High School Look Back: James Baker (Meade County)
His high school career may have ended earlier than he wanted, but James Baker can look back on a successful four years as a member of the Meade County High School boys’ basketball team. Baker overcame many obstacles and grew not only as a player, but also as an individual – which is the best part.
“High school was a blast,” Baker said. “I enjoyed every second of it. It grew me as a person because it taught me a lot. It taught me responsibility, mental toughness, physical toughness and work ethic. High school was a big success besides my sophomore year.”
In his final season as a high school player, Baker led the Green Wave with 15.8 points while shooting 47.9 percent from the field to go along with 6.7 rebounds per game. After going 9-20 in the regular-season – which included a 14-game losing streak from Dec. 21 to Feb. 3 – Baker turned his game up a notch and guided Meade County to being the District 11 Tournament runner-up and Region 3 Tournament champion while earning a trip to the Sweet Sixteen.
“Senior year has its ups and downs,” Baker stated. “I got hurt nine games in and had to sit out until the playoffs. We went 8-1 before I got hurt and 1-19 without me. Then when I came back for the postseason we went 5-1 and won a region championship. We lost in the first round (of the state tournament) to Cooper High School. We had a 13-21 record going into the Sweet 16. I averaged 19 (points) and 7 (rebounds) before I was injured and ended the season averaging 16 and 8.”
With a stellar prep hoops career behind him, Baker says he is planning to continue playing the game he loves – but when will he decide where he is attending college?
“I plan to play ball at the next level,” noted Baker. “I am undecided as of right now. I will make a decision in the next month or so.”
As he left a mark on the Meade County program, the athlete has a message for players still playing at the high school level:
“The message I have for the seniors next year is to give it your all and leave with no regrets. You never know what will happen so every game go out and play your hardest. Put in extra work and work hard every practice and game.”