Jah Hatchett plays for Storm one more time after reclassifying

Jah Hatchett plays for the Grand Rapids Storm during the Rumble in the Rapids on April 26, 2025. The former East Kentwood star reclassified to the 2026 class and will return to his prep school. (Photo | Lenny Padilla).

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. - Jah Hatchett has been playing for the Grand Rapids Storm since he was in middle school. So why not one more season wearing an orange jersey?

Hatchett has reclassified to the 2026 graduating class and is playing for the Storm’s top 17U team this travel season.

So why reclassify?

“Get more exposure for myself,” Hatchett said. “That 2025 class … it was loaded. It will give me another year to develop and get stronger.”

The point guard played his first three seasons at East Kentwood High School, but transferred to a prep school in Connecticut called Putnam Science Academy. Hatchett helped PSA win the prep national championship in April. He will return to the school this fall.

“I like everything about it,” Hatchett said. “It low key felt like home. Everyone welcomed me and we all got along so quickly.”

Hatchett said he has a few college offers, but wouldn’t specify which schools.

“I’ve been talking to coaches like VCU (Virginia Commonwealth), George Mason, Western Kentucky, St. Bonnies (St. Bonaventure), Youngstown … a lot of coaches,” he said.

So what’s it like playing for the Storm one more time? 

“I thought last season was gonna be my last year,” he said while playing at the Rumble in the Rapids on April 27. “But it’s all God’s plan. He let me do this again. I hope for more exposure and to help my team win. And show (college) coaches why I should play at their school.”

Hatchett’s junior year at East Kentwood, he averaged 17.3 points, 5.0 rebounds, 4.6 assists per game and was named All-State honorable mention.