3A Guards Poised for Breakout Seasons

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>With practices officially underway, it is time to kick off the 2026-27 season. Class 3A basketball is set to look much different this year with several teams entering through reclassification. The transfer portal has also given programs a chance to reload and prepare for the new challenges ahead. With new teams joining the class and plenty of talent returning, 3A could be one of the most intriguing classes to follow this season. Here are some guards to keep an eye on.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["3479650"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6abe7837598a2"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='3479650' first='Jaxon' last='Johnson'] is easily one of the top breakout candidates to watch this season, coming off a year that showed just how much offensive production he can bring to the table. The Stigler standout has already proven he can put up big numbers, including a 35-point performance last season, while routinely finding ways to finish games with double-digit points or rebounds.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Johnson operates as a true floor general, taking control of the offense while making his presence felt on the defensive end as well. He plays with a high level of competitiveness and fights for every possession, whether he is battling in the paint or defending out on the perimeter. Johnson has a legitimate chance to put together a breakout season and could easily find himself averaging over 20 points per game.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2393278"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6abe783759900"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='2393278' first='Michael' last='Berry'] is an athletic 6'2 guard who consistently rises to the occasion when the game gets big. He brings a high level of energy on both ends of the floor, using his athleticism and instincts to make plays that can quickly swing momentum. Jones is a ball-hawking defender who does a great job reading his opponents' eyes and anticipating passes, giving him the ability to disrupt passing lanes. He plays with a relentless motor and is willing to put his hips down defensively to make life difficult for opposing guards. Berry has the tools to become a highly productive scorer by creating offense from his defensive pressure.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":["not_in_db"],"_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"field_62cca28ffa4e7","player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"Jaylan Royston","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"field_62aba4c9ecf2f","player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"2027","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"field_62aba4ddecf30","player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"5'10u0022","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"field_62aba4e8ecf31","player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"77246","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"field_62aba4f0ecf32","player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"Tulsa Webster","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"field_62aba4fdecf33","player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_program":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_program":"field_62d20e723441a","player_evaluations_0_player_details":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details":"field_62aba4afecf2e","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6abe7837599ac"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Jaylan Royston is an immediate threat whenever he gets outside the perimeter, bringing a reliable shooting presence that can quickly change the game. The Webster guard has a smooth, quick release that allows him to get his shot off before defenders can close out, while still staying controlled and balanced. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Royston showed just how dangerous he can be from deep last season, putting together a 17-point performance while knocking down five 3-pointers. His ability to consistently knock down shots from beyond the arc makes him a player defenses cannot afford to leave open. If he continues shooting at the level he has shown, expect Royston's offensive production to continue climbing throughout the season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":["not_in_db"],"_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"field_62cca28ffa4e7","player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"Jeyden Simpkins","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"field_62aba4c9ecf2f","player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"2027","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"field_62aba4ddecf30","player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"6'0u0022","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"field_62aba4e8ecf31","player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"77244","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"field_62aba4f0ecf32","player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"Millwood","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"field_62aba4fdecf33","player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_program":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_program":"field_62d20e723441a","player_evaluations_0_player_details":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details":"field_62aba4afecf2e","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6abe783759a40"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Jeyden Simpkins enters the season as a recent transfer to Millwood following a solid summer that showed what he can bring to his new team. The 6'0 guard has a crafty bag of moves that allows him to create separation and consistently put defenders in difficult positions. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Simpkins is especially shifty with his size ups on the perimeter, using changes of pace and quick movements to freeze defenders before attacking the rim. His ability to create advantages off the bounce makes him a dangerous option when he gets downhill. Simpkins should have a large role as a senior guard in a new-look backcourt, giving him plenty of opportunities to make an impact with the ball in his hands.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2876722"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6abe783759a90"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='2876722' first='Brody' last='Bishop'] enters the season following a strong sophomore campaign in which he averaged 12.3 points, 4 rebounds, 3 assists, and 2.2 steals per game. The athletic 6'2 guard does a little bit of everything, making an impact as both a scorer and playmaker while creating problems defensively. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Bishop excels at creating separation on the perimeter, giving himself clean looks for his quick 3-point jumper. He plays with a smooth shooting motion and soft arc, while also showing a soft touch when using the glass around the basket. I expect Bishop to take another step forward this season and emerge as Marlow's leading scorer with the potential to push toward 18 points per game.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["3137847"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6abe783759b22"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='3137847' first='Collin' last='Stanton'] has already established himself as one of the more intriguing 2029 prospects in Oklahoma, but this season could be the year he begins to make his name known as one of the best scorers in 3A. Stanton averaged 10.7 points per game as a freshman before elevating his production to 15.8 points per game during the playoffs.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">The Casady standout carried that momentum into the summer, running with ProSkills and competing against some of the top talent in the country. That experience should only add to his confidence and scoring ability heading into his sophomore season. I predict Stanton to increase his average by more than a handful of points this season. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->