ups. He’s a true “one of one” athlete, as at first glance the 6 foot 6 forward would appear to be an interior bruiser but has developed into a capable weapon from the mid-range and perimeter. While also being one of the most explosive players in the state. His spring started out hot, with impressive performances in Kansas City and Phoenix against national competition. And while his elite athleticism still popped in Dallas and Memphis, his scoring efficiency took a hit during both of those sessions. Also an elite football prospect, Nickson recently picked up his first basketball Division One offer from UT-Arlington.
Following an impressive Class 6A State Tournament, Howell looked poised for a spring breakout. But the big guard had been playing through knee issues, leading to surgery that has sidelined him since March. When healthy he’s a psychically gifted lead guard, with a great feel as a playmaker. In the State Tournament he was even shooting it efficiently from distance. There are few prospects in Oklahoma with his high upside blend of size, playmaking potential and general athletic gifts. If the Broken Arrow Tiger is able to hit the ground running this winter, then he should be one of the most dynamic playmakers and scorers in Oklahoma.
Two aspects separate the small town standout from similar forward prospects, his motor and knowing his role. While there are flashes of perimeter shooting with the lefty improving as a catch and shoot option, Terrell shines as a workhorse around the rim. Since watching the upside forward a year ago at ORU team camp, the upside for his frame and mobility was obvious. He has put that to good use as an active rebounder on both ends of the court, with flashes of being an above the finisher. Being more consistent around the rim as a finisher is a crucial next step in his evolution. After a spring against national competition, the Pocola forward has a handful of Division One offers with Tulsa, Cal Poly and Sam Houston State seeing similar upside out of Terrell.