School Days Open Runs: Frontcourt Standouts

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>One of the cathedrals of Michigan high school basketball opened its hallowed halls for the fourth and final session of The School Days Elite Open Runs. I was fortunate to be in attendance on Sunday.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Following are five frontcourt prospects that caught my eye from the deep and talented field of participants. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1588168' first='Noah' last='Arnold'] 6-8 2026 Saginaw Heritage (pictured)</strong>Your annual reminder that posts develop slower than wings and guards. The physical potential and length of Arnold has long been apparent. However he clearly had not fully grown into his frame. I felt that way even up until a few months ago when I saw him with a very good REACH squad. Fast forward just a short period of time and he looks like a completely different player. Especially in the upper body. The long arms are now sporting some clear muscle definition. Has not sacrificed any speed in the process. Runs the court like a wing and is very light on his feet. Offensively showed better hands and was more decisive with the basketball. With Heritage graduating a lot of next level production from last years squad. I'm intrigued to see the type of role he can carve out as an upperclassman. However with the recent physical transformation. The developmental curve is pointed way up.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1588232' first='Xavier' last='Pendergrass'] 6-7 2026 Lansing Waverly</strong> Arnold and Pendergrass are two prospects moving in opposite directions— but both rapidly improving. That paradoxical statement is due to their opposite statures. Pendergrass has never had to worry about bulk. However, has dropped I would guess at least 30 pounds since the spring. It's more than just cosmetic. Gets around the court noticeably quicker. Still has the size to set punishing screens and the accompanying footwork to roll hard to the basket. Now finishes above the rim with relative ease. Excellent shooter with a smooth and effortless release from beyond the arc. With Waverly's top post off to a New England prep school. Pendergrass could be in for a breakout junior campaign. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2058637' first='Shannon' last='Henderson'] 6-8 2025 Stockbridge </strong>Playing for the “home team”, the School Days prospect continued to show the tantalizing physical gifts that have attracted so much attention. Simply put, is the best run and jump post prospect in the state. Few players his height can match his fluidity and speed getting up and down the court. Seemed to have a better grasp on where he should be during this particular run. I lost count of his dunks on the night. As he seemingly parked himself down on the block. Is still quite slender but made up for it by attacking the rim aggressively. Still settled for outside shots occasionally. However not as glaring when it is offset by efficient post touches. Not that the perimeter shots are inherently bad. Has a nice left handed shot. Along with his high release point, it is impossible to block. His game is bit of a puzzle piece of interesting parts. If he can put all the parts together, he could take off at the next level.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Izaiah O'Dell 6-7 2025 Grand Ledge </strong>I've caught Grand Ledge a bunch of times in the last few years. I've always been impressed with their depth in the backcourt. This was the first time O'Dell really stood out to me. Ran the court well for his size. Was also light on this feet in the half court. Set picks with purpose and rolled hard into the dunker spot. Has a soft touch around the basket. Will need to smooth out the release on the perimeter a bit. Has an athletic and lengthy frame that looks like he could easily add weight to. Judging off the sidelines, is beginning to attract some small college interest.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2218049' first='Tucker' last='Loynes'] 6-5 2025 Ovid-Elsie </strong>First time I believe I have caught this player. Has a thick frame and competes hard against taller posts. Not an overwhelming above the rim type athlete. However got off the ground quickly and showed decent lateral quickness on the defensive end. Had a soft touch from beyond arc and was not shy about letting if fly. From a small town outside of Lansing. Could be small college stretch four in the right system. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->