January's Junior Stars

Strong sophomore campaigns are often launching pad for players to become among the state's best as juniors. Here's 8 juniors that have taken their games to the next level during a busy month of basketball.    One of the teams playing the best ball since the calendar turned to 2025 is Southmoore. Over the last week, they've jumped to the top of District 6A-1 with wins over top district opponents Edmond Memorial, Deer Creek and Putnam City. The win against PCO avenged a season opening loss and was also a career high 39 points for the sharpshooting junior. In early season viewings Brammer felt off, as he wasn't his usual efficient self. But he's been on a torrid tear with teammate [player_tooltip player_id='2140800' first='Tyson' last='Pogi']. Making a strong case they could be the best backcourt in Oklahoma. Something that will be tested on Friday in a likely match up with Millwood's elite backcourt at the John Nobles tournament in Moore.     There's been little drop off from the three times Class 2A state champs this year, and the youngest Forsythe brother has been a big reason why. In their biggest win this season last Friday, he produced 22 points, 10 rebounds and 7 assists in a win against Millwood. The small town standout has transitioned to more of an on the ball role, and flourished thanks to his quality handles and strong frame. He's tough to handle off the dribble, and has the ability to pull up quickly as well. He's also a very reliable off the ball shooter, making a perfect Swiss Army Knife guard. D1 programs are circling, and six months from now he should have D1 offers on the table.     Hite has flourished as the primary option for Piedmont. He started the new semester with 30 points against top Class 6A squad Choctaw. That came in a tough loss but recently he's helped the Wildcats put together three straight district wins over Edmond Santa, Eisenhower Fe and Putnam City North. Last night's win over PCN was particularly impressive and gives Piedmont a shot at a top half of District 2 finish. He poured in 25 points and grabbed 9 boards in that win against one of the best senior backcourts in Oklahoma.   Hite is also starting to show more explosiveness to his game, with above the rim finishes in transition. After being a strong all around guard, Hite has made the jump to go to scoring option in one of the toughest districts in Oklahoma. This week, Piedmont will attempt to keep the momentum rilling at Deer Creek's Bruce Gray tournament.     Mr Clutch. December saw Leache hit a game winner against Yukon. Now in January, he's cemented his ice cold resume with a tournament MVP at the McGuinness Classic and last night's game winner against Edmond Memorial. It all starts with his elite shooting, which has proven to be among the state's best. But his overall game has expanded this season, and he's now cleared 1,000 points for his career. Leache will have a shot at another tournament MVP this week, as his Antlers host the Bruce Gray Classic.     Even with other elite juniors emerging, Hopkins' explosive game has kept him near the top of the class. Lightning quick off the bounce, he's been scoring around 16 a game. While also handing out 7 assists. He's the type of guard who can changes games in a hurry, especially with how he sees the court in transition. The bouncy junior guard is also a menace on defense with sky high blocks and quick hand steals. A recent win against Moore was a bit of a breakthrough of a good Choctaw squad that had been knocking at the door at earning a signature win. Tournament match ups against Broken Arrow and El Reno will give them more chances to solidify momentum before the stretch run to earn a Regional host.     Bruner III has stepped into a big role for his new school and elevated his game this month. In a crucial win against district foe Shawnee, he had 29 points. The compact and quick guard is a problem with his pull up jumper and ability to stop on a dime. Along with the explosive scoring game against Shawnee, he had 18 in a tournament title game against host squad Lincoln Christian School. This weeks presents a playoff type test, against a variety of squads at a sneaky good Old Fort Classic in Fort Gibson.     After an injury wiped out his summer, Clark has been making up for lost time with strong performances as the main man for Inola. So far this semester, he's had multiple 20+ performances with full stat lines. Highlights have indicated that he looks smoother and more in control. With euro steps, hang in the air finishes and a reliable pull up jumper. The junior has an unique skillset, especially with his floor vision. Which makes him an very tough match up in Class 4A. It's a big week for Clark, as they're playing in a field full of size and athleticism, at the Old Fort Classic field this week.     Defending Class A champs Okarche is running through their schedule and their junior leader is a big reason why. Recently he exploded for 36 points in the Three Rivers title game vs Cashion. The lefty is automatic when left open from three, with a quick, compact release. He's got some wiggle and counters to his game when getting downhill. And is a quick processing passer, with one of the best touch passes that will be seen all year (<a href="https://x.com/OKHoopsReport/status/1879923868464459853">second clip in this highlight tape</a>). Right now the Warriors are 17-0, headed into the Coyle tournament and looking to repeat in Class A.

Strong sophomore campaigns are often launching pad for players to become among the state's best as juniors. Here's 8 juniors that have taken their games to the next level during a busy month of basketball.