MP Hoops Scouting & Analysis

It didn’t take long for the 2023-24 Michigan boys basketball season to have a classic.

U of D Jesuit came from behind to earn a 73-70 home victory over West Bloomfield in both teams’ season openers.

West Bloomfield led most of the game, but turned the ball over a couple times down the stretch, opening the door for the Cubs.

Despite the turnovers, West Bloomfield still had a good look at a 3-pointer to send the game into overtime, but Corey Pittman’s shot hit the front of the rim.

Here are three takeaways from the thrilling east-side battle:

Leroy Blyden Jr. is the Cubs’ next great point guard – After picking up a D1 offer from Western Michigan this offseason, Blyden slid seamlessly into the starting point guard spot, vacated by now starter at Toledo University, Sonny Wilson. Blyden glided through the paint, like a swashbuckling pirate, almost effortlessly getting to the basket and finishing around the rim.

He also showcased his range by knocking down a couple outside shots. Speed and poise are the names of his game. It will be exciting to watch Blyden grow and mature over the next two years. Power 5 college offers seem likely. Going from Cassius Winston to Wilson to now Blyden is quite the run of elite point guards.

West Bloomfield looks dangerous – A quartet of energetic and athletic guards mixed with some size in the paint, provide a positive outlook on West Bloomfield’s season. The backcourt quartet of senior Donnie Watts III (6-0), junior Corey Pittman (6-2), sophomore Drew Wilson (6-1) and sophomore Curtis Britton (6-2) all flashed in this up-tempo game.

Pittman and Britton drained 3-pointers, while Wilson and Watts took on the more traditional point guard roles. Keithan Gilmore (6-5) and Brendin Jones (6-6) occupied the frontcourt. Both showcased athleticism and solid touch around the basket. West Bloomfield looked like the better team throughout most of the game, but started taking bad shots and turned the ball over too many times down the stretch.

Jesuit is going to need more out of role players moving forward – How Cubs junior Xavier Johnson (6-4) has yet to receive a D1 offer is beside us. He’s athletic, poised, can finish with either hand and has a developing outside shot. Fellow Cubs wing Gerrard McCoy (6-4) also showcased a strong offensive game, giving the Cubs a trio of scoring threats (also including Blyden).

However, Jesuit, playing in arguably the most difficult conference in the state, will need more from fellow starters Ryan Hatcher (6-2) and Sebastian Randolph (6-7), as well as key reserves David Herron III (6-2) and Jaden Garwood (6-5). Hatcher was great on defense, but looked a bit timid on offense. This might not have been the best game pace for Randolph and he eventually fouled out. Herron and Garwood both flashed and have tons of upside. Yet, they didn’t quite go out of their way to get the ball. This Jesuit team has state title aspirations. To accomplish that, it will need another reliable scoring option outside Blyden, Johnson and McCoy.