Oklahoma high school boys basketball: Here are the top shooting guards for the 2023-24 season

Several players coming off state title seasons head up this season's list

We’re taking a position-by-position look at some of the top players in Oklahoma high school boys basketball. 

With our first list focusing on point guards, this next list pertains to shooting guards. While there is some inevitable overlap when distinguishing shooting guards from point guards in today’s high school basketball landscape, this is our subjective outlook on their current position.

Oklahoma's Top Boys Basketball Players

2023-24 Season

Point Guards

Eventually, we’ll dive into small forwards and finish with posts.

There are hundreds of standout boys basketball players in Oklahoma, and these lists are not intended to be comprehensive. If you know of any other point guards worthy of fans’ attention in 2023-24, let us know. 

In no particular order: 

Cedric Dixon, 6-3, Sr., Grind Prep Academy

Dixon is making a big move for his final high school season to Grind Prep, a new prep school established in the Oklahoma City metro by Marques Warrior and Co. They’ll be anchored by Dixon, as the 6-foot-3 athletic guard who shot 45.7% from the field and 44.9% from 3-point range with Team Griffin on the Nike EYBL circuit is primed to have a huge senior year.

Recently decommitting from Nebraska-Omaha, Dixon’s recruitment should see a fruitful improvement as he and Grind Prep travel around the country to challenge some very strong talent throughout their regular season.

Jaden Nickens, 6-3, Jr., Oklahoma City Douglass

Nickens is a name that virtually every Sooner football fanatic should know by now, as the Oklahoma football commit is one of, if not the single best athlete in the state. His efforts have helped Millwood clinch back-to-back 3A state titles. Last season, Nickens posted 12 points in the Falcons’ 56-53 victory over Metro Christian.

But now, Nickens has transferred his talents over to crosstown rival Douglass, though he has yet to play a game for the Trojans. That included having to sit out when the Trojans edged Millwood in a dramatic finish in mid-January.

Roman Miller, 6-4, Jr., Mustang

Miller is one of those talents you stumble upon once in a blue moon. As he continues to grow in height and fill out his current 6-foot-3 lanky frame with a 6-foot-9 wingspan, Miller’s scoring ability without the physicality is special to watch in itself. Fluid handle, culminates pretty dribble combinations that are useful to create space, and he excels at utilizing angles on the downhill drive to leverage his weight and gravity to open himself up.

Before switching to Drive Nation EYBL this summer, Miller’s time with Team Griffin EYBL saw him average 21.5 points and six boards on over 50% shooting from the field and right at 50% shooting from 3-point range.

As his stock continues to climb and climb, Miller will continue to garner interest and looks. Currently, Oklahoma State is showing plenty of interest in the 2025 guard, inviting him and his family on an unofficial visit in mid-September.

Carson Jones, 6-3, Sr., Oklahoma Christian School

Jones is a prospect who’s continued to stay his own course and pave his own path through lots of hard work and dedication. Competing on the PRO16 circuit last summer with Team Oklahoma, Jones’ stock skyrocketed as he saw multiple offers come in just before his final season of high school basketball.

An intelligent player with a plethora of game-winning tools, Jones garnered offers from Central Oklahoma, Oklahoma City and Mid-America Christian before ultimately committing to Kansas Wesleyan on Sep. 1.

Jesse Ledbetter, 6-1, Sr., Southmoore

Ledbetter is certainly one of the more under-the-radar prospects on this list out of Southmoore. A built, sound offensive player, he holds the tools to score at all three levels while also possessing the athleticism and defensive awareness to be a strong perimeter defender. And schools have begun to notice what he has to offer.

With his recruitment picking up speed over the summer, Ledbetter garnered offers from the likes of Mid-America Christian, Southwestern and Oklahoma Panhandle State as he enters his senior campaign.

