Elmore James recently surpassed some of the most noteworthy names in Brush boys basketball history to become the Arcs’ all-time leading scorer.
James set the mark earlier this season and sits at 1,784 points heading into a district semifinal against Boardman on March 2 at Euclid.
James eclipsed the previous record-holder, Nate Tait, who scored 1,696 points and had held the record since 2010. Tait beat the record held by former Ohio State football player Roy Hall. In 2020, John Hughley made a run at the mark but came up six points short at 1,690 in his career.
James said the feat is still settling in.
“It’s a really good feeling and still a little surreal,” said James. “You have players like Nate, John Hughley, Andre Wheeler that set the mark for players like me. To be able to be up there with their names and included in that conversation is a huge honor to have that type of moment.”
After being thrown into the deep end with the Arcs, James thrived. A four-year varsity starter, James credits those early years with helping him develop as a player and being able to reach the record.
“It puts a smile on my face especially knowing how hard I worked to get to this moment,” said James. “Being surrounded with the amazing coaches that I’ve been surrounded with, I never would’ve been able to reach this mark without them and my family.”
While an individual record, James’ teammates were ecstatic for him to become the all-time leading scorer. The senior-laden group for the Arcs has played together since middle school and coach Chet Mason knows that their chemistry has been intricate for Brush’s success.
“Anything that happens with this team is special,” said Mason. “Anytime you can do something where you can leave your footprint behind is a big part of your legacy. Elmore has worked hard since we came in and has trusted the process all the way through. He’s getting better every single day and you pull for guys that approach every moment like that.”
Brush earned the top seed in its district draw and advanced to the district semifinal after they defeated North, 79-41. This is the same round that the Arcs advanced to last season before being eliminated by Jackson.
While there are lofty expectations for this year’s Brush team, the Arcs are taking things one game at a time. James compared last season to them putting the cart before the horse rather than the approach this postseason.
“We’re approaching this game a lot more focused and have a chip on our shoulder about it,” said James. “We don’t want to have this be it again this season and especially with the team that we have this season. Myself and the seniors want to go out with a bang and we’re going to seize the moment and stay focused on the situations at hand in the games.”
