2027 Rankings: Best Sophomore Cores

An interesting aspect of this current group of sophomores is how the talent has condensed at a few different schools. Some of it is related to the increase in player transfers. But a lot of these cores were built together when high school started. The collections of talent make for an exciting time for basketball in Oklahoma. With these players already making a huge impact and have teams ready to contend now.   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Southmoore</h2>   [player_tooltip player_id='2140800' first='Tyson' last='Pogi']   [player_tooltip player_id='2135005' first='Josiah' last='Ankrah']   [player_tooltip player_id='2045444' first='Joey' last='Folsom']   [player_tooltip player_id='2140751' first='Jasper' last='Chaves']   [player_tooltip player_id='2327674' first='Gabe' last='Willingham']   Southmoore would've been on this list even before Pogi transferred in, as the four other prospects already made waves as freshmen. With the addition of Pogi, they went from "imagine what they will be like as upperclassmen" to "hold up, can they compete for a title already?". Oklahoma's top prospect has been an offensive machine this season. He fills it up from deep. Plays at his own pace on offense. Pogi uses his handles and eyes to misdirect defense, while playing with the control of an upperclassmen.   The rest of the hungry Sabercats have all shined admirably as well. Chaves is a pogo stick type wing-forward, who is starting to play above the rim on both ends of the court <a href="https://www.hudl.com/video/3/20897980/679a93536973609fd8e8471b">(check out his 6 blocks against Norman North</a>). Ankrah is instant offense whenever he's in the game, either dropping dimes or scoring in bunches. "Joey Ball" plays with an uncommon motor and tenacity on defense, while also chipping in on offense as a shooter. While the physical Willingham is built like a future edge rusher, and provides additional strength and depth. The future is indeed now in Southmoore.     <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Putnam City</h2>   [player_tooltip player_id='2326939' first='Gabe' last='Osborne']   [player_tooltip player_id='2326941' first='Miles' last='Jackson']   [player_tooltip player_id='2140772' first='Mar'Quell' last='Robinson']   A new coaching staff and this exciting group of sophomores have been crucial in a quick turnaround for a tradition rich Pirates program. Osborne is one of the top athletes in the class of 2027 and overall in Oklahoma. He's a game changing combo of size, speed and leaping ability. Making him a terror on the defensive end and a high flyer on offense. Along with his basketball ability, he's starting to add in D1 football offers. Osborne is firmly in the athletic tier of D1 capable in both sports similar to Jacobe Johnson, Corey Gordon, Josh Proctor, Steven Parker and other Oklahoma dual sport stars of the last decade.   Robinson is a big time athlete in his own right, with quick feet and quick hands to be disruptive on the defensive end. While also getting a tutelage in becoming more of a true point guard to go along with his dynamic slashing ability. A recent double double against Deer Creek's quality upperclassman backcourt, showed how the sophomore can play with the best. And also use his athleticism to help out on the glass. Especially as he can quickly turn defense into offense with his attack minded playing style. Jackson is a lanky, high upside wing who can knock down threes with ease. While also having strong inside-outside defensive qualities. His game is coming in flashes, with signs of big time upside.     <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Cascia Hall</h2>   [player_tooltip player_id='2140733' first='Dallas' last='Lowe']   [player_tooltip player_id='2323191' first='Memphis' last='Duffie']   [player_tooltip player_id='2703778' first='Andrew' last='Walker']   Walker is a newcomer to the Cascia Hall core that saw them reach the Class 3A semifinals last season. He's slotted in nicely next to his teammates, as he's a quick, athletic and a determined defender. Lowe has taken a further jump as a scorer. He has an extra gear, that also makes it look effortless when the blows by defenders. Or stops on a dime, and hangs in the air to elevate over defenders for pull up jumpers. He's already a special scorer, with the room to keep growing.   Duffie is a pure shooter from beyond the arc, and has started to add in a more complete all around game this year. The group went toe to toe with expected 3A favorite Millwood last week. They lost in overtime, and Duffie missed a shot late that could've won it. A few days later, he had a strong performance against Heritage Hall. This time finishing with more power and explosiveness with a dunk and other tough finishes. He's at a stage where if he makes a jump athletically the layups and other finishes should turn more consistently into dunks. And he looks capable of doing just that.   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Norman North</h2>   [player_tooltip player_id='2140728' first='Carlton' last='Summers III']   [player_tooltip player_id='2140720' first='Aidan' last='Cooper-Kelley']   [player_tooltip player_id='2140750' first='Jamarrion' last='Hardeman']   [player_tooltip player_id='2140774' first='Merrick' last='Gregory']   The sophomore guards are already making a big impact for the Timberwolves with tough finishing and clutch shotmaking. Hardeman is among the best shooters in the Class of 2027. Summers has become a microwave off the bench. The drill work does on the court is obvious with dribble moves, ball fakes and the efficiency he shoots with from the mid-range and beyond the arc. His Norman North basketball eduction is doing a good job of blending his iso style scoring abilities within the overall flow of their offense.   Cooper-Kelley is the steady, slasher who has taken a bigger leadership role even on a senior heavy Timberwolf team. He's opportunistic in how he create turnovers. And is an amazing finisher at the rim for his size and age. Gregory is more of a depth piece right now, but the lanky and athletic wing has untapped upside. Which should be crucial for future Norman North runs.     <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Carl Albert</h2>   [player_tooltip player_id='2499145' first='Austin' last='Johnson']   [player_tooltip player_id='2382118' first='Rex' last='Reynolds']   [player_tooltip player_id='2499150' first='Delijah' last='Matthews']   The Titans have gradually picked up momentum this season, and it's been in large part due to the growth of their strong sophomores. Johnson and Reynolds are two wings with plus wingspans and strong signs of developing athleticism. The type of prospects who mature into absolute game changers at the 5A level as upperclassmen. Especially as they already having flashes of a strong impact.   