Callie James Callie James 5'9" | PG/SG Florida State University Schools | 2030 FL was one of the most dynamic offensive players in the 14U at Brawl at the Palms, combining relentless rim pressure with an impressive perimeter game. She attacked the basket with purpose, using her quick first step, body control, and aggressiveness to get all the way to the rim and finish with floaters and layups. In transition, she was equally dangerous, grabbing rebounds and pushing the pace to create offense before defenses could get set. While her downhill attacks often grabbed the spotlight, James also knocked down the three-ball off the dribble and in transition. She was among the top three point shooters. Her motor, confidence, and ability to impact the game in multiple ways proved she was one of the most complete and difficult matchups in the division.

While I did not get to sit and watch Callie for a whole game, I was able to watch as much of her as I could throughout the event and I am glad that I did. James reputation proceeded her with the catchy, thoughtful IG handle “Callie From Tally”, so I knew who she was coming in but had not seen her play in person. It did not take long to realize that there was considerable substance behind the hype. Callie is a very talented young player who is putting together a diverse offensive skill set that she utilized to great affect in Wellington. She was intentional with her fakes (head, shot, pass) and had the defensive players off balance and guessing while trying to guard her. She scored from all three levels, multiple times while I watched her. She was putting in work and getting buckets every game I saw her play. She has the moxy and demeanor you would expect from a kid who in all likelihood will be a blue chip recruit for college coaches nationally. She carries herself with confidence and definitely loos the part with good size for her age. I look forward to watching her play again and I hope that is sooner rather than later.

Callie James Callie James 5'9" | PG/SG Florida State University Schools | 2030 FL ‘ skillset is built around her natural scoring instincts and perimeter awareness. She spaces the floor effectively, stays ready off the ball, and recognizes scoring opportunities when defenses lose focus. She plays with confidence as a shooter and shows comfort operating within the flow of the offense. The young guard has the ability to maneuver to the rim and can finish with floaters and layups. Defensively, she brings toughness and competes through physical play, staying engaged and active on that end. Her combination of off-ball movement, scoring instincts, and competitive on the defensive side of the ball gives her a strong foundation, and she is poised for a big evaluation period.

Callie James Callie James 5'9" | PG/SG Florida State University Schools | 2030 FL is a bucket and she’s only an eighth grader, not even close to hitting her prime. Callie is a name to remember now. She is averaging 14.4 PPG this season, with only three games in which she did not score in double figures. Her season high is 24 points, a game in which she shot 70% from the field, went 5-for-8 from the three-point line, and was a perfect 5-for-5 from the free-throw line. James will have plenty more performances like this ahead, and even bigger ones to come.

Callie James Callie James 5'9" | PG/SG Florida State University Schools | 2030 FL (cover) displayed natural scoring instincts from the point guard position and from the shooting guard position. Her ability to compete as an 8th grader is already impressive enough, and she takes it further with her ability to interchange from the one to the two and not miss a beat. She spaced the floor well, stayed ready off the ball, and took advantage of opportunities when defenses relaxed. James has the ability to create space and shoot the jumper off the bounce or off of the catch. On defense, James also showed toughness, competing through physical play and staying engaged defensively. James shows leadership on the floor and communicated with her teammates and in some cases directed them to the right spot on the floor, showing leadership abilities as an 8th grader. The young guard is a high IQ player who plays well beyond her years. She was a standout as a “young gun,” and got the attention of everyone in the gym.

Callie has incredible body control for her age. Her size and strength also stand out in Florida’s 2030 class. She’s one of the top shooters in her class and regularly plays against older kids which is always hard in the moment, but should lead to a lot of positives in the long run. Her poise and pace also show off the maturity in her game. The film I watched showed off her strong handles, unselfish passing, and an effective head fake that can fool opponents.

Callie is the only C/O 2030 on this list but is already a featured player on her varsity team. She rocked the leg sleeve this weekend and played with a lot of swagger for such a young hooper. Her handles along with her hesitation move and her job of protecting the ball on the drive are really impressive. Callie from Tally truly played within herself this weekend, showed high IQ, and was able to score it from every level with a nice runner in her bag.