As the postseason begins, players who have developed over the course of the regular season will need to step up in order for their teams to make a deep run. For Sacred Heart Cathedral, the core of their team lies with 2012 prospects Josh Fox and Taylor Johns. But one wildcard for the Fightin' Irish in the upcoming postseason could be 2013 guard Khalil James.
At 5-foot-8 and 130 pounds, James is undersized for the prototypical point guard. But he makes up for this with his savvy ball handling, aggressiveness, toughness, and overall basketball skills.
Sacred Heart Cathedral Head Coach Darrell Barbour says, "Khalil strengths are his toughness and he competes. He plays hard and is very coachable! Khalil's chance to play in college will depend on his commitment to spending the time in the gym to improve. In school, he works hard."
James is the No. 35 ranked 2013 prospect according to NorCalPreps.com as he plays the game with flair similar to former Kentucky Wildcat Rajon Rando or Connecticut Huskie Kemba Walker. James is the first player to come off the bench for the Irish and is their sixth man. In the regular season finale against league rival Archbishop Mitty, James came of the bench to score 13 points to help the Irish stay close in an eventual 60-58 overtime defeat.
James did not back down in taking the ball to the paint and was able to free up shots for himself or teammates with his hesitation move. His ability to push the ball in transition was evident as he had an extra gear. Despite being undersized, James utilized his quickness to stay in front of his man on defense and was not afraid to stand in the paint for charges.
During the summer, James plays for his Roadrunners club. He has a speed advantage over most of his opponents but will need to bulk up, as most college level guards will be bigger and stronger. His perimeter jumper is respectable but still has room for improvement.
James leaves the house every morning at 4:45am to take public transportation to make the trip to his school in the Fillmore District. So, his commitment and perseverance to reach the next level is there. Watch for James to be knighted as his Irish makes a run in the upcoming postseason in San Francisco.
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