2026 Guards Leading the Way

Breaking down some of the junior guards who have paths to playing at the D1 level.    Wilks has established his bonafides as a true floor general this year. He's led Millwood through arguably the toughest schedule in Oklahoma, with signature wins over Moore, Southmoore, Booker T Washington, Crossings (twice), Lincoln Christian, Cascia Hall and more. In some of those games, he's needed to score (check the 40+ points in the win over Cascia). Other games his job is to lock in on defense and distribute on offense. With the improvements he's made as a shooter, there's no weaknesses on his scouting report. Especially as with his combination of athleticism, IQ and pride, he produces like a taller guard. Winner.     The talent jumps off the court every time Hopkins is watched. He's put on some of the best shows in Oklahoma this winter. Lightning quick off the dribble, slippery and elusive when driving to the basket. Complete with high flying and acrobatic finishes. While having unreal anticipation to pair with his explosiveness on the defensive end for blocks and steals. He's continuing to improve as a shooter and is complete scoring weapon. The natural talent is elite status, but his feel as a true point guard is where he needs to continue to evolve. Improving his game management and feel as a leader in the halfcourt will be crucial for early next level success.     From a freshman sniper to all around scoring machine as a junior. Denson has cleared 1,000 career points and did so with 25+ point performances in recent wins against top district foes Lawton and Del City. The 38 point performance against stingy rivals Del City including five triples. With college ready range on catch and shoot makes. Along with improving wiggle and footwork to shake defenders loose with jab steps and "hesi" moves before pulling up. Has added mid-range mastery to his elite shooting from beyond on the arc. Can finish with either hand around the rim. Shooting is always in need at the collegiate level and Denson looks capable of providing just that.     A powerfully built guard, Forsythe is one of the more complete players in Oklahoma. Cut his teeth as an underclassman with quality off the ball shooting. Along with gritty and strong defensive play. Now is a primary scorer and creator for a Dale squad searching for four straight state titles. The Pirates have also proved that despite being 2A, they can compete with the top teams in Oklahoma. He's a physical finisher at the rim, and has added more to his mid-range game to match his older brother's playing style. Another player in this article who simply can be classified as a winner. And wouldn't bet against his next level success.     Outstanding motor and desire on both ends of the court are what first jumps off the page for Barrett. He's the rare type of player who actually plays like every play could be his last. It shows in the defense he plays, long arms deflection passes. Making highlight reel plays in the defensive backcourt, while also rebounding like a 6 foot 6 forward.   Along with the uncommon combination of athleticism and defense, he has steadily improved offensively. Made a jump as a finisher around the rim this year. While having more flashes of a scorer in a mid-range and from three. The term "dawg" is often over used on social media, Barrett is one of the true stone cold "dawgs" in Oklahoma.     Norman are in the driver's seat to win a hotly contested Class 6A District 2, and it's because the junior guard is spearheading their run. Throughout the season, his true floor general skills have become more apparent. Especially as he values the ball more with less reckless turnovers. His game has started to become a great balance of eye catching flair with his tight handles and flashy passer, while becoming a more efficient all around player. Billingsley is a tough shot maker as well. Very quick off the dribble, with stop on the dime ability to pull up in the mid-range and from three. Took over in every instance when needed against PCN's quality guards last week in a road overtime win. Impressive junior season.     Another junior already with over 1,000 points for his career. One of the most complete offensive scorers in Oklahoma. He's of course a sniper from three and his all around bag has steadily involved. With great handles, good footwork and improving foot speed making him a handful and joy to watch off the dribble. The work is evident in how his offensive game continues to evolve and he maximizes every ounce of talent and athletic ability he has. After an up and down spring and summer against elite national competition; Brammer has attacked in state with a new vigor that has helped elevate the Sabercats to one of Oklahoma's best teams.     One of the top athletes in the class, Matulis elevates and flies around the court with an uncommon grace. After a breakout sophomore season, with an especially loud playoff run, his junior campaign has been a bit more up and down. There's still great flashes with perimeter shooting and explosiveness in transition. Looks to have found his form a bit more from three in this second semester. Plays on a balanced team that has five different players averaging in double figures. Hopefully is in position to finish with another loud playoff run.     Williams has all the tools and experience against top tier competition to be a successful college guard. Long wingspan, bursts of developing next level athleticism give him the potential to start off as a "3 and D" type contributor. Still needs to play to his size and athletic ability more, especially when exploding to finish around the rim. Has flashes of a more developed scoring game, with floaters and mid-range. But on his loaded high school squad, often is slotted in more as a floor spacer, who can help run the offense too. Tricky evaluation because the traits are all there for next level success, but the consistent production hasn't matched his peers.

Breaking down some of the junior guards who have paths to playing at the D1 level.