I Have A Dream Invitational Top Performers Pt. IV
Over the Martin Luther King Jr. holiday weekend, Grant HS in Van Nuys, CA played host to the first ever I Have A Dream Invitational. The event was held on Monday, Jan. 16 and featured a mix of both prep…
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Continue ReadingOver the Martin Luther King Jr. holiday weekend, Grant HS in Van Nuys, CA played host to the first ever I Have A Dream Invitational. The event was held on Monday, Jan. 16 and featured a mix of both prep schools and local high school teams with a plenty of talent in the building. I was able to attend the event and here’s a look at some additional top standouts I saw.
1. Donald Thompson – King/Drew 2024
Thompson is a player I’ve seen a couple of times now and he’s on his way to being one of the top players in CIF City Section. He’s a natural wing scorer. He’s comfortable with the ball in his hands and can score in multiple ways. He has a consistent off the dribble game and is able to attack the basket, draw contact and get himself to the free-throw line. Good step through moves in the lane. Able to shoot face up three-point shots as well as the midrange.
2. Caleb Newton – Birmingham 2026
I first saw Newton play over the summer at an incoming freshman showcase and he has a lot of solid upside. He comes off the bench but throughout this season he has been finishing games and is not afraid of making big plays. He can handle the ball although he’s mainly a forward but he is trusted at times to bring the ball up court. Good defensive rebounder who fires quick outlet passes. He’s a confident shooter with range out to the three-point line.
3. Byron Mendez – Grant 2023
Mendez was one of the best shooters at the event. He has a quick release and can shoot with the defense in his space. Likes to dribble in closer and shoot that free-throw line jumper. He can handle the ball too and make plays off the dribble. Able to extend over the defense at the basket. He was able to draw fouls too at the rim and get to the free-throw line.
4. Ernests Locmelis – SoCal Academy 2023
Locmelis has good size for a wing and is a solid scorer. He is constantly in motion whether that’s running the break or moving in the halfcourt. What stood out most to me was his off-ball movement. Uses flare screens well to get free for catch and shoot jumpers in midrange or from three-point range. Can handle the ball and shoot step-back jumpers. Can pull-up and shoot in transition. Good finisher at the basket on the break.