User:Samga1234/Michael James (American Basketball Player)

Michael James(born August 18, 1990 in Portland Oregon) He is currently a basketball player for Lamar University. Tied for the record for the most points in a game in the 2010-2011 season with Jimmer Fredette and Marshaun Brooks which was 52 points. He achieved this feat by coming off the bench and only playing 28 minutes.

Early Years
The Oldest son to his father James grew up living with separated parents. Switched between his mother's house and father's house every other week. taking in a step sister and a step brother. Lived in the lower income part of Portland Oregon. Played his young AAU basketball with Klay Thompson

High School
Started his high school career at his mother's alma mater of Central Catholic on the freshmen basketball team. After some disagreements between James' father and the head coach, James transferred to Grant high school. Sophomore year for James was a tough one although moved up to Varsity he didn't play much but did have one break out game of 24 points against rival roosevelt high school. They did not make the playoffs in that year by one game. Junior year James turned into the 6th man of the team and averaged 10 points per game. The team having a successful season although losing to a Kyle Singler lead South Medford team in the State Tournament. The Grant Generals took 4th place and James still holds the record for the most 3's made in a game in the tournament at 6. James made honorable mention on league. Senior year James evolved into a starting shooting guard. Progressing his points per game average to 16 and with many break out games and now third in scoring on his team they won the Oregon 6A state boys basketball championship. James was 2nd team all League and 2nd team all state tournament. Due to complications with the NCAA clearinghouse James chose the Junior College route and earner a scholarship to Eastern Arizona. James played His High School basketball with Paul McCoy (Saint Mary's) Michael Moser (UNLV) and Kenneth Acker (SMU).

College
James started his collegiate career at Eastern Arizona College which is a junior college in Thatcher Arizona. James started both years. His freshmen year he led the conference in scoring with 19.5 points and also averaged 5.1 assists and 2.4 steals which earned him a first team all conference and region selection. The summer of his freshmen year he was invited to the Mullens top 150 junior college camp when he was ranked the 38th player in the nation. His sophomore James led the conference again in scoring with 25.9 points per game which was also 4th in the nation. He also averaged 3.9 assists and 1.8 steals.He earned a scholarship to Lamar university. His junior year James struggled at times to reach the floor but when he did it was special. Sidelined by injury for the first four games because of a broken hand. He returned to lead the cardinals in scoring at 12.5 and also is tied for the record with Jimmer Fredette and Marshaun Brooks for the most points in a D-1 game in the 2010-11 season with 52. James also has the record for the most points off the bench in a single game ever.