By Christian Mordi / @askchrismordi on IG
Name: Ja'Quaye James
Team: Teaneck
Year: Senior
Stats: 25 points per game
Accolades: 2nd Team All-State, 1st Team All Group 3 in 2016-2017 season.
Projection: First Team All-State
Why they’re on the list: Ja'Quaye was a walking bucket in 2017… no, let me rephrase that, James has been a walking bucket since the first time he suited up for the Highwaymen.
The electric guard tallied 25 points per game during the 2016-2017 season. At 5’8, one would assume that James makes his living entirely from deep, but that’s not the case. James is one of the most versatile players in New Jersey on offense. His range is endless.
The talented guard was unconscious from deep in 2017, knocking down four three pointers made per game. He also punished teams that closed out on him recklessly, blowing by them off the dribble and getting to the line with ease. The crafty guard scored 5 of his 25 points per game from the line.
While the focus is often on his scoring, one thing people don’t acknowledge is his leadership. He sets the tone with his energy level on both sides of the floor. James doesn’t back down for any matchup on defense or any team. He makes the extra pass and keeps people involved. His leadership through example is one of the main reasons Teaneck has had such a great run in the past three years.
While the Highwaymen lost Leondre Washington to RMU, word on the street is they have a nice mix of new players and returning talent. If there is enough on deck to keep teams honest, James has the tools to lead Teaneck to the Group 3 title.
Stat to know: In 2017, Ja'Quaye led all scorers in the state with 791 points. James also knocked down 4.2 threes made per game.