Class of 2028 Rankings: Familiar Faces, New Places

Hightower made the small move from Anadarko to Riverside Indian School. Her arrival firmly puts the Lady Braves in the Class 2A State Title picture. She'll be a Swiss Army Knife weapon for a team filled with shooting and skilled guards. Hightower is one of the best two way players in the 2027 Class. A plus athlete, with a long wingspan, she is very disruptive on defense. Capable of quickly turning defense into offense with steals, blocks and pushing off rebounds. Her ability to read the floor for transition passes and the halfcourt should make her the perfect set up woman for the Braves.     A newcomer to the east side of OKC, Mason was productive as a spot up threat at the 6A last year. Expect more of the same this year, as she'll help replace the talented guards the Trojettes lost to graduation. Along with her shooting ability, she buys in and competes on the defensive end. Has active hands on the ball and in the passing lanes, which should help her be a key part of the aggressive and effective defense that Douglass runs. With an tough national schedule and a likely Class 4A State Tournament run, there will be plenty of opportunties for Mason to shine and develop this winter.     Willoby-Taylor is a tough prospect to evaluate, because the physical and athletic traits give her clear upside. But to date, her production hasn't matched the potential. She's tall, strong and has a massive wingspan. In part viewings, she's looked light on her feet relative to her height. And has put that solid quickness and huge wingspan to good use on the defensive end. The fundamentals appear to be there for her to be a difference maker at the rim. And on a team filled with some of the best guards in Oklahoma, she has the potential to carve out a role as a defensive anchor.     LaBouff made the short trip west from Bixby to Kiefer. She'll be instant offense for the Lady Trojans. A strong scorer off the bounce, LaBouff has the physicality and balance to play through contact on drives. Good handles help her dictate the pace. Her ability to get into and score in the mid-range and the rim, will also help her set up teammates with good looks. Kiefer is coming off a 22-5 mark, but ended up a win short of the 3A State Tournament. With the addition of a skilled combo guard like LaBouff, they could be capable of taking the next step.     Victory Christian has the opportunity to be a sleeper in Class 3A and McLaughlin would be a big part of any improvement. She has a chance to slot in immediately as a "3 and D" type guard. Good off the ball mover, with textbook form from three. Has long arms, and applies similar textbook principles to the defensive end. Can be a plus rebounder for a guard, and even block/contest shots at the rim. Type of prospect who when she does the little things, can add up to be a big impact for VCS.