2026 Rankings: Chess Pieces

The elite scorer is a match up problem on offense. Cut his teeth as a sharpshooter as a freshman, with hints of his all around scoring game. Capable of taking guards and other wings to the block. Helps him out by crashing the glass for putbacks too. Now has a full ISO style game. Does good work off the ball. Tough shot maker, who is already chasing a second State Championship, Oklahoma Gatorade Player of the Year and more accolades. Giving him a chance to have one of the best resumes among recent Oklahoma players, all while adding to his extensive list of collegiate offers.     A mid season injury temporarily derailed a good junior campaign, but he's positioned to finish strong. Woodson is now a more explosive and powerful finisher. Catching oops, putback slams, powering through contact and more. The way he hunts for offensive rebounds and putbacks is a strong developmental sign for his long term success. As it an indicator him successfully blending his finesse and power aspect to his game. Add in perimeter shooter and good agility for his height/frame and there's a lot to like about the big man.     One of the best athletes in Oklahoma's Class of 2026. Has the height, wingspan and athleticism that is coveted by college coaches in bigger guards or wings. Making him ideal for the next level as a switchable defender. Playing for a team loaded with future college players has meant that at times his offensive game has taken a backseat this year. But he's still had big time games. Including a recent team high 24 point performance n a district clinching romp over rivals Union.   Along with the basketball accolades, Wilson is also a football standout. Often in Oklahoma when players have football and basketball options, football ends up being the pick at the next level. Sometimes it makes sense, as some of the football players don't look like true "hoopers" on the court. But Wilson is a true hooper. If basketball is his love over football; he's more than capable of pursuing that route over football opportunities.     The junior has built off a strong sophomore campaign, by adding more to his bag offensively. Last year, he was a streaky shooter, who also could throw it down when given a lane to the rim. Now has more of an in-between game, with post ups, midranges and a tighter handle. One of the best athletes in the class, his head turning dunks should catch coaches' attention. While the rest of his rapidly evolving skillset will get his foot in the door. And set him up for next level success.     The late bloomer is putting in a strong case for being the best defender among Oklahoma's current juniors. Has great lateral movement for his size, including the ability to stay with and lock down smaller guards. The lefty is a solid offensive player, capable shooter and has flashes of a dangerous off the dribble game. Seems to be knocking on the door of making a big jump as a prospect and is set for a strong high school close. And even bigger grassroots season.     If there's a prospect that I'm overly worried that I'm too low on in 2026, it's likely Payne. He checks a lot of boxes for next level basketball. With the height, wingspan and the fluid athleticism needed to be a perimeter player. There's even moments he looks capable of one day playing in a high major conference. Which is even more possible now with the various routes and options that are available to players. He's the type of prospect that it could only take a handful of plays, in front of the right college coach with the right developmental system for his basketball career to skyrocket.     For many programs in Oklahoma, VanBuren would be the primary scorer. Which he still does get buckets for the Falcons, but he's unselfishly bought into the role as a bully ball guard who also makes a living on the offensive glass. This display of versatility should make him appealing to college coaches looking for players that are switchable on the perimeter. Offensively, he's often too strong for regular guards. While also capable of going by many of the forwards in Oklahoma. Has a battler mentality, which will be crucial for Class 3A favorites, Millwood.     A mercurial talent for the Chargers, there's a play of two every game that will leave even the seasoned basketball observer going "wow". He's a wing by build, but there's moments on the ball where his combination of quickness and control has him looking like a point guard. When locked in, he can smoothly pull up from three, drop a no look dime, or glide to the rim. Consistency is what's needed to unlock his true potential. And there's no better time than now for a tradition rich program that's competing for a 5A State Title.     Triples. Dimes. Dunks. Even taking charges. All are common sites when watching Clark. A player who is a literal, do it all chess piece for Inola. In a game that is increasingly prioritizing skill and versatility, those traits should open next level doors for the small town forward. While the 4A playoff gauntlet is the current challenge, a spring and summer competing nationally Adidas could do wonders to grow his game. As the exposure to the high level competition could help slow down the game for him even more and set the stage for a dominating senior season.     Last night's playoff tune up against PCW provide a sequence of the impact and high ceiling of Williams. He protected the rim with a block, raced down the court, his teammates found him and he went behind the back to get by a defender and easily score. Few players in Oklahoma have the raw talent to make back to back plays like that.   He's had a strong junior year for one of the better teams in 6A. As Williams has bought into the role of a rebounder, protecting the rim and being a rim runner, vertical threat on offense. The ceiling remains high for the Sabercart, and he seems to be only scratching the surface of his potential.