2026 Rankings: Golden Guards

It's the stretch run for the Class of 2026. For some of the top guards in Oklahoma, they have already won Gold once, or twice. Or even three times for one player. State Titles are impressive notches on the resume of any prospect, especially as there are some college programs and coaches that tend to prioritize winners of State. Here's six guards in 2026, that have already tasted Gold once. Or twice. Or even three times.    As a freshman, Barrett saw his older brother (TO Barrett, now with Missouri) lead Edmond North to a second straight State Title. Following that season, the younger Barrett transferred to Millwood. Where as a sophomore, he was arguably their most consistent player in reaching the Class 3A State Title game. They unfortunately finished runner ups that year, but an improved Barrett was a key engine in the Falcons winning it back in March.   Barrett is one of the top defenders in the State. He has a nose for the ball, always coming up for steals. Along with rising for blocks and rebounds exceptionally well for a guard. He also improved his finishing ability as a junior. Continuing to improve his jumper is the next step for a player who has a winning mentality.     After being arguably the best 6th man in the state as a freshman and sophomore, Forsythe was given a leading role and thrived. Which shouldn't be shocking, as he was also tough as nails. But to go along with his strong mentality and frame, he became even more of a powerful attacker of the rim And he shot it exceptional well off the dribble from three.   Forsythe's crowning moment at the high school level last year was when he made it rain in the Class 2A semifinals. He put defenders on skates, then drained threes like they were layups. The next day, Dale would win their third straight State Title. Now, a new era of Dale basketball will be on his broad shoulders. As there's a new coach, and there will be four new starters around Forsythe. Given how good of a scorer and competitor he is, it would be ill-advised to bet against the Pirates in Class 2A.     Williams has started since his freshman year at 6A Owasso. And as a sophomore, he helped delivered the Rams their first State Championship in school history. He's a hard nosed player, who likely will slot in initially at the next level as a "3 and D" type guard. Especially as he's continued growing, and now is pushing 6'4 with a plus wingspan. Giving him good potential to be a switchable defender at the next level. A more aggressive senior season for the hard working guard will have the Rams chasing for Gold once again.     Denson has seen it all in three years at Midwest City. His freshman year, the Bombers struggled mightly. He was a baby faced long range sniper on that squad. Learning from those experiences, he was a key part of their 2024 5A State Title winning team. Then last year, he helped guided an injury plagued squad back to the State Tournament. They ultimately fell short in repeating, but one thing became clear. Denson is a bucket. Long range shooting is the foundation of his game. But he's very capable off the bounce now. With a good pull up, and a sneaky finishing game at the basket.     While Leache is finishing up his prep career at a non OSSAA school, he was still a big part of Deer Creek's magical 6A State Title run. Always a sharpshooter, Leache has made strides in developing his all around game. First it was becoming a better scorer off the bounce. But in recent months, this has involved better ball handling and reading of the floor. He values the ball and is becoming more of a true playmaker. It's always a good sign when players taste success and keep adding to their games.     February 1st, 2024. That's the last Mueggenborg and Okarche have lost a high school basketball game. The sharpshooting guard has guided the Warriors to back to back Class A titles. Including this past year's undefeated run. He leads their breakneck pace in transition and aggressive defense. While also routinely hitting big threes and drives to the rim in the half court. The fact that he gets his big time scoring production in the flow of the offense, is a good indicator that he will adjust well to the next level.

It's the stretch run for the Class of 2026. For some of the top guards in Oklahoma, they have already won Gold once, or twice. Or even three times for one player. State Titles are impressive notches on the resume of any prospect, especially as there are some college programs and coaches that tend to prioritize winners of State. Here's six guards in 2026, that have already tasted Gold once. Or twice. Or even three times.