Harold James says this is one of the best years he’s known for the Sabine Pass basketball program. The Sharks are learning their game and getting better as the season progresses.

“Different coaching I would say,” James says about the better direction the Sharks’ season has been going in. “We’ve got different shooters. Everybody’s stepping up and getting better. Everybody’s learning what they’re supposed to be doing in the game.”

James is having a great season himself. The senior is averaging 22 points a game as the Sharks’ lead scorer. He put up 19 on Friday against West Hardin, which ended in a 65-43 loss for the Sharks. He is The Port Arthur News Boy Player of the Week.

One of James’ strong suits is his athleticism. Head coach Chad Bryan says once James gets going it’s hard for anyone to get out in front of him.

“He’s super athletic and really that’s the one thing that stands out the most,” Bryan said. “There aren’t a whole lot of times where he’s not the most athletic guy out there on the floor, and it shows. He gets out in transition really well, and he gets to the basket pretty easily. He’s a lot of what we do on offense.”

Some of that speed comes from track, which ranks with basketball as one of his favorite sports that he plays. In addition to his athleticism, the high jump and relays help James in his basketball game as well, he says.

Bryan and James both agree James could use a little more work on shooting and free throws, however, despite his high numbers.

“We’ve talked about that every day,” Bryan said. “He needs to start shooting the ball, especially on the free throw line because he gets fouled so much. Due to the way he attacks the basket, it’s hard to guard him without fouling, and it’s gotten better throughout the years. It’s gotten better from last year, and we’ve seen improvements this year. It’s definitely something he needs to work on and has been working on.”

It’s been a learning process for him for the four years he’s played Sabine Pass varsity basketball, but he’s coming away more knowledgeable, especially from where he started.

“I had to do a lot to step up and learn a lot of important rules for the game,” he said. “Middle school and high school are really different. I had to learn a lot of plays and a lot of different things.”

It’s the same case with the entire team, he says.

“We’re doing well this year,” James said. “We’re learning different aspects of the game. It’s probably our best year I think.”

Though he’s disinclined to admit it, he claims, Bryan says James will be sorely missed once he graduates.

“I was telling my assistant coach just the other day he’s the only starter that graduates and we’re going to miss him basketball wise, but we’re going to miss him as a kid,” Bryan said. “He’s a good kid that’s fun to be around and who makes us laugh.”