Mission Prep’s annual Christmas Classic tournament is happening this week. On “Challenge Day,” teams from the National and Elite brackets were paired. The tournament runs through Saturday.

In the first game I got to, LaVerne Lutheran went up against Marin Catholic, with La Verne Lutheran winning 61-35.

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The nightcap featured host Mission Prep against a visiting Bishop Montgomery squad with plenty of Division I college talent, including Lamond Murray Jr., and a relentless defense to top the hosts 72-57. Mission Prep showed poise to keep the lead around 15 for most of the second half, keeping the game within reach.

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Lamond Murray Jr. is one of many super-talented high school players featured in this year’s Mission Prep Christmas Classic. By Owen Main