Ja'Mon Valentine, 6-2, Sr., Choctaw

Valentine, a 6-foot-2 combo guard for Choctaw, is slated to have a big senior year following All-Tournament Team honors in the state tournament last season, where he and the Yellowjackets fell short in the 6A semifinal. But he helped get them into the semifinals with a memorable buzzer-beating layup in the quarterfinals.

As a three-level, physical scorer competing with Southern Athletes on the Adidas 3SSB circuit this past summer, that experience against high level talent will prove beneficial to his performance this high school season.

His recruitment should be bolstered fairly well if he plays his cards right and continues to compete with a high motor as he does.

Tristan Hankins, 6-1, Jr., Moore

Hankins is a prospect who has contributed from the start of his high school for the Moore Lions, and early experience is certainly desirable for college coaches. Initially on the court for his 3-point specialty, he’s blossomed into a well-rounded scorer on each level, continually growing in confidence and progressing his creativity.

Now, with the graduation and movement of many Lions guards, Hankins will really be able to control the offense and let his development flourish in his junior season.

His lone offer comes from Oral Roberts, but expect more to flood in if his season goes according to plan.

DJ Dill, 6-2, Sr., Caddo

Dill’s exceptional athleticism, standing at 6-foot-2, 170 pounds, is exciting to see first hand. Extremely agile, great acceleration and body control, his two-way skill set helped the Bruins claim the Class A state title in the spring, defeating Okay 58-51. This feat marked the first time in school history to reign victorious in the state championship, and Dill was a primary factor in that, scoring 23 points in the biggest win of his career.

Dill’s most recent offers come from McPherson, Northern Oklahoma College Enid and Oklahoma Christian.

Wyatt Powell, 6-3, Sr., Metro Christian Academy

Powell’s scoring prowess and 6-foot-3 frame as a guard has seen him with plenty of college interest before he begins his senior campaign at Metro Christian. Having a stellar summer at Oral Roberts team camp — where he scored 26 points alongside seven rebounds and five assists against Catoosa — as well as in the grassroots scene with Missouri Legacy – where he averaged just over 30 points per game throughout four contests in a late May event on the PRO16 circuit.

His unparalleled scoring ability has earned him offers from the likes of Missouri Southern State and Southwestern, as well as interest from many others.

Dalen Fuller, 6-5, Sr., Tulsa Union

An open-court killer, Fuller’s offensive dynamics are a defender’s worst possibility when trying to keep up with him on the break. Truly gifted athletically, his 6-foot-5 stature combined with that athleticism is a lethal combination, and one that many colleges would want. His tangibles also make him a lockdown defender on the perimeter, as he’s long and quick laterally with fast hands.

Heading into his senior season with Tulsa Union, Fuller holds an offer from Redlands.

Davon Chaffin, 6-3, So., OKC Southeast

Chaffin is one who’s making some noise just as a sophomore this season. A 6-foot-3 combo guard with a college-bound skill set and natural athleticism, Chaffin’s frame is continuing to fill out as he’s primed for a breakout season with Southeast. His ability in transition alone pins him as a primary player to game plan for opposing teams.

After a strong showing with Team Griffin’s 16U Select squad this spring and summer, Chaffin will be a prospect to look out for at shooting guard.

Nik Rhodes, 6-0, Sr., Edmond Santa Fe

Rhodes is coming into his senior year at Edmond Santa Fe, hoping to help improve the Wolves’ 10-14 record from a season ago. As a relatively undersized combo guard, he more than makes up for it through his shooting ability and knowledge to work both with and without the ball, as well as constant effortful output.

Coming off a productive season last year with the Wolves, Rhodes garnered a scholarship offer from Southwestern in early October.

Bryson Buckingham, 6-2, Sr., OKC Casady

Making the switch to Casady for his final high school season, Buckingham has an opportunity to help bolster his recruitment this season following an impressive summer with Oklahoma Wolfpack. In a PRO16 event in Fayetteville, Ark., he put up 24 points, eight rebounds, five assists and two steals per game throughout four contests while shooting 46% from 3-point distance.

