Class of 2028 on the Rise Across Oklahoma

Oklahoma has many prospects that have worked hard to improve this season. The following group has begun to turn heads, while setting a new standard for what's next. With skill, confidence, and potential well beyond their years, this sophomore group is laying the groundwork for a class that could shape the state's competitive landscape for the next couple of years.   [player_tooltip player_id='2560248' first='Chance' last='Younger']   Guard   Moore   Younger has really emerged this season on both ends of the floor for the Lions. The 6'1 point guard plays extremely hard on the defensive end and is not afraid to compete. His overall game is highlighted by his passion and energy. Younger plays with confidence and never seems to get rattled. Offensively, he plays with great pace and has shown himself to be a three-level scorer. He navigates screens well and utilizes a “snake dribble” to keep defenders on his hip while putting pressure on the paint. Against powerful Owasso, Younger played well. His help defense and overall positioning helped to force multiple turnovers. On the other end of the floor, he scored 14 points and dished out a game-high eight assists.   [player_tooltip player_id='2381825' first='Beckett' last='Buckingham']   Guard   Crossings Christian   Buckingham shows a high basketball IQ and is very unselfish on the offensive side of the floor. The sophomore takes what the opposition gives him and can also score in many ways. His willingness to find the open man has been consistent for his team all season long. This is one of the reasons why the Knights have been so good this season. Recently, against Community Christian, Buckingham took over in the fourth quarter. He scored three times off the bounce down the stretch while also setting up teammates with open looks thanks to his penetration. In total, Beckett had a game-high 11 assists.   [player_tooltip player_id='2398309' first='Damonte' last='Owens']   Guard   Roland   Owens just eclipsed the 1,000-point mark against Poteau. This is not just an incredible feat as a sophomore, but it also speaks to the effort he has put in to continue to improve as defense's look to keep him corralled each night. The sophomore loves to have the ball in his hands when the lights are brightest. Against Heritage Hall, he piled up 26 points and helped lead the Rangers to their best win of the season. Owens has great body control and finishes well with either hand inside the arc. His attacking mindset continues to separate himself from a lot of other lead guards in his class.   [player_tooltip player_id='2410898' first='Daison' last='Hadley']   Guard   Varnum   Hadley is always shot ready and shows good elevation on his jump shot. The sophomore navigates pick-and-roll situations well, with an aggressive mindset. His ability to turn the corner and finish over length has really taken off this winter. Hadley has found a niche at shooting off the dribble especially in mid-range situations. With a handful of 30-point performances already, look for him to continue to hit his stride as the Whippets inch closer to the postseason.   [player_tooltip player_id='2773206' first='Rylan' last='Cash']   Forward   Warner   Warner has a tough stretch coming up to finish out the regular season. The Eagles will look to build on a current two-game winning streak that saw Cash average 20.5 points, 12.5 rebounds, and 3.5 assists. At 6'4”, Rylan is able to do many things well for his club. He can see around the defense and create passing lanes, shoot over length and finish inside. As a passer, he utilizes both hands and routinely sets up teammates in positions to catch and score. Cash is also very effective as a screener as he can pop to the perimeter or roll to the front of the rim. Defensively he is very active, getting his hands on the ball often. Rylan creates deflections, steals and reacts well to block shots inside. His ability to guard both on the perimeter and in the paint has been huge for Warner. The sophomore can also handle the ball well and looks to rebound and run to create transition opportunities the other way.

Oklahoma has many prospects that have worked hard to improve this season. The following group has begun to turn heads, while setting a new standard for what's next. With skill, confidence, and potential well beyond their years, this sophomore group is laying the groundwork for a class that could shape the state's competitive landscape for the next couple of years.