The wait is finally over for St. Mary's High School's gifted 6-foot-4 junior guard Mick Riordan, after he decided to transfer schools after last season, and had to sit for the first (9) games of the high school season this year. On Monday morning, in the national spotlight of ESPN’s Hoop Hall East event on national television, Riordan showcased his talent against #5 nationally ranked Paul VI (VA), one of the nation’s top programs. Despite St. Mary’s narrow 75-69 loss, Riordan’s performance turned heads. His ability to handle the ball with confidence, shoot with unlimited range, and create plays off the dribble for himself and his teammates, made him a standout performer on a national stage.
Riordan recently transferred to St. Mary’s High School in Phoenix from Boulder Creek High School in Anthem, Arizona, where he had already made a name for himself as one of the top young guards in the state. Due to the Arizona Interscholastic Association’s (AIA) transfer rules, Mick had to sit out the first nine games of the season. Although this was an unfortunate hurdle, it didn’t slow him down. Over the summer, Riordan had already integrated into St. Mary’s program, making a strong impression and playing a key role in the team’s success. Once he was eligible to hit the court this season, he wasted no time making his presence felt.
Riordan decided to leave Boulder Creek High School this spring, after the departure of his Head Coach Justin Collard from Boulder Creek to Perry High School. Collard took over 4-time defending State Champion Perry HS, after the retirement of Sam Duane Jr. Collard led Boulder Creek to state semifinal appearances in 2022, 2023 and 2024.
As a result, the defending 4A State Champions, St. Mary’s High School, would get a major boost to their backcourt, as Riordan transferred to their program. Riordan is a major addition for Head Coach Damin Lopez and his staff, after he had a breakout sophomore season and established himself as one of the top prospects in Arizona’s 2027 class. Riordan averaged 13.8 points, 2.6 assists and 3.5 rebounds per game last season at Boulder Creek - showcasing a high basketball IQ and excellent shot-making ability.
After a big transfer to St. Mary's this spring, Riordan emerged with the 4A defending State Champions this summer. Riordan was among the top overall performers from the Section 7 event in July, in front of a large number of college coaches, and then he finished off the July NCAA Evaluation Period with a terrific performance, while playing on the Adidas 3SSB circuit with the loaded Dream Vision club program. After a strong sophomore season for Boulder Creek last year, Riordan has taken his game to another level now, and has become one of the top overall guard prospects in the state, and especially among the 2027 Class.
Riordan is more than just a shooter. At 6-foot-4, he has the size and length to play multiple guard positions and has a high basketball IQ that allows him to read the floor and make smart decisions. Even though he missed those initial games, he returned to the lineup seamlessly - bringing a level of maturity and confidence that’s rare for a high school junior.
Riordan also comes from strong basketball bloodlines, as his grandfather Mike Riordan was a former star player for the New York Knicks (NBA) in the 1970's. Riordan has trained with local basketball aficionado and top-rated trainer Padraig O'Brien, who has been telling me about the exploits of Riordan for many years, and it is now coming to fruition.
While college coaches may be increasingly focused on recruiting transfers, Mick Riordan is the kind of young talent who will soon be able to step into a Division-I program and contribute immediately. With another year of high school still ahead of him, the sky’s the limit. As a result of his excellent summer performance, Riordan is now hearing from numerous Division-I college programs early in the recruiting process. Such programs as Saint Mary's, New Mexico State, San Diego, among many others, have expressed strong interest in Riordan already. He has quickly developed into one of the top guard prospects in the West for the 2027 Class, and is set to have a big junior season.
In short, Riordan is a major asset for St. Mary’s, and is a prospect to watch for any college coach looking for a guard who can do it all. I will continue to follow Riordan closely this high school season, as he looks to continue to make a major impact for an already very talented Knights' program - looking to win it all again this season, but this time, an Open Division State Championship.
Arizona Preps Scouting Report: Riordan is known for his smooth shooting stroke and playing style. He has a unique ability to make and create shots for himself and his teammates, and his ability to score off the dribble or in catch-and-shoot situations is impressive. He plays with superior confidence against all competition, and brings a strong level of toughness, leadership and big-game experience - all attributes that can help a team win. Among the best pure shooters of the ball in the state, and with unlimited range and a quick release on his shot. He also can create space to get his shot off, and has a very good mid-range game as well. While he needs to add size and strength still to his very thin frame, he is very effective now and will only continue to improve in his ability to finish over time. He is a strong ball handler and passer that sees the floor, and pushes the ball up the floor to the open man. Capable of playing both guard positions. Has a high basketball IQ. An underrated prospect that simply knows how to play, and at a high level. A solid defender. A very good looking guard prospect.