Along with being a defensive minded guard, Matthews is also a standout on the football field for the Titans' prestigious football program. His collegiate future may be on the gridiron, but some of the best Carl Albert teams over the years have featured D1 football players who did the little things and dirty work while hooping. Look for Matthews to set the tone, while Johnson and Reynolds become scoring leaders for many more Titans wins.     <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Fort Gibson</h2>   [player_tooltip player_id='2327106' first='Cooper' last='Hackett']   [player_tooltip player_id='2140727' first='Brody' last='Scott']   [player_tooltip player_id='2389001' first='Cash' last='Keys']   Looking to make it a step further than their Area finish last year, Fort Gibson has leaned on their talented sophomore core. They're ranked 10th in 4A right now, with the playoff seeding to be released late this week. [player_tooltip player_id='2140727' first='Brody' last='Scott'] has been an exciting, skilled guard to watch since he stepped on the court last season. Keys is a multi-sport star, and it's his first year at the Fort Gibson. Perfect type of "do everything guard", who slots in perfectly with his AAU teammates that he joined.   Joining them in forming a formidable inside-outside punch, is [player_tooltip player_id='2327106' first='Cooper' last='Hackett']. Roughly a year ago, the now 6 foot 7 center jumped off the screen on video. <a href="https://prephoops.com/2024/01/class-of-2027-upon-further-review/">While he looked raw he had athletic traits that couldn't be taught. </a>   <blockquote class="wp-block-quote"> Right now it looks like based on movements, he's still growing into his body and if Hackett grows a couple more inches he could be a very intriguing old school post prospect. </blockquote>   <a href="https://prephoops.com/2024/07/918-notebook-ph-ok-state/">Then a few months later a viewing with his AAU team sparked this write up.</a>   <blockquote class="wp-block-quote"> Seeing the hulking youngster in person, the upside is clear. Broad shoulder frame, long arms and great nimbleness for his size. He's going to be a force in Oklahoma over these next few years, as there's only a handful of players in this state at any time with his raw traits. It's also looks likely that while he has college upside in basketball, his upside in football could be even higher. </blockquote>   So far, all has been on the mark. Because Hackett has become a walking double down. While also threatening to tear down rims with powerful and strong dunks. He's also started to pick up Power 4 football offers. As he looks like a left tackle out of central casting. Football offers usually tend to win out over basketball, but if he loves to hoop there's D1 paths to his ceiling on the hardwood as well.     <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Heritage Hall</h2>   [player_tooltip player_id='2352732' first='TJ' last='Williams']   [player_tooltip player_id='2471098' first='Xzavier' last='Mbroh']   [player_tooltip player_id='2140785' first='Porter' last='Gillispie']   A midseason injury briefly derailed an impressive sophomore campaign for Williams. A few games back from injury and he's starting to find his form. The swingman has an unique skillset. Very good shooter from deep when his feet are set, and is capable of finishing above the rim in transition or when given the lane in the halfcourt. Has flashes of nastiness on the defensive end with blocks and boards. A little more of that production and he could be a true game changing force around the rim. Longterm, he's also a notable baseball prospect. So it's hard to project which sport he ends up playing in college.   Mbroh is pure speed and quickness. With stop on a dime ability, especially in the mid-range. There's a lot of flash to his playing style, but the substance is there for him to be a 18-22 point a game scorer as an upperclassman. Gillispie is a sharpshooter and has some sauce to his game. Has good vision and keeps his composure as a passer when pressured. His influence has grown this second semester and he still has the potential to turn into more of a true point guard.   While the Chargers are 7-9 on the year, a recent win over 6A Enid hints at the potential of what they could be. With playoff seeding coming out this week, they'll have a chance to play spoiler in Class 3A. Especially if the three aforementioned sophomores continue to make strides together.     <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Bishop McGuinness</h2>   [player_tooltip player_id='2140726' first='Brody' last='Parks']   [player_tooltip player_id='2382124' first='Jackson' last='Stone']   [player_tooltip player_id='2382126' first='Tim' last='Ososanya']   <a href="https://prephoops.com/2025/02/2027-rankings-new-prospects-to-know/">Ososanya's current change of pace ability and upside were highlighted yesterday. </a>Joining him as part of the bright future for the Irish are a pair of sharpshooters. After a strong McGuinness Classic, the "3 and D" potential of [player_tooltip player_id='2382124' first='Jackson' last='Stone'] became apparent. He knocked down clutch shots, and while skinny his frame and potential are promising if he buys in on the defensive end. Stone's exceptional shooting has continue on following the tournament, as he already has a very valuable role to play for the 11th ranked in 4A Irish.   Meanwhile, Parks broke onto the scene last year, as a reliable catch and shoot threat. He had some explosive games (7 threes against Ada) as a freshman. As a sophomore, the shooting has continued for Parks. He's also grown a bit and started to fill out physically. His development is starting with looking more comfortable as finisher in transition. And if he puts in the time in the gym, he should be an all around scoring threat who averages 16+ points a game as a junior and senior.

An interesting aspect of this current group of sophomores is how the talent has condensed at a few different schools. Some of it is related to the increase in player transfers. But a lot of these cores were built together when high school started. The collections of talent make for an exciting time for basketball in Oklahoma. With these players already making a huge impact and have teams ready to contend now.