2026 Rankings: Deciphering the Guards

The attempt to take a snapshot of the development of players at any point in the high school career is difficult. But it's especially difficult during the transitional period between sophomore and junior years. The "junior year leap" often is the biggest jump in production and development. It's spurred by the natural physical development as players age and a shift mentally due to the increase in maturity and experience with being upperclassmen. At least I hope it's an increase in mental maturity since these kids are now of the driving age.   Anyway, that's a meandering way to say that I expect this current attempt to try to rank the 2026 guards will be out of date by the end of July. And by December, there very well could be players in the 20s and 30s who could be knocking on the door of the top 10. And that doesn't mean the current players who the risers would be jumping got worse, it just means development happens at different timelines. Especially as this group of prospects has a chance to be one of the better groups in Oklahoma in recent years. Which also means players ranked in the teens or later might grade out as top 10 when compared to other classes.   Change and relative clarity will happen to this group over the next year. And let the chips fall where they may.     [player_tooltip player_id='1552362' first='Boden' last='Williams'] - A key part of Owasso's Class 6A State Championship team, he closed out spring with promising signs as a shooter and defender. If Williams plays with more confidence, he could make a leap because physically he is starting to look the part. Which checks out as the son of two former D1 basketball players (father - Tulsa, mother - Oklahoma State).   [player_tooltip player_id='2223700' first='Amari' last='Barrett'] - The term "Dawg" often gets over used, which is a shame as Barrett is one of the few who actually deserves such an accoldae. Overall game is still wild and raw at times, but the tenacity combined with steps made in the last six months points to a huge junior season.   [player_tooltip player_id='1672779' first='Denton' last='Forsythe'] - Now stepping into big shoes, Forsythe has already shined as a "3 and D" type guard for back to back Class 2A champions. His AAU career has hinted that he can be a quality shot creator for his teammates and now must take the next step as a finisher around the rim.   [player_tooltip player_id='2285917' first='Davohn' last='Hall'] - Somewhat a mystery in the class while playing in far eastern Oklahoma. But the athletic profile he possesses on stream and highlight tapes is that of a player with major upside.   [player_tooltip player_id='1552391' first='DeShawn' last='Denson II'] - Proved his big time shot making chops with a Class 5A State Title with Midwest City. Right now excels as a long distance sniper and mid-range master. But with his plus wingspan and improving athletic ability should continue to mature into a well round guard, especially as a scoring threat.   [player_tooltip player_id='2223695' first='Hudson' last='Franz'] - Cerebral lead guard, Franz rarely looks bothered with the ball in his hands with great decision making. Picks his spots as a scorer, but will find a next level home for coaches that value decision making and want their lead guard to be an extension of the coach on the court.   [player_tooltip player_id='2277651' first='Mason' last='Matulis'] - One of the quickest shooting releases in the state, Matulis was fearless with plus athleticism in the biggest games. His spring against national competition was up and down, but the upside remains very high for the "late bloomer".   [player_tooltip player_id='1552339' first='Kolton' last='Brammer'] - One of the more complete scorers in 2026, Brammer had huge games for Southmoore. Had an important spring of growth against top national competition, which should see the Oklahoma game "slow down" for him.   [player_tooltip player_id='1783190' first='Isaac' last='Sanders'] - Quality perimeter shotmaker, who rarely makes a mistakes. And as befitting of any Booker T Washington Hornet, Sanders brings it on the defensive end. Even on a loaded squad of guards, the Hornets will still turn to Sanders for big shots.   [player_tooltip player_id='1552382' first='Quincy' last='Shelton'] - Next level athlete, Shelton is also a star on the gridiron. His future likely lies there, but till then expect him to be one of the most productive players in Southern Oklahoma.   [player_tooltip player_id='1987392' first='Evan' last='Goodwin'] - Fantastic shooting touch will always keep the door open for next level opportunities. Put up eye popping shooting numbers at time as a sophomore, now should see overall game expand as an upperclassman.   [player_tooltip player_id='1552384' first='Kaden' last='Leache'] - Quality scorer, who while previously a score first guard is starting to put it together as a more complete lead guard.   [player_tooltip player_id='2218106' first='Steven' last='Anderson'] - Starting to make a physical leap, which goes well with his great foundation as a shooter. Anderson could become a dynamic off the dribble finisher, to go along with his steady jumper. Making for a tough 1-2 backcourt punch at Choctaw.   [player_tooltip player_id='1552333' first='Destin' last='Edwards'] - Possibly the best traditional point guard in the class, as he has ELITE vision and anticipatory skills on offense. Provides a scoring punch as well, with a quality three point jumper.   [player_tooltip player_id='1552322' first='Beau' last='Billingsley'] - Billingsley has made his mark as a playmaker with flair on both ends of the court. He's a smart gambler on defense, and has great vision to set up teammates. Now will have a bigger role that will require more scoring consistency at Norman.   [player_tooltip player_id='1552326' first='Hudson' last='Hite'] - A productive spring has the tough nosed defender ready for a bigger offensive role this upcoming season. Translating his spring production in the wide open nature of AAU basketball into Class 6A is the next step for Hite to establish himself among the hierarchy of 2026 guards.   [player_tooltip player_id='1552375' first='Davon' last='Chaffin'] - An athletic combo guard, Chaffin spent his first two years at OKC Southeast, but not joins an interesting group of prospects at John Marshall. His production as a sophomore showed him become a more complete scorer.   [player_tooltip player_id='2335323' first='Khristopher' last='Clay'] - Made the most of opportunities for extra playing time at Millwood and turned into a key part of a Class 3A runner up team. Good frame always him to play big for an Oklahoma guard, with a quality all around scoring game.

The attempt to take a snapshot of the development of players at any point in the high school career is difficult. But it's especially difficult during the transitional period between sophomore and junior years. The "junior year leap" often is the biggest jump in production and development. It's spurred by the natural physical development as players age and a shift mentally due to the increase in maturity and experience with being upperclassmen. At least I hope it's an increase in mental maturity since these kids are now of the driving age.