Byers' James named 1A’s Mr. Basketball

After a historic season, H.W. Byers Lions senior leader Michael James was named Mississippi High School Activities Association and Mississippi Association of Coaches player of the year for Division 1A.

James averaged 20 points per game, four rebounds per game, and five assists per game this season. James' talent helped lead the Lions to a 20-2 record and a district championship.

The Lions hold a 20-game win streak and are headed to the quarterfinals at 8:30 p.m. Friday, Feb. 24, at Itawamba Community College, to take on Biggersville High School in a rematch of last year’s 1A title game.

“First and foremost, it’s been a great season for me with accomplishing the goals I wanted to achieve this season,” senior guard James said. “For the team, in the beginning, we had so many ups and downs, but we figured out our mistakes, and we just took off from there with high energy and confidence.”

James said that last year’s loss (1A title game) was emotional for the team because of the team’s hard work to get to the playoffs.

“It was a good experience for us. That loss last year meant we had to pick it up a notch, such as applying pressure defensively and offensively toward the opponent and keeping our foot on the gas at all times,” James said.

James said Byers coach Fred Stanford has been an impact on the team.

“The transition didn’t make any difference for us,” James said. “We still have chemistry with each other. But Coach Stafford helped us defensively and taught us to put pressure on other teams.”

James has always attended H.W. Byers school, and now that he is a senior, he looks back on how he watched many great players graduate from Byers.

“I’ve been at Byers my whole life; basketball is a big sport here and around the community,” James said. “I watched the best players come through Byers, which has inspired me to follow and create my journey.

“My teammates have been with me since 5th grade, from playing on the playground to on the court. The fans have always been supportive.

“This area will always have a place in my heart.”

James has several colleges offering scholarships and he is currently deciding between two. He will announce his decision at a later date.