2026 Rankings: State Fair Dreaming

For most Oklahomans, they only think about the State Fair in September with dreams of corn dogs, sketchy carnival rides and all that come with a Fair trip. For small town basketball players, the State Fair Ground are a March tradition. This year will see the last games at the tradition rich "Big House". Here's a look at small town juniors with dreams of being able to play in the final games at the iconic venue.    One of the most impressive prospects watched this summer is sure to put on a show this winter in small town gyms. Especially with the extra motivation following last year's Midway squad being knocked out in Class B Regionals. Bowling is tall, with a long wingspan to match. It allows her to rack up the rebounds and blocks. But she's a true positionless weapon. As with a silky three point shooter and smooth movement, she's a perimeter threat and can put it on the floor. Expect Bowling to do it all this season. And she's great proof that no matter the size of school, there's talent throughout Oklahoma.     A physical force around the basket, Garcia-Howell is sure to give teams in northern Oklahoma fits all winter long while in search of a trip to the 405. Summer highlights indicate that she has strong defensive instincts and feel, capable of swatting shots or playing smart crafty defense on post ups. Good finisher at the rim. Toughness with multi-sport background (softball) is evident. Enjoyed a strong summer, earning offers from in state Rogers State, Northeastern State and Oklahoma Christian. Will be looking to take Pawnee a step further than Area.       Bain helped lead Kiowa to a Class B State Tournament appearance last year with a 24-9 record. But a quarterfinals exit will have her motivated to help extend her team's potential OKC stay come March. With soft hands and touch, along with good vision Bain is a handful on the low block. Once she gets deep position, it's nearly automatic. Her hudl highlights from last year also indicate that she has put in work and improved her shooting touch out to the three point line. On defense, Bain had a good understanding of how to play tall and strong, without fouling thanks to good verticality principles and quick hands.       Sparkplug player, who can cause havoc on defense with long arms and quickness. Per her Hudl highlights, the lefty also has DEEP range from three. Regularly hitting spot up threes with a quick release thats a few steps beyond the line. Marlow is back n more familiar 3A after a year in 4A, where they Lady Outlaws were knocked out in regionals. If they are to advance further this year, clutch shooting and overall development will be crucial from Ottinger.       For this list, not only has Mong lived a State Fair dream. She lived THE dream, by helping Merit to a Class 2A State Title last year. As a sophomore, she was a clutch shooter from deep (including a big three to ice the championship game). With a pure looking jumper, it's no wonder shooting was her main calling card during that Gold Ball run. But she can help as a secondary ballhandler. And was not afraid to help out on the glass. Expect big things from her junior campaign, with dreams of closing out the Big House with another Gold Ball.

For most Oklahomans, they only think about the State Fair in September with dreams of corn dogs, sketchy carnival rides and all that come with a Fair trip. For small town basketball players, the State Fair Ground are a March tradition. This year will see the last games at the tradition rich "Big House". Here's a look at small town juniors with dreams of being able to play in the final games at the iconic venue.