Scout.com > Ohio HS
THE CROWD LOVED "King James"
Story URL: http://hsohio.scout.com/2/92627.html

Dave B.
OhioPrepScene.com
Feb 9, 2003

In a week that saw the kid they call King James sitting out of last Sunday's game. The King made his return on Saturday after a Court ruling in Ohio. With many there to see if he could stand up to all the hype. LeBron James had them standing and wanting more.

In front of 8,600 fans (sold out), in Trenton,  NJ.  The most talked about basketball player on the planet gave the crowd a show.

LeBron James may have been sitting the bench last Sunday cheering for his team, but on this night he was the team.  Playing #7 ranked Westchester of Los Angeles, James showed the crowd why he gets all the press.

After a slow start the Akron SVSM star went on a tear hitting 14/20 shots with 5 threes to have 31 points by halftime.  This included a buzzer beating three.  Before the night was over the crowd found out why ESPN and the other media outlets follow this kid around.

James finished the night with 52 points, hitting 21/34 shots with 6 threes, a career high.  Maybe the rest did him well.  We now know the kid can stand up to the pressure of the media and give his best, a trait that will serve him well at the next level.

By the time the game was ending the crowd was embraced by the kid they call "King James" and showed their respect with a standing ovation.

With Akron SVSM working toward a chance to win its third state championship in four years and James still having to fight the OHSAA in court.  Will all the pressure start getting to his teammates or will they use it and have the commisioner hand the trophy to James in the end.




Copyright © Scout.com and OhioPrepScene.com