MP Hoops Scouting & Analysis

Over the course of the next two months, Mitten Prep Hoops will break down the top and potentially undervalued prospects from some of the state’s best teams.

The Cubs reached the Breslin Center three times with Cassius Winston leading the way, and then once more with a balanced roster a couple years later. However, this storied program has been absent from East Lansing in March since 2019.

Jesuit earned a major early-season victory over then nationally-ranked Orchard Lake St. Mary, and continue to build off that success. At time of publish, Jesuit was 8-1 with a plethora of quality wins.

Here is a breakdown of some of their key recruits and contributors:

Leroy Blyden Jr., 6-1, Jr. – Absolutely in love with his game. Easily one of the most athletic and fluid guards in the state. He’s similar to Detroit Renaissance star Jordan Sigmon. Blyden has terrific vision and a great outside shot. He can battle at the rim despite his slight frame and continues to get taller. Has all the tools to emerge as a power-5 conference D1 recruit. He already has some D1 offers and has barely scratched the surface. Not talked about nearly enough for how terrific he is.

Xavier Johnson, 6-4, Jr. – Another player we are extremely high on. Johnson is an athletic marvel who gets to and above the rim with ease. He has a vast array of moves in transition to score fast-break points. He’s a growing shooter, who might be a more consistent 3-point shot away from being a high-major D1 recruit. Johnson has emerged as an elite scorer and defender. A long postseason run could do wonders for his recruitment.

Gerrard McCoy, 6-4, Sr. – A knock-down 3-point shooter who has a penchant for making big shots at key times. Gets into a shooting groove and can get Jesuit on a big scoring run. Has great size, but doesn’t always play with a physical style. Needs to get a bit better at creating his own shot and be more aggressive attacking the basket. He has the size and skill to be an elite defender.

Ryan Hatcher, 6-2, Sr. – Finally getting his time to be a consistent starter and scoring threat. Another elite shooter with a quick release. Hatcher is also a solid lead guard when asked. He has long arms and makes tough passes in space or through a crowded area. In a similar role as OLSM’s Daniel Smythe, where he can score 20 points if needed but is often asked to be the third or fourth scoring option.

Sebastian Randolph, 6-7, Jr. – A force in the post with a strong lower half that allows him to gain leverage in the paint. A soft touch around the rim helps in rack up points on put backs and dump offs. He still needs to develop a couple go-to post moves, but has time to establish a more varied offensive skillset. He has good foot speed for his size, which helps him slide on defense.

Jaden Garwood, 6-5, So. – A potential massive recruit waiting in wait. A great shooter who can also slash and get to the basket. Next season’s starting backcourt of Blyden, Johnson and Garwood could be the cream of the crop in the state. Garwood probably won’t showcase all of his skills this season as a reserve, but he has the look of a 20-point, 10-rebound guy.

David Herron II, 6-2, Jr. – He might develop as the team’s trusted third scorer as early as this season. A tough, hard-nosed guard who would probably be a 20-point scorer on most teams. Looks comfortable getting to the basket and using his frame to bully smaller guards. Haven’t seem him shoot much outside, and at his height will need to get more comfortable there. Not a point guard or a shooting guard. He fits into that combo guard category.