JENTRY JAMES-EUFAULA
“He makes us go.”
Those are the words that Eufaula coach Rob McKinzie uses to describe the importance of junior guard Jentry James. Perhaps one of his biggest assets is his three-point shooting as McKinzie explained.
“Jentry broke his arm early in the second semester last year and didn’t come back until playoffs. But when he came back, he hit five 3-pointers in our first game at regionals. He’s a shooter but I’d like him to shoot even more because he shot 50 percent from beyond the arc in our summer league. He’s physical on defense and a floor leader for us. He and Maddox Bridges and Keaton Parish have played together forever and really form the basis for our success and I think all three could be all-conference this year, “said the second-year coach.
Playing basketball was pretty much in the cards from an early age for Jentry.
“My mom and dad both played basketball and my mom played in college, and I just grew up around it,” said James.
Although he’s still got two years to go, Jentry has already collected one highlight that will stick with him as he hit the game-tying three-pointer in the Ironheads 54-51 win over then third ranked in Class 2A and perennial playoff power Preston. Jentry is also a standout away from the basketball court as a member of the National Honor Society, FCA, student council and is at the top of his class with a 4.58 GPA. Though he’s just a junior, Jentry is already exhibiting leadership traits according to his coach and the three-point wiz had some thoughts on being a team leader.
“I think the ultimate goal as a team leader is to find ways to help your team win and knowing how to communicate effectively with each individual helps them improve and helps me improve.”
After averaging eight points a game in the half year he played in 2023, Jentry hopes to see that number go up as he continues to connect from outside.
“I think a lot of hitting three’s is a matter of confidence in your shot and I’ve spent a lot of time in the gym this off-season building my confidence with a goal for us to have a winning season this year.”
