2026s ready for the Sophomore Leap? Part 2
A look at more Class of 2026 prospects that were impressive in the past month and could make huge leaps this winter for their high school programs. For yesterday’s Part 1, click here! Phoenix Woodson OK #2 SF #2 HEIGHT…
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Continue ReadingA look at more Class of 2026 prospects that were impressive in the past month and could make huge leaps this winter for their high school programs.
Among the players on this list, Woodson had by far the best freshman campaign. So the bar for him to clear as a potential breakout is different, it would likely mean a performance that puts him among the state’s elite players regardless of class. Given the upside that the Crossing Knight possesses, that is within his range of outcomes during his upcoming sophomore season.
At UCO team camp in late June and at The Stage in July, Woodson’s top positive traits where frequently on display. He’s become a game changer around the rim on both ends of the court. He is simply a load on the offensive end and has great touch. The other promising development in watching the hybrid forward prospect was his comfortableness with shooting. It was most often catch and shoot, or simple one-two dribble moves and then knocking down shots in the mid-range or beyond the arc. Long term, it will be interesting to see if his ball handling and agility improves to be more of a true wing or if he grows a bit more, continues to become stronger and turns into more of a 4/5 type prospect.
Woodson is young for his grade, only turned 15 this summer, so the ceiling remains immense. And it will be fun to see how he continues to develop physically and continues to turn potential into production. While also not rushing his timeline.
The baby faced sharpshooter from Midwest City capped off a productive two month stretch with Team Griffin by earning an off from South Carolina State. When watching Denson get his feet wet to varsity reps late last year, he looked to be primarily a catch and shoot option. Which he is great at and that great shooting form and efficiency is what currently separates him as a prospect and likely played a role in picking up his first offer. But he was more of an one dimensional player at that point in time.
What’s promising is that since December he has looked more comfortable on drives, including starting to add a confident crossover and good body control in traffic at the rim. The body control and confidence on drives is crucial for Denson to develop into an all around scorer. Which he is on the way to becoming.
Highlights
Steven Anderson Jr
Steven Anderson Jr
Another promising Mid-Del prospect, Anderson is of a similar build as Denson and also a quality shooter. However he looks more comfortable and in control when attacking. He has some wiggle when getting downhill, with a slippery and patient driving style. That often leads to good drives to the basket or pulling up in the mid-range. While Carl Albert has a deep upperclassmen group, look for Anderson to pair with fellow 2026 prospect Jayden Hopkins Jayden Hopkins 6’1″ | PG Carl Albert | 2026 State OK as key parts of a Titans squad that will be among the favorites in Class 5A next fall.
The youngest Forsythe brother was promising as a freshman on the loaded Class 2A State Champions and champions of the Tournament of Champions. He used the momentum of that to have a very productive spring and summer against national competition. Playing with tall forwards and athletic wings allowed the full array of his great passing feel to be displayed. From serving up lobs to kicking out to open shooters, the 2025 lead guard has fantastic court vision. As a scorer, he’s capable of hitting timely threes and plays with a good amount of shiftiness and strength when finishing at the rim.
Among the prospects on this list, his stats will likely see one of the smaller bumps. As Dale returns all their key contributors, but the younger Forsythe will have his moments. And don’t expect the Dale dynasty to end just because their current #33 is graduating next May, Denton Forsythe Denton Forsythe 6’1″ | PG Dale | 2026 State OK should be more than ready to take the reins for them in 2024-2026.
Wilson might be the prospect ready to make the biggest leap in Oklahoma. He had his moments last winter with Holland Hall, but with a bigger role and another year of developing psychically, the athletic off the ball guard/wing has a chance to be among the top players in Class 5A. Wilson has D1 upside as an athlete, and has the skill foundation to turn into of the most efficient scorers in Oklahoma. He looks comfortable operating off the ball, from fundamentally sound back-cuts to setting up defenders when running off ball screen. Then once he has the ball in his hands, he has electricity to his movements with the ability to drive or easiely pull up. With his combination of size, athleticism and skill, the Holland Hall standout is one of the few prospects in Oklahoma who could see his 3 level scoring ability translate to the next level.
It’s early and he’s also a football player. Wilson likely has the potential to join the lineage of other 918 prospect such as Josh Proctor, Steven Parker, that could be D1 level prospects in both sports. When playing with his AAU squad at The Stage that was shorthanded with only six players, his competitiveness and willingness to carry more of the scoring and playmaking load with very encouraging. If Wilson keeps the same tenacity and hunger shown this summer, it could be a huge year for Wilson and the Dutch.