Class of 2028 Rankings: Don't Sleep on these Guards

Playing for one of the state's best and deepest teams means Heskett might not have as many opportunities as other guards on this list. But he's carved out a role and made the most of them. Including a loud moment in a signature Putnam City North win. Throughout the match up against Edmond Santa Fe last month, Heskett kept popping up with key plays. A savvy steal and score sparked the Panthers in the second quarter. Hit a deep three in the second half. His play earned him extending minutes and he delivered in overtime. Grabbing a defensive board and racing the length of the court for a game winning closing finish in the closing seconds. Clearly has the game gene to go along with having a former high major shooting guard father.     The last month has seen Buckingham hit new heights as a key starter for the Knights. With an injury to a fellow starter, he'll need to keep ascending to keep their 4A title hopes alive. Which based on the cool, calm and collected play he has for a sophomore, he can clearly do that. In fact in a recent game where they allowed a team back into it, it was Buckingham's decision making that shut the door. He has a solid first step, which allows him to snake all the way to the rim himself or make all the right reads for assist. His development and shining moments in some of the biggest games Crossings this year has been remarkable. Especially as this time last year, he was a spot up threat fighting for minutes off the bench. Give Buckingham another year, and who knows how high this developing point guard could fly.     Younger has stepped up into a bigger role for a Moore team that replaced a lot of production. Dangerous off the bounce, with crafty finishing at the rim. Or stopping and hitting teammates for open threes. Has a solid mid-range game and hits enough threes to keep the defense honest. Displays some competitiveness with the way he attacks on defense to force turnovers. And a willingness to muscle up and battle against taller players. Good sophomore size as a building block that could potentially set him up to be among the better guards in the state next year.     With more power and pace into his compact frame, Ferguson is having an outstanding sophomore campaign. Has deep range and a reliable mid-range jumper, which has been evident since last year. But this year he's stronger and craftier at the rim. Scoring is clearly his primary DNA, but will be interesting to see how his playmaking and creation abilities develop. He has fun moments of that in transition, but mastering his half court reads and feel will unlock new levels to his collegiate potential.     Stephens has put impressive numbers with full stat lines while elevating an exciting Tigers squad into the 2A State Tournament picture. Good quickness, body control and handles allow him to carve up defense off the bounce into hang time finishes at the rims. Along with mid-range jumpers. Shoots it well from deep too. Routinely sets up his talented teammates and rebounds well for a smaller guard. At times can dance a bit with the ball in his hands, which at the small town level he can get away. But in bigger games and AAU play, it will pay to be more direct with the ball. Multi-sport standout, who will have collegiate opportunities in football and basketball.     One of the more electric guards in Oklahoma. Has the type of first step and quickness that he can't be guarded in a phone booth. Makes him a dynamic driver, and a big time havoc causer on the defense end. Can change games with momentum swinging steals and scores. There's a lot to like thanks to his natural gifts and heart over height mentality he plays with. A couple ares of improvements will be needed over the upcoming years. It starts with his jumper. When his feet are set from three, he's solid and promising. But the clear scouting report on him is to sag off and go under screens. Which negates some of his quickness advantage. And while capable of exciting passes and moments, he's not year a true real deal PG, who sees moves ahead and dictates a team. Improvement in those elements will make Nelson a monster to deal with as an upperclassman.