Starnes has one of the best motors in the class. He’s a force on the glass, runs the floor hard in transition and seems to always find that extra 10% to make things happen. His performance this year has already elevated Southwest Covenant to a top 5 ranking in Class A. Now the Patriots are only one win away from the Class A State Tournament, which would be their first appearance since 2018. If they are to punch their ticket this week, it will surely come off moment swinging and energy plays from the urgency that Starnes plays with.

Starnes is all action on the court. He’s an efficient scorer, with a quality jumper for a wing. Can do damage in the mid-range. It’s hard not to focus on just how hard he plays, especially as a rebounder. Love the way he runs the floor, to either get outlets or follow up shots with putbacks. Can also hold his own in the paint, on both ends of the floor. There’s always room at the next level for players that leave it all on the court like Starnes.

Energy and production are two things Starnes always brings to the court. In this case, he played big around the rim with the occasional block and consistent rebounding. While also working in the mid-range and stepping out to the three point line. Motor and skill make him a tough match up and continue to make his basketball future look bright. One of the true grinders of the Class of 2026, who’s effort is always notable.

Starnes simply continues to produce. He might have had a little bit of luck with his first banked in three. But players tend to make their own luck through effort, and he kept scoring the rock. Knows how to seal and score when attacking a mismatch on the block. Gets on the offensive glass too. While also working the mid-range with tough jumpers. With his combination of height and knack for scoring, he’s a strong bet at the next level for regional small college programs.

Starnes mixes his height and skill with another important trait. A motor. In an age when playing hard is now a skill, Starnes tends to impress with the effort he puts on the court. He always has his hard hat on, making the most of his natural gifts. And now it’s translating to success with one of the top regional AAU programs, the Rogue ‘ last=”]. Any player who can hit jumpers and hustle like Starnes tend to not only find next level opportunities. They tend to stick around and thrive.

Skilled wing-forward prospect, Starnes made his mark in the first half against a good ElevaTE squad. Knocked down jumpers, and was active on the glass. One such instance would endear him to any college coach. He grabbed a defensive board, flipped it to a teammate who pushed it. It quickly led to a missed shot for Rogue ‘ last=”], but who was there to clean up the miss? A hustling Starnes. Hitting shots and battling on the boards, always a good combo.

Gunner Starnes Gunner Starnes 6'7" | SF Southwest Covenant | 2026 State OK stood out at The Expo by making an impact on the game all over the court. I dove into his versatility in The Signature 6, but he scored from all three levels and showed constant aggression. Starnes is a solid athlete with good size and showcased his guard skills as well. He really played three through four at times and excelled in whatever role he was asked to play.

Gunner Starnes Gunner Starnes 6'7" | SF Southwest Covenant | 2026 State OK impressed at The Expo by dominating the offensive end with a versatile offensive game. He shot the lights out all day with catch-and-shoot threes as well as mid range fade aways off of post-ups. He stayed in attack mode and finished with strength around the rim. Starnes also made an impact on the defensive end by being switchable as well as recording several blocks. His playmaking vision also caught eyes as he rarely missed open cutters who got behind the defense.