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Bryce James converts five first-half three-pointers in Sierra Canyon's state tournament win

Lawrence Andrew Fernandezby:Lawrence Fernandez•03/05/25•

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Bryce James
Sierra Canyon’s Bryce James (5), the son of NBA player LeBron James, stands with his teammates by the bench before the game between Sierra Canyon and Bartlett High School during Memphis Hoopfest in Eads, Tenn., on Friday, January 3, 2025. (© Chris Day/The Commercial Appeal / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images)

Bryce James is building his resume as a knockdown shooter after his recent performance against Corona Centennial. The Arizona commit converted five three-pointers in the first half to help the Sierra Canyon Trailblazers dominate the Huskies 73-48.

James finished the game with 15 points on five-of-eight shooting from the three-point line. Meanwhile, the victory improved the Trailblazers’ record to 23-7.

It’s the third time this season that LeBron James’ son’s shooting arsenal was on full display. The younger James scored 16 points in their victory over Grayson during the Spalding Hoophall Classic in Springfield, Massachusetts. Last January, he scored 18 points in their Mission League victory over Alemany.

More importantly, James and Sierra Canyon advanced to the next round of the California Interscholastic Federation Division 1 state tournament. The Trailblazers became one of two top seeds in the tournament after finishing the CIF Southern Section Open Division with a 2-2 record.

Bryce James was a freshman the last time Sierra Canyon qualified for the state tournament. Unfortunately, while they booked their ticket after defeating Etiwanda in the CIF SoCal Regional Final, the competition did not push through due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

Therefore, the ongoing tournament is James’ first – and last – opportunity to win a state title before joining the Wildcats. Offensive firepower won’t be an issue for the Trailblazers because they also have Maxi Adams, who had a game-high 21 points against Centennial.

Jaden Nickens, Gavin Hightower, Bryce Cofield, Chris Nwuli, and Maximo Adams beef up Sierra Canyon’s rotation. This roster will power Sierra Canyon, the sixth-best team in the California On3 Composite Team Rankings, against Santa Barbara in Round 2 of the state tournament.

Bryce James and company fell to the Dons last December after Luke Zuffelato converted a buzzer-beating halfcourt attempt. The Trailblazers will avoid the same result, especially with their state championship hopes on the line. Likewise, winning against Santa Barbara is an improvement from their CIF Open Division Round 1 exit last season.