LACourt Report Mixed-Level Event Varsity Standouts Pt. I

David Yapkowitz

October 18, 2023 @ 02:30 PM

This past weekend, LACourt Report hosted a mixed level event at St. Francis High School. The event was held on Saturday Oct. 14 and featured varsity, junior varsity and freshmen teams. I was able to attend the event in the evening to see the varsity teams. Here's a look at some of the top standouts I saw. 1. Donald Thompson - King/Drew 2025 Thompson is primed for a big junior season. He's improved each year I've seen him play since he was a freshman and has become very comfortable as a primary scoring threat. Utilizes shot fakes well to get better shooting position. Hits defenders with head fakes and hesitation moves to get to his pull-up jumper. Good ball-handler for a wing. He has a slashing game too, weaves into traffic and finishes at the basket. 2. [player_tooltip player_id='2119975' first='Elijah' last='Bragg'] - Mater Dei Catholic 2025 In the game I saw, Bragg started off the first half a little slow, but picked up the intensity and aggressiveness in the second half. He was active on the glass fighting for offensive rebounds using his length to tip balls his way. He was more patient under the basket finishing and drawing fouls. Did a lot of the dirty work. Recognized the mismatch with smaller defenders and went to the post up. 3. Kennedy Mitchell-Egbo - St. Francis 2024 Mitchell-Egbo was an active player around the basket all game. He was one of the best rebounders I saw at the event. Stayed active on the glass especially fighting for extra possessions and put back opportunities. He boxed out very well, sometimes not to get the board himself but for a teammate to rebound. He goes up hard in the paint with a purpose and is able to draw contact/fouls with his strength. 4. Mark Jones - Hesperia 2026 Jones stood out as a the consummate point guard. He's a natural floor leader and runs the offense to perfection. He's vocal and is constantly communicating on the court. He's steady, patient and unselfish. He doesn't need to look for his own shot to be effective. He keeps the ball moving in the halfcourt. Can play off ball too alongside another ball-handler.

This past weekend, LACourt Report hosted a mixed level event at St. Francis High School. The event was held on Saturday Oct. 14 and featured varsity, junior varsity and freshmen teams. I was able to attend the event in the evening to see the varsity teams. Here's a look at some of the top standouts I saw.

1. Donald Thompson - King/Drew 2025

Thompson is primed for a big junior season. He's improved each year I've seen him play since he was a freshman and has become very comfortable as a primary scoring threat. Utilizes shot fakes well to get better shooting position. Hits defenders with head fakes and hesitation moves to get to his pull-up jumper. Good ball-handler for a wing. He has a slashing game too, weaves into traffic and finishes at the basket.

2. Elijah Bragg Elijah Bragg 6'6" | C Victory Christianchula Vista | 2025 State CA-S - Mater Dei Catholic 2025

In the game I saw, Bragg started off the first half a little slow, but picked up the intensity and aggressiveness in the second half. He was active on the glass fighting for offensive rebounds using his length to tip balls his way. He was more patient under the basket finishing and drawing fouls. Did a lot of the dirty work. Recognized the mismatch with smaller defenders and went to the post up.

3. Kennedy Mitchell-Egbo - St. Francis 2024

Mitchell-Egbo was an active player around the basket all game. He was one of the best rebounders I saw at the event. Stayed active on the glass especially fighting for extra possessions and put back opportunities. He boxed out very well, sometimes not to get the board himself but for a teammate to rebound. He goes up hard in the paint with a purpose and is able to draw contact/fouls with his strength.

4. Mark Jones - Hesperia 2026

Jones stood out as a the consummate point guard. He's a natural floor leader and runs the offense to perfection. He's vocal and is constantly communicating on the court. He's steady, patient and unselfish. He doesn't need to look for his own shot to be effective. He keeps the ball moving in the halfcourt. Can play off ball too alongside another ball-handler.