San Diego High School Showcase – Breakout performers
Corky Smith Gym in San Marcos was abuzz last weekend for the two-day San Diego High School Showcase.
Organized by Gamepoint Basketball, the field included some of San Diego’s top programs and several of the top teams from the City and Southern sections.
There were a number of standout performances by teams and players. My colleagues and I will be breaking down some of them in a series of reports. First off for me, I’ll examine some of the breakout performances from the weekend that was.
San Diego High School Showcase – Breakout performers
Garrett Schaefer, 2020 G, Temecula Valley
The 6-3 point guard showed a lot of toughness returning to a game against Cathedral Catholic after lacerating his chin. Once in the game, he had a huge impact. Schaefer carved up the Dons guard with an array of clever passes off the bounce. He operates efficiently and cleverly out of the pick and roll, and his hot shooting teammates are the recipients of his great court vision. His scoring will need to continue to improve, but there aren’t many lead guards in SoCal with his combination of size, length, athleticism and playmaking.
Devin Fortune, 2019 W, Murrieta Mesa
Last year Fortune played a complimentary role to the Wright twins, so he didn’t have a high profile outside of southwestern Riverside County. On Saturday, we got a glimpse of the explosive 6-6 wing’s repertoire, and his upside is impressive. A bit raw offensively, Fortune makes up for it with an excellent motor and a nose for the ball. He is an excellent rebounder in and out of his area on both ends and has the potential to be a lockdown defender. He received an offer from NAIA St. Katherine’s after the event, which is a great level for him.
Ronald Mitchell, 2019 G, Fairfax
A solid role player the Lions last season, Mitchell is primed for a starring role on this year’s team, and showed everyone why all weekend. The 6-1 combo guard was one of the best shooters in the gym, knocking down big threes off the catch. But he’s also an improved playmaker, and handles it well enough to initiate the offense. Mitchell also thrives on the defensive end, where his length and exceptional quickness and tenacity come into play. Mitchell left San Diego will many coaches and scouts – including me – thinking he could play himself into some low Division 1 interest with a big senior year.
Elijah Randall, 2020 G, San Marcos
Randall opened our eyes with a noticeably slimmer physique, improved athleticism and a much improved perimeter shot. He had several huge games where he knocked down at least five threes, and also looked quicker off the bounce attacking the basket. The tallest starter on the guard-heavy Knights team, Randall also does a good job rebounding and initiating the break as a secondary ball handler. Look for Randall to have a big junior year.
Philix Killbourne, 2020 G, San Ysidro
Kilbourne had a series of ankle sprains that limited his effectiveness as a sophomore, but those problems look to be behind him. A menace in transition, the 6-0 point guard has some nice explosion, finishing above the rim for several highlight finishes. Kilbourne in the halfcourt does a good job playing under control and not getting sped up, and makes nice reads off the bounce for open shooters.