By: Kevin Moses
Player: Elijah Bragg
Twitter: @ElijahKBragg
Height: 6’6, 205
Class of 2025
School: Mater Dei Catholic High School, CA
Bragg is an absolute beast out there. This gem is gifted at finding seams and getting to his spot. Defense doesn’t change his rhythm, but he changes theirs. Elijah understands his size and strength are a huge advantage and punishes defenders and he imposes his will. Elijah is extremely physical and aggressive, as he stays in attack mode. Gifted at facing up and killing it in the midrange as well as being relentless on the boards. Elijah’s defense is his biggest strength; high motor running the floor hard as a big, battling in the trenches, his defense protecting the paint, controlling the paint, rim protector, being a communicator on defense, and his high IQ. Elijah really thrives off the defensive side of the ball. This student loves the challenge of shutting you down. Relentless aggression on the boards and on defense. Elijah runs the floor hard and never takes a minute off.
Elijah’s AAU stats are rock solid with 14pts, 12rebs, 3asts, and 1.5blks; that’s blue-collar magic. Elijah’s biggest improvements were his toughness, IQ, and getting stronger. It paid off and will pay off more this upcoming season with the goal of becoming a better leader and teammate. The big picture is to walk in the starting role he has earned and dominate every team before him. The long-term goal is to earn a scholarship and play ball at the highest level possible while setting himself up for the future.
What sets Elijah apart is his attention to detail to match that toughness and drive. Boxing out and doing all the little things to grab the win. Not focusing on the ranking and accolades but on improvement and the classroom. Not really locked in or concerned with a division-level but where he can go and make the biggest impact fight away. With considering where his game and skillset fit best and the biggest factor of all when his senior year is done what is the impact made from that program and academically can he achieve the degree he wants' Folks, that’s impressive. This young star gets it and is a proven winner. Keep an eye on this guy for sure.