By Staff
Blue Devil guard Katral James named 2008 Advance boys Player of the Year
By Adam Prestridge
Katral James is a prime example of a natural born athlete. Whether he is stiff arming the defense on the gridiron or driving the lane for a lay up on the hard court, James makes it looks easy.
For his performance on the basketball court this season, James was named the Atmore Advance’s 2008 Boys Basketball Player of the Year.
The Escambia County High School senior guard finished the season averaging 11.4 points, 6.8 rebounds, 4.3 assists and 2.5 steals per game.
This year was James’ first year playing both football and basketball for the Blue Devils, but it did not take long for him to make a statement.
James, 17, attributed his success this season to his teammates, who he spoke highly of.
“K.K. (Kingston Craft) is a good player that scores a lot of points,” James said. “James Lykes scored a lot of points too and defensive-wise he did pretty good. We had a pretty good team.”
Hayes went on to add that having James on the court was key.
James said he played ever minute of every game unless he got into foul trouble.
It must be the football player in him. In fact, James signed a scholarship to play football next season for Coahoma Community College in Clarksdale, Miss.
James said one of the reasons he played basketball was because it keeps him in shape for football.
One of James’ best qualities on the court was his leadership qualities, Hayes said.
Even though James decided to take his football career to the next level, Hayes believe he could have had a future in basketball as well.