A natural scorer off the dribble, Buckingham’s opportunities to create for himself and dictate the offense will be heightened this season making the switch from Edmond North to Casady.

His most recent offers come from Saint Mary and Pratt Institute.

Deke Thompson, 6-4, Jr., Sand Springs

Thompson has continued to progress and grow now as a 6-foot-4 junior, making the move from Jenks to Charles Page (Sand Springs) over the offseason. A large-bodied, two-way shooting guard, Thompson has a translatable skill set to college ball and has the tools to aid Sand Springs this season.

Offensively versatile and a strong perimeter and on-ball defender, Thompson will look to continually develop those facets this season in the Class of 2025.

Dontrell Yearby, 6-2, Sr., Edmond North

Coming off a championship with the Huskies, the agile shooting guard in Yearby is looking to help Edmond North reach its third state title in four seasons. In a playoff matchup versus Tulsa Booker T. Washington en route to their 6A title victory, Yearby helped in the win posting 10 points off two 3-pointers along with two steals.

Yearby’s most recent offer comes from the University of the Ozarks in late May.

Diego Ochoa, 6-2, Sr., Broken Arrow

Ochoa heads into his senior season with plenty of optimism. A reliable, high I.Q. guard with a strong ability to score, the 6-foot-2 Tiger will have plenty of opportunities to continue to show his worth to college coaches before he closes out his high school career.

A part of the FIBA Mexican 17-U team, his experience against some top high school talent across the FIBA realm will help immensely as he makes his way back to Broken Arrow this season.

Lesley Rose III, 6-1, Sr., Northwest Classen

While he could definitely compete at the one at the next level, Rose was placed in this shooting guards list as he’s more of a combo guard, and Northwest Classen’s Brandon Butler was placed within the point guards list also.

Regardless, Rose is certainly one to look out for this season as a senior guard for Northwest Classen. With agility, a tight handle and possessing an overall confidence with the ball in his hands, he’s a primary scoring outlet when he’s on the floor. Rose isn’t just useful on offense either, as his confidence carries over to the other side of the ball as an effortful on-ball defender along the perimeter.

Rose’s most recent offer comes from Redlands in mid-July.

Levi Kelly, 5-11, Jr., Dale

Kelly is an all-around team player out of Dale. As a back-to-back 2A state champion, Kelly’s role is one that is useful for any team who desires to get to the state title game and succeed. A big-shot maker, hustler and competes with mindfulness and efficiency, his intangibles combined with his skill to sink triples at a high clip is what makes him such an advantageous player.

Kelly has recently received offers from Oklahoma Baptist and Central Oklahoma ahead of his junior campaign.

Jyson Kim, 6-4, Jr., Cascia Hall

Kim is truly starting to grow into his game as a long, efficient shooter at each level. Effective out of the triple threat, finds his way to the rim with confidence, his all-around game is continuing to develop heading into his junior year at Cascia Hall.

In the Oral Roberts team camp, Kim tallied 40 points in just a single contest. He’ll be a popular name within these next couple years.

Braeden Lloyd, 6-2, Sr., Piedmont

Lloyd’s been such an undervalued versatile combo guard in the state. Making his move to Piedmont for his last high school season, he’ll have many opportunities to showcase his ability as a two-way player, and especially his offensive capabilities. Last season in a contest against Tecumseh, Lloyd tallied 42 points on a 68% shooting night, as well as four deflections with three steals.

With his first offer coming from Southwestern in late September, he should see many more eyes on him throughout this season.

Kabron Lewis, 6-2, Sr., Tulsa Hale

Lewis is a gifted offensive talent as a 6-foot-2 guard out of Nathan Hale. Change of pace, complete burst of quickness and a decisiveness around the rim, he’s an excellent playmaker for the Rangers, and it’s seen him earn a number of offers before his senior season.

His most recent offer comes from North Dakota State College of Science, but Lewis also holds offers from Seminole State, Murray State and others. Look for him to have a huge year in 2023-24.

