Analyzing Oklahoma: Names to Watch After the New Year

The start of the season across the state has already created a lot of buzz. We have seen several standout performers emerge as players to watch. With many must-watch lists, we have a lot of players to pick from. Today, we will take a deeper dive into some players that have been gaining traction as of late. These guys are making a strong case for themselves as we head into the new year.   [player_tooltip player_id='1552328' first='Jack' last='Sheriff'] | Edmond Memorial The senior has already built a lot of momentum early in the season and shows no signs of slowing down. Sheriff continues to improve his play, as he is impacting the game on both ends of the floor. His ability to attack the paint and finish around the rim has kept constant pressure on defenses. At 6'3”, Sheriff's length and athleticism are factors that many other guards do not have. This has also allowed him to apply pressure to bigger offensive threats that lineup across from him.   He brings a tireless motor to the floor, and will periodically fly in for timely rebounds or big-time hustle plays. While these will not always show up on the stat sheet, they impact games in a major way. Many of these plays can swing momentum in his teams favor. Sheriff is a serious perimeter threat, his shooting stroke is smooth from beyond the arc. He has already put together many quality performances with several three-point makes. This has forced defenders to respect him at all three levels as a scorer. With his effort, confidence, and versatility, Sheriff looks to continue to impact his team in a major way.   [player_tooltip player_id='2823611' first='Cooper' last='Westfahl'] | Chisholm Westfahl has put together an impressive career for the Longhorns and continues to be a major impact player for the program. The senior recently surpassed the 1,000-point milestone, a testament to his ability, hard work and overall talent the last few seasons. As Chisolm continues to navigate through their season, you can expect Westfahl to continue to steady the ship in high pressure situations.   Having led his team for the past few years, Westfahl has proven he can provide for his teammates as a number one option. While the Longhorns have faced a challenging start to the season, they will look to continue to lean on the experience and leadership that Westfahl shows. Look for Westfahl to continue to control games by keeping his thumb on the overall tempo. He can make key plays when it matters most, proving to be a major cog in his teams push toward the finish line.   [player_tooltip player_id='2460618' first='Brice' last='Bledsoe'] | Deer Creek–Lamont Bledsoe has taken his game to another level over the past few weeks, emerging as one of the most dangerous offensive threats for Deer Creek–Lamont. The senior guard has eclipsed the 30-point mark twice in the last two weeks, highlighting both his scoring and his ability to play with extreme confidence. His high basketball IQ, combined with his excellent length, allows him to finish over smaller defenders while remaining under control in the paint.   In addition to his ability to score inside, Bledsoe continues to provide his team with a reliable shooting touch from beyond the arc, making him a true threat from all three levels on the floor. Against Blackwell, he delivered one of his best performances of the season, pouring in 31 points while shooting the ball with great efficiency. Look for Bledsoe to carry more of the load and continue to lead his squad as they approach the back half of their season.   [player_tooltip player_id='1987389' first='Caleb' last='Stephens'] | Midwest City Stephens is in a nice rhythm right now. As the calendar turns toward 2026, look for him to continue to emerge as a go-to piece for Midwest City. The senior guard averaged over 15 points per game at the Joe Lawson Invitational, which was highlighted by a 20-point performance against Westmoore. His offensive production has come in many different ways, showcasing his confidence and versatility.   Stephens' ability to handle the ball and consistently push the tempo in transition has been huge for the Bombers, often creating scoring opportunities before opposing defenses have a chance to get back. He excels at attacking early, generating easy buckets and keeping pressure on the defense. In the half court, he is a reliable perimeter threat. His release from the 3-point line is smooth and confident, he is highly effective in catch and shoot situations. As an off ball threat, teams must continue to have a plan for Stephens.   Rickey Bruner | East Central Bruner has quickly established himself as one of the best offensive weapons in the state. The guard recently set a school record for three-pointers made in a single game. Bruner erupted for eight three-pointers, scoring 34 points. His scoring ability continued to shine at the Christmas Crossover Tournament in Texas, where he averaged 18.5 points and 4 assists. Bruner does a phenomenal job of creating offense for both himself and his teammates.   At 5'10”, Bruner plays with extreme confidence. His elevation when he shoots allows him to get clean looks against longer defenders. Bruner has been on a tear from beyond the arc, shooting an impressive 50% from long range while hitting 18 total three-pointers over his last three games. Along with his strong shooting, he also features solid playmaking and an ability to find open teammates. He will continue to be a matchup problem for opponents as he looks to lead East Central as the season goes on.   [player_tooltip player_id='2213327' first='Carter' last='Mardis'] | Holland Hall Mardis has taken his play to another level so far. He has been the most consistent player for Holland Hall this season, making a statement in his first few games. He is at his best from the high post, where he can analyze the defense and find open teammates. Another added element for Mardis, is his ability to drive from this area of the floor to put pressure on paint defenders. He can rad defenses at a high level and helps lead the overall offensive attack.   Mardis also features a mid-range jump shot that makes him difficult to defend. At 6'6", the forward brings tremendous length to the defensive end as well. He uses this to his advantage, as he is able to get into passing lanes and force turnovers. Look for Mardis to continue to play a major role for Holland Hall as the season goes on.

The start of the season across the state has already created a lot of buzz. We have seen several standout performers emerge as players to watch. With many must-watch lists, we have a lot of players to pick from. Today, we will take a deeper dive into some players that have been gaining traction as of late. These guys are making a strong case for themselves as we head into the new year.