2025 Rankings: Scratching the Surface

Development doesn't stop just because a player's high school career has ended. There's so many unpredictable factors that can occur at the college level. Trying to project out the future of players even late in their high school career can be closer to throwing darts than a science.   One of the best examples of an Oklahoma player reaching unseen heights is Justin Bean, Southmoore Class of 2015. In high school, Bean was a classic hard working forward, who was stuck between positions. He stood around 6 foot 5, he'd battle down low. Had some skill with his jumper and face up game. But wasn't quite athletic enough to be a wing, not quite tall enough to be a true forward. He was super productive though. And even had to battle through an ACL injury during his high school career.   Bean's circumstances were especially unique, as following high school he took a two year mission as a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of LDS. During that time he grew to 6 foot 7 and then was a preferred walk on for Utah State. As a college sophomore he averaged a double double and became a 17 points a game scorer as a senior, with outrageous shooting splits. He had one of the best college careers of any Oklahoma prospect of the last 15 years. And has since played in the G-League, and now overseas. His story is a remarkable sign that no matter how much work is put in, we really don't know what paths lie ahead for players.   That's not to say any on this list is the "Next Justin Bean". But to point out the inexact science that comes when trying to project the future of 18, 19 year old kids. And to say that even high school seniors have untapped upside.    Above the rim finisher, who has been critical in Douglass staying among the state's best teams. Gets off the floor quickly, with big time athleticism, bringing verticality to offense as a lob threat in the halfcourt. Also bouncy as a defensive rebounder and protecting the rim. Ransome's build and mobility wise projects him as a small forward long term. Especially as he has good mechanics on his jumper and has made progress this season in the mid-range and even occasional three. Will be a hot name this spring for a JuCo or the right four year program that has a developmental plan for him.     A lefty at his height and with true perimeter skills, what's not to like? Especially as he's put together some impressive scoring performances for a Bishop Kelley team that earned a Regionals host in a cut throat 5A district. Good vision and passing as well, he has one of the more offensive skillsets in Oklahoma. D2 Colorado School of Mines did an outstanding job of identifying the bigger picture with Essman and securing his commitment. Will need the college level weight room, but still has a fantastic foundation to be built on.       One of the better athletes on this list, with the mobility to cover guards. And the explosiveness to compete in the post. When Shockley is locked in, he changes game. Can explode for dunks at the rim drain open jumpers. Or make an out nowhere steal and block. Broken Arrow is DEEP with talent (his fellow senior Talley is a of a similar mold), so his raw production might not be as consistent as other seniors. Still does have a 32 point performance to his name over Sapulpa. But the potential to be unearthed by the right college is there for him to have a productive collegiate career.     Williams caught the eye some on a Pirates team last year that struggled, but has fully flourished as a senior on a much improved team. He's often led the resurgent Pirates in scoring, including 22 and 19 points against Norman North and Mustang, respectively. He has ideal height, wingspan and athleticism for an off the ball guard at the next level. Very reliable catch and shoot threat from three. Can put it on the deck for smooth mid-range jumpers, or his long strides eat up space when attacking the rim. Good all around guard, who should fit in well at the next level with shooting and ability to cover 1-3 on defense.     After an up and down junior year, Bowen has been a monster for a Catoosa team that stormed their way to the a top 10 ranking in Class 4A. One of the true few next level forwards with ideal college height in Oklahoma. Bowen isn't just tall, as he's mobile and explosive for a player of his size. He's even capable of stepping outside and hitting a few threes or in then mid-range.   The untapped potential is there just waiting for a college program to fully unearth his true ceiling. Recently, college programs have started to take notice. With Redlands (OK) and Neosho (KC) offering. He should be a priority targets for JuCos, as that would be the perfect seasoning for him before finding a four year home.     Smithey is a strong, hybrid forward with a good frame and quality athleticism. Really flashes that ability in transition with his explosive dunks. Good shooting from distance as well. Will need to continue to work on his lateral agility to cover guards, but still has strong versatility given his size and small town background. Currently does better in the up and down nature of camps and AAU settings. But the right college will see the room to grow and mold him into a productive hybird forward.     An underrated athlete and impact player in Class 6A. Fluid and with good bounce, should be athletically capable of being a perimeter player at the next level. Especially with a solid jumper. Will punch it home with power in transition and when given a lane in the halfcourt. Impressed at the Mustang Holiday Classic, along with a preseason scrimmage match up against Douglass. Where he fit in athletically and had no backdown against a quick and athletic squad. If he's dedicated and loves the game, he's a strong candidate to be a "where did that kid from?" while excelling in a few years at a regional four year program.

Development doesn't stop just because a player's high school career has ended. There's so many unpredictable factors that can occur at the college level. Trying to project out the future of players even late in their high school career can be closer to throwing darts than a science.