Hudson Linsenmeyer, 6-2, Sr., Edmond Deer Creek

A 6-foot-2, crafty and well-rounded guard, Linsenmeyer helped Deer Creek reach the first round of the 6A state tournament last year. Against a loaded Owasso team, he was able to post 14 points with one triple, but the Antlers fell short to the Rams to end their season.

Still, it was a bright spot for Linsenmeyer and Deer Creek last year — and it’s certain he’ll be looking to help get the Antlers back there next season.

Linsenmeyer picked up an offer from the University of the Ozarks back in late May.

Owen Eshelman, 6-3, Jr., Norman North

A soon-to-be big-time football recruit, Eshelman is also an exceptional basketball player. Competing on the Nike EYBL this summer, he helped Team Griffin reach the final four throughout Peach Jam, shooting 64% from the field and 71% from 3-point range.

Eshelman will look to improve on both fronts yet again in his junior year, embracing his role on the court while polishing his skill on the gridiron. He’ll be an integral piece for this Norman North team this season.

Camden Hyman, 5-10, Sr., Choctaw

Hyman, a 5-foot-10 sniper from Choctaw, recently announced his commitment to Schreiner University. A quick-trigger shooter, he’ll provide an impact as a 3-point specialist immediately on campus, as will his effort and determination as an undersized guard.

Little to no dip in his shot off the catch with plenty of accuracy, his shooting ability is one of the best in the state.

Khai Brown, 6-3, Jr., Putnam City North

Brown is looking to have a breakout year with Putnam City North this season as a junior, seemingly on the cusp of becoming another great guard to come out of the Panthers' program. Growing into his body and his game, his on-court ability will continue to rise with the transformation of his height and his build.

Growing around two to three inches within the last year, this should see him with an advantage over undersized guards and wings.

Look for Brown to have another strong year for the Panthers as an expected 2025 graduate.

Isaiah McLemore, 6-6, Sr., Mingo Valley Christian

McLemore comes off a productive summer on the PRO16 circuit with AAO Flight, making the move from Owasso to Metro Valley Christian for his senior campaign. Through this transfer, he’ll have plenty of opportunity to showcase his talents on a broader level as a 6-foot-6 combo guard with a multifaceted skill set.

In an early November scrimmage, McLemore posted 28 points and 10 assists against Oologah, while also adding 31 points and 12 rebounds in another contest against Berryhill.

McLemore’s most recent offer comes from Southwestern in late September.

Cody Lechlider, 6-4, Sr., Owasso

As a lengthy guard, the 6-foot-4 Lechlider is very difficult to stop once going downhill, and also has the ability to sink a triple whenever needed. Running with the Tulsa Hawks last summer in grassroots on the PRO16 circuit, Lechlider was able to help himself earn an offer to Manhattan Christian, marking his first offer ahead of his senior season.

Look out for more to come as he stakes his claim with a loaded Owasso team this season.

Davon Scott, 6-3, Jr., OKC Douglass

Scott, an absolute 3-point threat out of Douglass, is primed for a breakout junior season as he continues to hone in on his shot and all-around offensive prowess. At 6-foot-3, the growing shooting guard had an impressive summer competing on the Nike EYBL circuit with Team Griffin lighting it up day in and day out from beyond the arc and everywhere in between.

Arguably the top combo guard in the 2025 class, Scott will have plenty of eyes on him as he hopes to help lead Douglass to back-to-back state titles in 2023-24.

Jaden Williams, 6-3, Jr., OKC Douglass

Another impressive combo guard from Douglass, Jaden Williams is one that’ll help anchor the defense for the Trojans this season. Competing for the Tulsa Hawks on the PRO16 circuit over the summer, Williams posted an eight-point, six-rebound and two-steal outing, leveraging his hustle and effort for quality production.

He’ll be another one for the Trojans to keep an eye on in the Class of 2025 throughout his junior season.

Photo of Caddo's DJ Dill (with ball) by Michael Kinney

-- Nate Aker | @SBLiveOK