Basile’s James set to carry career on; signs with LSU-E

For one parish high school basketball player, a career continues.
Basile High School’s do it all basketball star will take her game to the next level, as she has signed a letter of intent to play right down the road from her house at LSU-E.
James, a first team all-district selection in District 5-1A and a first team all-parish pick, was the main force behind Basile’s second round playoff run in 2016. The do-it-all player helped guide the Lady Bearcats to a district runner-up position.
Oddly enough, James was not originally on the radar of the LSU-E coaches.
“When the academic person, Mr. Chad Jones came to Basile to recruit students to LSU-E, I asked him if they were still looking at basketball players,” stated James. “He said that he would talk to the coaches and he asked me if I was good. When I told him what I had accomplished, he went back and talked to the coaches.”
Next thing James knew, the LSU-E head coach, Amanda Clemons and Jones were watching her in a playoff game at home.
“After the game, Coach Clemons approached me and told me that she liked the way I played,” said James. “She offered me that night. I was shocked. But I felt that I had shown her something extra.”
Being so close to home and having her family able to watch James play without having to travel so far is something she is thankful for.
“I am the first person in my family that has signed on to play college ball,” commented James. “It is going to be a good feeling to have all of my family get to see me play.”
When asked what was the biggest factor in her getting to the next level, James did not hesitate.
“No doubt it was Coach Carmen,” said Rylie. “She coached me in junior high also and got my attitude right. Without her I would not be in this position today.”