Loyd drawing high major attention

Las Vegas (Nev.) Bishop Gorman High School took home the championship of the Beach Ball Classic, and the catalyst for Bishop Gorman's success is speedy point guard John Loyd.

The MVP of the Beach Ball Classic, Loyd is averaging 14.5 points, 7.8 assists and three steals per game this year for 13-1 Bishop Gorman. But more important than his numbers, Loyd is a high level competitor with exceptional leadership skills.

Going into the season Loyd had a handful of low-major offers, but his play so far this season has the attention of the high majors.

"I've spoken with Virginia and UCLA recently," said Bishop Gorman head coach Grant Rice. "SMU just offered. BYU is very involved. Charlotte, Santa Clara and Wichita State are also interested. Arizona State has also just recently shown some interest.

"The question with John is his size. The bigger schools were holding off after the summer, but now people are seeing that John can play at the highest level. His recruitment is now starting to really pick up."

Loyd has a strong history of winning. He hit five buzzer beaters last season during Bishop Gorman's state championship run. After not playing football during his sophomore and junior seasons, Loyd joined the football team three games into the season and helped Bishop Gorman win a football state championship as a defensive back.

Football coaches have taken notice of Loyd's abilities on the gridiron. UNLV has offered Loyd a football scholarship, and Oklahoma is giving Loyd a close look as a defensive back.

Coach Rice conceded that an Oklahoma football scholarship would be difficult to turn down, but one certainty for Loyd is that he will play basketball in college.

"His first love is basketball," said Rice. "He is trying to find a basketball school that is the right fit. If he does opt to play football, then he will also play basketball."