2003-04:
Outlook: Has adjusted well to the rigors of the Big 12, and it appears that she shines brightest under the TV lights. Former JUCO All-American has added a great deal of athleticism to the Tiger lineup. Will alter many shots.
Junior Season (2002-03): Averaged 10.3 points and 5.8 rebounds per game in her first season as a member of the Mizzou squad. Came on strong as the season concluded, averaging 15.3 points and 6.7 rebounds in the 2003 WNIT. Had five double-doubles on the year, all coming in the last 14 games of the season. Began with an impressive 14-point, 11-rebound performance in the Tigers' nationally televised upset of Colorado (2/2). Her second one also came on national TV, this time at rival Kansas (2/15), after she hit for 15 points and a Missouri career-high 13 rebounds. Had back-to-back double-doubles in the regular-season finale vs. Texas A&M (11 pts., 10 rebs.) and vs. Oklahoma State in the Big 12 Tournament (16 pts., 12 rebs.). Her final top performance came vs. Ball State in the WNIT home finale (3/24), when she grabbed 11 boards to go with Mizzou-career-highs of 20 points and four blocks. Scored in double figures in 14 of the last 18 games, and 18 times total in 2002-03. In two games against Kansas State — which was ranked fifth in the country in both meetings of the season — James totaled seven blocks against the Wildcats. Tallied 18 points and added a season-best three assists in the game against Nebraska (1/22). Added 15 points in the regular-season win over Oklahoma State (1/25), and had a team-high 16 at No. 8 Texas Tech (1/28). Was sixth in the Big 12 in blocked shots (1.45 bpg), 12th in offensive rebounds (2.19 orpg), and 13th in field-goal percentage (47.5).
Sophomore and Freshman Seasons (2000-01 and 2001-02 at Tyler [Texas] Junior College): Averaged 18.3 points and 10.9 rebounds per game on her way to earning Kodak Junior College All-American honors in 2001-02. Named the 2002 Region XIV Conference's Most Valuable Player for head coach Trenia Tillis at Tyler [Texas] JC. Led Region XIV in both scoring and rebounding. Named 2001 Region XIV Freshman of the Year. Named all-region performer after averaging 13.5 points and 8.85 rebounds per game. Led Apache Ladies in scoring nine times and in rebounds 17 times.
High School: Earned Third Team All-State honors from the Associated Press her senior year under head coach Elaine Boltz at Northland High School. Averaged 17.6 points per game.
Personal: General agriculture major. Born March 31, 1982, in Columbus, Ohio. Daughter of Balita James and Mario Lewis. Has two younger siblings, Mynecia (15) and Undrea (13). Also has a four-year-old daughter, Semia.
2002-03:
Averaged 10.3 points and 5.8 rebounds per game in her first season as a member of the Mizzou squad .... came on strong as the season concluded, averaging 15.3 points and 6.7
rebounds in the 2003 WNIT... had five double-doubles on the year, all coming in the last 14 games of the season... began with an impressive 14-point, 11-rebound performance in the Tigers' nationally televised upset of Colorado (2/2) ... second one also came on national TV, this time at rival Kansas (2/15), after she hit for 15 points and a Missouri career-high 13 rebounds. had back-to-back double-doubles in the regular-season finale vs. Texas A&M (11 pts., 10 rebs.) and vs. Oklahoma State in the Big 12 Tournament (16 pts., 12 rebs.) ... final top performance came vs. Ball State in the WIT home finale (3/24), when she grabbed 11 boards to go with Mizzou-career-highs of 20 points and four blocks... scored in double figures in 14 of the last 18 games, and 18 times total in 2002-03 ... in two games against Kansas State - which was ranked fifth in the country in both meetings of the season - James totalled seven blocks against the Wildcats... tallied 18 points and added a season-best three assists in the game against Nebraska (1/22)... added 15 points in the regular-season win over Oklahoma State (1/25), and had a team-high 16 at No. 8 Texas Tech (1/28) ... was sixth in the Big 12 in blocked shots (1.45 bpg), 12th in offensive rebounds (2.19 orpg), and 13th in field-goal percentage (47.5).
Former JUCO All-American who will add a great deal of athleticism to the Tiger lineup ... shot blocker
Tyler Junior College:
Averaged 18.3 points and 10.9 rebounds per game on her way to earning Kodak Junior College All-American honors in 2002-2002 ... named the 2002 Region XIV Conference's Most Valuable Player for head coach Trenia Tillis at Tyler [Texas] JC ... led Region XIV in both scoring and rebounding ... named 2001 Region XIV Freshman of the Year... named all-region performer after averaging 13.5 points and 8.85 rebounds per game... led Apache Ladies in scoring nine times and in rebounds 17 times.
High School:
Earned Third Team All-State honors from the Associated Press her senior year under head coach Elaine Boltz at Northland High School... averaged 17.6 points per game.
Personal:
General agriculture major... born March 31, 1982, in Columbus, Ohio... daughter of Balita James and Mario Lewis... has two younger siblings, Mynecia and Undrea ... also has a four-year-old daughter, Semia.
AWARDS & HONORS
- 2003-04 All-Big 12 Honorable Mention
- 2003-04 Big 12 Leader in Blocks With 71 (2.4 per game)