It was December 12, 2002, the expected game day in Ohio between two high schools: St. Vincent-St. Mary, led by LeBron James and Oak Hill Academy, the best team in the country. For the occasion, ESPN has decided to broadcast on the national scene the meeting which takes place at the Convocation Center in front of more than 11,000 spectators.
Still 17 years old, LeBron James is already turning heads as commentator Dick Vitale reminds us before the game, since LBJ has already made the cover of Sports Illustrated and ESPN Magazine. All of America is “curious” to see this phenomenon that everyone is talking about.
“He’s one of those young headliners who come on the scene and are already so talented. Like a Venus Williams, a Serena Williams, a Tiger Woods, a Kobe Bryant, an Alex Rodriguez. All I know is if he has half the talent of anything I’ve ever heard of him he’s going to be a really special athlete, I can’t wait to see him play in person.”enthuses the commentator in presentation of the match.
A game vision already above average
For this extraordinarily publicized meeting, LeBron James will not disappoint. But beyond his 31 points (at 12/25 shooting), 13 rebounds and 6 assists, it is his already characteristic style that impresses: already ultra-physical certainly but also with flashes of genius especially in the pass, as during a service in the back in counter-attack for his interior Romeo Travis, champion of France 2018 with Le Mans. “ How many guys in college or the NBA can make that pass? », do we ignite the comments. A few moments later, it’s a blind pass, still to Romeo Travis for a 2+1, which makes the public roar with pleasure.
After a big third quarter from LeBron James ended with a 3-pointer at the head of the racket, Oak Hill finally cracked and lost 65-45. After losing his two previous meetings, including his first confrontation against Carmelo Anthony, the affront is washed away for the one who will soon be nicknamed the “King”.
“For me, there is no pressure. As long as I play my game, that I manage to involve the rest of the team to help them win and that we give 110% as we did tonight, there is no pressure for us, said LeBron James, already a professional in front of ESPN 2’s microphone. For me, it’s now about improving every day, whether it’s defensively, in working on my jumpshot to perfect it, but more generally improving myself every day, for my team and for myself.
