Class of 2027 Rankings: Head of the Class Guards
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The incoming freshman have had a couple months to adjust to varsity action in Oklahoma and one thing is certain. There’s big time guard depth. Here’s a breakdown of a group of guards that have hit the ground running, include…
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Continue ReadingThe incoming freshman have had a couple months to adjust to varsity action in Oklahoma and one thing is certain. There’s big time guard depth. Here’s a breakdown of a group of guards that have hit the ground running, include two who may have had slow starts, but will have a chance to finish the season very strong. Picking a favorite from this group is tough, especially with the big time upside that has already been shown.
For freshmen guards to see playing time on good Class 6A teams there are usually two paths. Shooting. Or an advanced feel as a playmaker. Pogi is what happens when both aspects are combined into one super productive package. The sharpshooter has already put his name all over the Mustang record books with some of his performances from three. But there’s been other games where his brilliant vision, crafty handle and poise shine brighter than his elite shooting touch. Even on the defensive end, he’s already a pesky defender with an outstanding read of the game when it comes to popping up to force turnovers.
The controlled and savvy approach that Pogi plays with is the best seen from a Oklahoma freshman point guard in a decade.
A preseason wrist injury delayed Mitchell’s high school debut till a few weeks ago. Since then, he’s been making up for lost time. The combo guard is already an explosive finisher at the rim, as evident by a dunk that went viral in his debut against Tulsa Central. But he’s more than just a bouncy guard, Mitchell also uses his athleticism to gain separation as a big time off the dribble scorer. But he’s not only quick, he’s strong and can play controlled on drives by playing off of two feet.
In Booker T Washington’s recent tournament championship, it was also impressive how easily he fit into their balanced attack. He did his damage within in the flow of the offense. But the exciting plays will always be right around the corner as Mitchell is expected to play a huge role for a Hornets team that is among the top contenders in Class 5A.
Lowe can fill it up in a hurry. He has a “get by you” burst that makes him look effortless and further sets him apart as a natural born scorer. What makes his burst when attacking the rim even more dangerous, is how smooth and quick he is as a shooter off the dribble. The Cascia freshman is a huge threat from three, while also can leave defenders in a blender when he stops on a dime in the mid-range. Pure scoring is something that college coaches will always value, which will likely always keep Lowe in the conversation as the best prospect in the Class of 2027.
Duffie is among the top shooters in the class, who also looks to have one of the most complete games of the freshmen. In watching back a big rivalry win for Cascia against Metro Christian, it was impressive the little aspects of the game that the youngster excelled in. He seemed to always be in the right place at the right time on the defensive end. One example in transition came when he hustled back to pick up an opposing big running the floor, where he had the strength to get physical and deny the ball, saving two points. That combination of grit and awareness on defense, with his passing chops and shooting ability puts him firmly in the conversation of the elite 2027 guards.
Highlights
The promising guard is expected to play a bigger role down the stretch for the Pirates. He has the look of a dynamic slasher on the offensive end, with the intensity to match on the defensive side of the ball. Robinson is sure to provide some highlight reel plays down the stretch around the rim with his strong finishing abilities.
Highlights
The shifty lead guard, is putting up video game like numbers in south east Oklahoma. He’s a huge transition threat, with a mix of finishing himself or setting up his teammates with easy looks. Howell is almost equally dangerous in the halfcourt, because his handle and quickness gives him the ability to put defenders on skates. In games against Hugo and Atoka, both of those aspects were on strong display. Especially with the way he lived in the lane against Hugo. He leaned on his left hand, but he does have the ability to attack on the right as well. With a red hot start to his high school career, the Broken Bow freshman will have the opportunity to put his names all over the record books for scoring.
Another small town guard who’s already producing, “Trey” has a high skill level with a strong handle. He’s becoming a complete scorer with various ways to finish at the rim, with an improving off the dribble jumper. Summers III will also mix it up on the defensive end, with quick hands and good instincts.