When LeBron James was a high school player, he had a career that ranks among the greatest in NBA annals. Many think he was the best high school basketball player ever. He was the nation’s top player when he was a high school senior. It wasn’t always thought of as the top player in the nation, though; James was no exception.
Even though LeBron was two years older than Lenny Cooke, the Los Angeles Lakers player was ranked higher when they were both in high school. Despite having the necessary talents, he was not selected in the 2002 NBA Draft and never got the chance to play in the NBA.
In a recent Instagram video, LeBron had Lenny gushing over LeBron James and Carmelo Anthony. After Lenny beаt Anthony, he is heard remarking, “he aight” regarding Anthony. Additionally, Anthony was among the nation’s top high school athletes.
James’s Instagram Story
James’s Instagram Story
Nevertheless, Cooke’s fortunes changed drastically when he met LeBron in the championship round. The championship game was a blowout for Lenny, who LeBron defeated and outscored 24-9. In addition, James won the game with a one-legged buzzer-beаter from 35 feet out.
Everything that has happened since the championship game, when LeBron humiliated Lenny, is history. Melo was taken third overall by the Denver Nuggets in the 2003 NBA Draft, while the Lakers star was chosen first overall. Lenny never had a shot at the NBA, but Melo and LeBron had incredible careers.
Impressive high school career of LeBron James
There has never been a high school basketball career quite like LeBron James’. In comparison to his high school career, only Kareen Abdul-Jabbar’s was more famous and successful.
With a height of 6 feet 2 inches, LeBron James averaged 21 points and six rebounds as a rookie. An incredible record for an Ohio boys high school, the FigҺting Irish went 27-0 during the season and won the Division III state title.
High ticket demand forced his high school to play their sophomore year game in Rhodes Arena, located at the University of Akron. James had impressive stats as a sophomore, averaging 25.2 points, 7.2 rebounds, 5.8 assists, and 3.8 steals per game. The FigҺting Irish went 26-1 and reclaimed the state title. He made history as the first sophomore in Ohio basketball history to be selected Mr. Basketball. He was also named to the first team of All-USA performers by USA Today.
When he started junior year, he was already getting a lot of attention. There was absolutely no slowdown in his performance. On a per-game basis, he contributed 29 points, 8.3 boards, 5.7 assists, and 3.3 steals. The Gatorade National Player of the Year award for me𝚗’s basketball went to him, making him the only junior to ever get it. Despite going 23-4 overall, St. Vincent-St. Mary was not able to advance past the Division II final game.
While James was a senior in high school, he and his team traveled across the United States to compete against nationally recognized squads. He has been chosen to the USA Today All-USA First Team for the third year in a row and has also been crowned Mr. Basketball in Ohio. His season-ending stats were 31.6 ppg, 9.6 rpg, 4.6 assit, and 3.4 spg.