Jack Levey: The Rising Star Winning Hearts at Palisades
Palisades High Basketball Team Eyes Historic Championship
Palisades High School’s basketball team is on the cusp of making history, approaching its first upper division City Section basketball championship since 1969. The Dolphins are set to face Cleveland for the Open Division title this Friday night at 8 p.m. at L.A. Southwest College.
Among the key players making a significant impact is Jack Levey, a 5-foot-10 junior guard known for stepping up when his teammates—freshman Phillip Reed and junior twins EJ and OJ Popoola—require extra support. In the high-pressure atmosphere of high school sports, Levey is notably responsive to the excitement of young fans seeking high fives.
“All the attention is on them,” he remarked. “I’m always open.”
Levey has developed a reputation as a particularly effective three-point shooter, a skill he focuses on during every practice. He aims to make a significant impression if he wishes to play basketball at the collegiate level.
“I practice all the time,” he stated. “Any time I’m in the gym, I’m shooting threes. That’s why I know if I’m going to play in college, I have to be able to shoot threes.”
When not practicing with his team, Levey can be found shooting hoops in his backyard, often with his father assisting him with passes. This season, he has made an impressive 103 three-pointers. Notably, during Palisades’ semifinal victory over San Pedro, he executed a swift steal, leading to a transition three that solidified his comfort in shooting from various ranges.
“I’m more comfortable shooting a transition three than getting to the basket,” Levey explained. “I feel like a three is a layup.”
Coach Jeff Bryant has rewarded Levey with the freedom to shoot from nearly any position on the court. In a standout game against Westchester, Levey recorded an impressive 11 for 12 from beyond the arc.
“I couldn’t miss,” he recalled. “It was so fun. It was the best.”
Reactions from other coaches in the Western League highlight Levey’s growing influence; University coach Steve Ackerman noted, “He’s an exceptional three-point shooter and has even improved over last season.”
Levey’s journey has been unique; initially the tallest player on his youth team, he faced a growth plateau during high school as others surpassed him in height. Adapting to this change required him to refine his shooting.
“I thought I was going to be 6-3,” he said. “I have to be able to shoot the ball.”
Fans eagerly anticipate Levey’s next three-point attempt, which often serves as a moment of excitement amid the game, drawing admiration even from younger spectators—sometimes compelling them to momentarily set aside their distractions.
As the team prepares for its pivotal match against Cleveland, the contributions of Levey and his teammates could mark a new chapter in Palisades’ basketball legacy.
