Favored To Win It All: Saint James

<!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Why Saint James Is Favored to Win the 4A State Championship</strong></h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>With a <strong>21–4 overall record</strong> and a résumé built on elite competition, Saint James has emerged as the clear favorite to capture the <strong>Class 4A State Championship</strong>. Their success hasn't come against average opponents — it's been forged against some of the best programs in the state, including signature wins over <strong>Auburn (7A), Hewitt-Trussville (7A), and Hillcrest (7A)</strong>. Those victories prove that Saint James isn't just dominant within its classification, but capable of competing with — and beating — the highest-level teams in Alabama.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1165218"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6977c33802043"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1165218' first='Kaitlin' last='Mitchell'] | 5'10” Sophomore Guard</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1165218' first='Kaitlin' last='Mitchell'] is a <strong>natural three-level scorer</strong> with an advanced feel for the game and a smooth offensive skill set. Averaging <strong>15.3 points, 4.7 rebounds, and 2.6 assists per game</strong>, she consistently produces while playing within the flow. Mitchell has a <strong>beautiful, repeatable jump shot</strong> that makes her a constant perimeter threat, and her creative handle allows her to create her own looks or set up teammates with precision.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Offensively, she reads defenses well, attacking space and exploiting mismatches with confidence. Defensively, Mitchell is a <strong>good on-ball defender</strong>, using length and positioning to stay connected and contest shots and passing lanes. At her best, she's a <strong>complete scoring guard</strong> whose skill, feel, and versatility make her a matchup problem on both ends.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["981283"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6977c338020f2"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='981283' first='Natalie' last='Barton'] | Junior Point Guard</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='981283' first='Natalie' last='Barton'] is a <strong>stat-stuffing floor general</strong> whose all-around production drives winning. Averaging <strong>15.3 points, 5.7 rebounds, and 5.2 assists per game</strong>, she impacts every phase of the game. Barton is a <strong>skilled passer</strong> with strong court vision, capable of creating opportunities for teammates while maintaining her own scoring threat.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">She's a <strong>reliable shooter</strong> who can score off the catch or off the dribble, and her rebounding ability stands out for a guard. Barton moves well without the ball, finding space and staying involved in the offense. Perhaps most impressive is her ability to <strong>create the first advantage</strong> — breaking down defenders to generate the initial scoring opportunity for herself or others. At her best, Barton is a <strong>complete point guard</strong> who controls tempo and fills the stat sheet with purpose.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1207423"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6977c33802170"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1207423' first='Morgan' last='Lilly'] | Freshman Point Guard</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1207423' first='Morgan' last='Lilly'] is an <strong>explosive, three-level scoring point guard</strong> with advanced skill and confidence for her age. Averaging <strong>11.2 points, 4.4 rebounds, and 4 assists per game</strong>, she already shows the ability to impact games as both a scorer and playmaker. Lilly is a <strong>reliable shooter</strong> who can score off the catch or off the dribble, and her ability to change speeds makes her difficult to contain.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Around the basket, she's <strong>crafty and creative</strong>, finishing with either hand and finding angles against bigger defenders. Defensively, Lilly is a true <strong>two-way guard</strong>, competing on the ball and contributing in passing lanes. She plays with poise, attacks opportunities, and keeps teammates involved. At her best, she's a <strong>dynamic lead guard</strong> whose scoring ability and versatility make her one of the most promising young players in her class.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1207426"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6977c338021e8"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1207426' first='Jordyn' last='McRae'] | Freshman Forward</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1207426' first='Jordyn' last='McRae'] is a <strong>skilled, high-upside two-way forward</strong> whose impact shows up on both ends of the floor. Averaging <strong>11.5 points, 7.5 rebounds, and 2 assists per game</strong>, she already plays with maturity beyond her age. McRae scores efficiently around the basket, finishes in transition, and shows touch and feel as her offensive game continues to expand.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Defensively, her athleticism and versatility stand out. She's capable of <strong>guarding all five positions</strong> at the high school level, switching across matchups and competing with physicality. McRae rebounds well, runs the floor hard, and consistently makes effort plays. At her best, she's a <strong>versatile two-way forward</strong> whose athleticism and skill make her a matchup problem now and a major prospect moving forward.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":["not_in_db"],"_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"field_62cca28ffa4e7","player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"Kaden Fair","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"field_62aba4c9ecf2f","player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"2028","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"field_62aba4ddecf30","player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"null","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"field_62aba4e8ecf31","player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"12122","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"field_62aba4f0ecf32","player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"Saint James ","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"field_62aba4fdecf33","player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_program":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_program":"field_62d20e723441a","player_evaluations_0_player_details":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details":"field_62aba4afecf2e","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6977c338022eb"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700"><strong>Kaden Fair | Sophomore Forward</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Kaden Fair is a <strong>physical, efficient forward</strong> whose game is built on effort and interior production. Averaging <strong>7.6 points, 3.9 rebounds, and 1.1 assists per game</strong>, she makes her impact by doing the small things that help teams win. Fair scores consistently <strong>around the basket</strong>, using positioning, touch, and timing to finish through traffic and convert second-chance opportunities.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">On the glass, she's a <strong>reliable rebounder</strong>, competing for position and securing possessions. Fair plays within her role, moves well without the ball, and provides steady presence in the paint. At her best, she's a <strong>blue-collar forward</strong> whose toughness and efficiency add value on both ends of the floor.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block -->