James, Scott push each other for UNT, UH assignments

[Gabe]

By Gabriel Pruett

The Orange Leader

WEST ORANGE — One has already been there and the other is on her way July 2.

Former West Orange-Stark Lady Mustang standouts Brittney James and Brittney Scott are now both done wrecking havoc on the high school ranks and now both will be at the collegiate level.

James will be a sophomore at the University of North Texas this fall while Scott is taking her act to the University of Houston.

For the time being, James and Scott can be seen making a lot of people’s lives miserable at WO-S High School by teaming up for pick-up games and shoot-arounds.

James is fresh off a successful freshman season when she was fourth on the team in scoring with eight points a game and hit 39 percent of her shots.

James played in all 29 games this past year and started in seven.

“One thing I learned is you have to go out there and play hard every minute,†James said. “In high school I could get away with half playing and still get my points and other stats. College you have to bring it every second as soon as the clock starts. Everybody is on the same level.â€

Scott has been the beneficiary of James’ knowledge and feels she is ready to make the jump to Division I basketball for the Lady Cougars.

“She (James) told me of a few of the workouts they do at UNT,†Scott said. “I have been trying to pick up on those hints and I am sure I’ll be ready. I know in high school my endurance was not where it needed to be. I got by with it here at West Orange but it needs to be picked up.â€

The two were in the gym Monday afternoon schooling whoever got in their way, nailing down three pointers in a flurry.

“I have been shooting everyday,†James said. “Then I lift weights and run every other day. I don’t go as intense as I would up at North Texas but I am trying to stay in shape. Hopefully when I get back it will not be as tough.â€

James, who looks to Scott as a little sister, is excited for the future Lady Cougar and knows Scott is ready for the next level.

“I have been talking to her about college for a while,†James said. “She’s ready because she works so hard. She will make everyone proud and will have everyone behind her back here. They did the same for me.â€

The two were close to getting a chance to square off against one another next season but UNT’s schedule was already filled and the game could not be set up.

“It would be real cool to play against her,†Scott said. “I’d probably be laughing the entire game.â€

James agreed it would have been nice to face Scott for the first time in their lives.

“We are always on the same team,†James said. “I hope we get to play each other before I graduate, it would be exciting.â€

Although the two were stars on the high school courts both know they have a few things to work on this summer and up until the first game starts.

“I have been playing against guys here lately to help prepare me even more,†Scott said. “My short term goal for Houston is to start at some point in the year. I have been working on my fundamentals and using my left hand on the court. So I do that and work on my fundamentals.â€

James is working on making her college play resemble the play she was used to in high school.

“I have to be more consistent next year,†James added. “I would score 15 for a few games then go back down to six points and then go right back up. I’m just going to keep working hard and get better.â€

[Gabe]

Usually don't post my own stories but I love these girls!

[stang4life]

Two AWESOME young ladies...on the court, off of the court and in the classroom.  UH and UNT got some gems!!!  Good luck ladies!!! ;D