Favored To Win It All: Saint James

<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Why Saint James Is Favored to Win the 4A State Championship</h3>   With a 21–4 overall record and a résumé built on elite competition, Saint James has emerged as the clear favorite to capture the Class 4A State Championship. 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 Auburn (7A), Hewitt-Trussville (7A), and Hillcrest (7A). 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.    [player_tooltip player_id='1165218' first='Kaitlin' last='Mitchell'] | 5'10” Sophomore Guard   [player_tooltip player_id='1165218' first='Kaitlin' last='Mitchell'] is a natural three-level scorer with an advanced feel for the game and a smooth offensive skill set. Averaging 15.3 points, 4.7 rebounds, and 2.6 assists per game, she consistently produces while playing within the flow. Mitchell has a beautiful, repeatable jump shot that makes her a constant perimeter threat, and her creative handle allows her to create her own looks or set up teammates with precision.   Offensively, she reads defenses well, attacking space and exploiting mismatches with confidence. Defensively, Mitchell is a good on-ball defender, using length and positioning to stay connected and contest shots and passing lanes. At her best, she's a complete scoring guard whose skill, feel, and versatility make her a matchup problem on both ends.     [player_tooltip player_id='981283' first='Natalie' last='Barton'] | Junior Point Guard   [player_tooltip player_id='981283' first='Natalie' last='Barton'] is a stat-stuffing floor general whose all-around production drives winning. Averaging 15.3 points, 5.7 rebounds, and 5.2 assists per game, she impacts every phase of the game. Barton is a skilled passer with strong court vision, capable of creating opportunities for teammates while maintaining her own scoring threat.   She's a reliable shooter 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 create the first advantage — breaking down defenders to generate the initial scoring opportunity for herself or others. At her best, Barton is a complete point guard who controls tempo and fills the stat sheet with purpose.     [player_tooltip player_id='1207423' first='Morgan' last='Lilly'] | Freshman Point Guard   [player_tooltip player_id='1207423' first='Morgan' last='Lilly'] is an explosive, three-level scoring point guard with advanced skill and confidence for her age. Averaging 11.2 points, 4.4 rebounds, and 4 assists per game, she already shows the ability to impact games as both a scorer and playmaker. Lilly is a reliable shooter who can score off the catch or off the dribble, and her ability to change speeds makes her difficult to contain.   Around the basket, she's crafty and creative, finishing with either hand and finding angles against bigger defenders. Defensively, Lilly is a true two-way guard, 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 dynamic lead guard whose scoring ability and versatility make her one of the most promising young players in her class.     [player_tooltip player_id='1207426' first='Jordyn' last='McRae'] | Freshman Forward   [player_tooltip player_id='1207426' first='Jordyn' last='McRae'] is a skilled, high-upside two-way forward whose impact shows up on both ends of the floor. Averaging 11.5 points, 7.5 rebounds, and 2 assists per game, 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.   Defensively, her athleticism and versatility stand out. She's capable of guarding all five positions 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 versatile two-way forward whose athleticism and skill make her a matchup problem now and a major prospect moving forward.     Kaden Fair | Sophomore Forward   Kaden Fair is a physical, efficient forward whose game is built on effort and interior production. Averaging 7.6 points, 3.9 rebounds, and 1.1 assists per game, she makes her impact by doing the small things that help teams win. Fair scores consistently around the basket, using positioning, touch, and timing to finish through traffic and convert second-chance opportunities.   On the glass, she's a reliable rebounder, 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 blue-collar forward whose toughness and efficiency add value on both ends of the floor.