Lummi Nation sophomore point guard Jemma James may only stand at 5-foot-3, but she is a determined and clever player for the girls basketball team.
As a freshman, James led Lummi Nation to a Round of 12 finish at the 1B state basketball tournament last season. She also averaged nearly 20 points, four rebounds, four steals and three assists per game.
James said she made an immediate impact because, “my leadership, my control of the floor, my scoring ability and passes. I get everybody involved and consider myself the coach of the floor.”
James began playing at 3 years old because her parents played and she grew up around the sport.
“(Basketball) is really fun,” James said. “Every home game, my grandparents are in the stands and my family shows up to every single game. People that used to watch my dad come out to watch me, too.”
Since playing at a young age, basketball has taught James the importance of discipline, work ethic and it has helped her boost her grades in the classroom.
Even though the Blackhawks have a young roster this season, James has her eyes set on a state title in the 2024–25 season.
“I want to bring home some hardware for once,” James said. “I can be a leader and discipline the team. I can encourage them to push themselves to become a better player.”
When she is not playing basketball, James also does canoe pulling with her mother, runs long distances and spends time with her teammates.
“A lot of my teammates are like my family,” James said. “I see them outside of the gym and we are really close.”
James’ high school career is still far from over, but she has her mind set on playing at the next level.
“I want to go to DI, and my dream school is Florida State,” James said. “My parents have helped me through this journey and continue to support me.”
Nick Zeller-Singh is CDN's sports reporter; reach him at nickzellersingh@cascadiadaily.com; 360-922-3090 ext. 104.
