Class of 2026 Rankings: Outstanding Guard Depth
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The Class of 2026 in Oklahoma is shaping up to be the strongest in recent years. One of the factors in that is the outstanding guard depth in this class. There’s players in the 10-25 range of this class, that…
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Continue ReadingThe Class of 2026 in Oklahoma is shaping up to be the strongest in recent years. One of the factors in that is the outstanding guard depth in this class. There’s players in the 10-25 range of this class, that already project to have great paths to being collegiate players. A rarity at this stage when compared to recent classes, but with the high skill level and production to match it’s an exciting time to be around high school basketball in Oklahoma.
Brammer is already regularly scoring over 20+ points a game for the Sabercats. He’s a big time shooter from distance, with an advanced skillset off the dribble. With a plethora to dribble moves to control the pace, the sophomore is just as likely to turn around and burry a jumper over a defender. Or leave them in the dust with a hesitation move and get to the rim. Basketball continues to reward players with high skill levels and odds are Brammer will become a college priority as he continues to develop his deep bag of tricks.
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One of the top floor generals in the class, Franz already has an advance reading of the game on both ends of the court. He has often looked unflappable for Edmond Memorial, with a comfortability at slowing the game down, or handling the quickness and pace that comes with playing faster teams. Franz can shoot it well off the dribble and is sneaky with how he can get off shots in traffic around the rim. He brings the same intensity and tenacity to the defensive end, making him one of the most well rounded guards in Oklahoma’s Class of 2026.
One of the top overall athletes in the class, Shelton is a fluid and agile guard. His ability to change gears without slowing down makes him a terror in the small school ranks. Which allows him to live at the rim where he’s a quality finisher, while also being able to stop on a dime in the mid-range. Shelton is also a football standout, and as football prospects are often offered earlier there’s a decent chance his future lies on the gridiron. But if he were to choose basketball, his raw athletic ability places him as a very interesting long term upside bet.
Elite shooting from the perimeter got Denson on the court as a freshman. And he was a prospect who starred in that role by understanding his game and rarely trying to do too much. Now as a sophomore he remains one of the top shooters in the class. But has grown a couple inches and now has a more well rounded all around game. He’s starting to be more shifty on his drives, which allows his slender frame to navigate through traffic after being ran off the line. Denson has played a key role on the resurgence of Midwest City as a State Title contender. And there will be more opportunities for him to show off his expanded scoring punch during what will likely be a deep playoff run for the Bombers.
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From a raw athletic standpoint, Barrett arguably has the highest ceiling of any guard in this grouping. He’s starting to really shine on the defensive end, as he’s becoming quicker and has a frame that should fill out soon and become stronger. Similar to his older brother, he relishes his defensive assignments and plays with a great mix of fundamentals and smart gambling on the defensive end.
Offensively, he’s a prospect that has a good foundation with his movements and form but in a few recent viewings he hasn’t consistently finished the good looks he’s generating. Give it another six months of work in the gym and a lot of those near misses will likely turn into buckets and Barrett’s recruitment has the potential to sky rocket this summer.
Goodwin has one of the best shooting touches in the class, with a silky three pointer and good touch inside the arc as well. As a sophomore, he’s already putting his name all over the Jenks record book with big time scoring performances, often from beyond the arc. Having an elite trait, especially shooting, will always give a player opportunities at the next level. Long term, he’ll need to continue to maximize his lateral quickness and physical traits to be better suited for the demands of the next level.
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Continuing the theme of elite shooters, Leache has been lethal from three and in the mid-range in every viewing this year. He has some of the traits needed to be an off the ball threat, running to spots in transition, always ready to shoot, etc. But he’s making strides this year as a primary ballhandler for the Cyclones, mixing in improving creation by dropping the occasional high level dime in transition or half court.
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Playmaking seems to be in Edwards’ DNA, as he reads the game outstandingly with top tier vision. He’s often pushing it in transition to find advantages, while also being great in ball screens and other half court situations. An interesting development to watch this year has been his improved scoring ability, which is a needed trait for smaller guards to have success at the next level. Edwards is shooting 40% from three, with some clutch shooting performances playing a key role into Community Christian’s 14-4 start.