Dejza James's Work Ethic Shines in Pleasant Grove's Great Run

When one season ends, another begins.

At least that’s how Dejza James, the standout sophomore at Pleasant Grove High School, sees it. The Eagles’ season ended on Thursday night following a 58-51 defeat to Oak Ridge in the second round of the California Sac-Joaquin Section playoffs.

On Friday, the just as valuable offseason began.

James believes in hard work, and isn’t settling even for her team’s remarkable 18-11 season that also included a victory over Davis High School in the first round of the section playoffs earlier this week.

As a sophomore this season, the 5-foot-10 James averaged 11.5 points and eight rebounds per game. She also tallied 2.7 steals and 1.7 blocks per game. James, who turned 15 years old this past December, was the youngest player on the Eagles.

“She was a very important part of the season,” said Pleasant Grove coach James McKeever. “It’s kind of hard because you never want to put a lot of pressure on your youngsters but she was able to step up and produce for me.”

Now, James has big plans to continuing improving her game this offseason through time with a trainer and playing for an Amateur Athletic Union (AAU) team. Her mother, Surinder James, said she’s most proud of Dejza’s discipline and work ethic.

“I think one of the happiest things for my husband and I is the dedication and work she puts in," Surinder said. "She never wants to miss a game or practice, or ever be late. She has developed so much in the last year. We look at her every day and see how much she has grown.”

For her efforts, Elk Grove Patch recognizes Dejza James as this week's Athlete of the Week. We got a chance to speak with James on the day following her team’s season-ending playoff loss.  

What made Pleasant Grove so successful this season?

I think the young talent really helped us. We were very talented at every position, from guards to our big post. Our coaches were really good this year, too. They went out of their way to get us to work. The really prepared us this season.

How exciting was Pleasant Grove’s playoffs run?

I think it was real exciting. It was funny, the other day our coach was talking about how he’d like a reason to buy a new scorebook this season because that meant we’d get past the 30 games in each book. We really wanted that 31st game. It was there but it slipped away in a heartbreaker.

Describe that final game of the season, the loss to Oak Ridge.

We came in, we weren’t nervous. We had played them three times this year. We weren’t scared, we just wanted to get out and play our hardest because it was a one-and-done situation. We played hard the whole game, and it was back and forth in the first half. At halftime, we were up by one and they really stepped it up. We kind of stepped it up but got into foul trouble.

One of the great things about being a sophomore is looking to next year. Are you hoping to go further into the playoffs next season?

Yes. Actually we plan to be at Arco. We have a very young team; all the other teams are losing their seniors. I think it makes us stronger in the long run. I think we’ll be real good next year.

What makes playing at the Kings' arena (formerly called Arco Arena) so special?

It’s the accomplishment in it, the success that you feel. Knowing that you put all that hard work in this season and it really paid off. Getting that notoriety for your school.

What was your favorite memory from this season?

In a preseason tournament at Oak Ridge, I made a left-handed shot from half court just before halftime. It got lots of comments from the crowd and players, jumping up and down.

You’re right-handed, though. Why did you shoot it with your left hand?

One of Oak Ridge’s players cut me off so I couldn’t shoot with the right hand, and had to make it left-handed.

How do you describe yourself as a basketball player?

I am very into my basketball. I am always working hard, in the gym with my trainer, getting extra shots up. The strongest part of my game is my left hand, even though I am right-handed. I am able to post well and improved my shot this summer.

You didn’t take many attempts, but your three-point shot was falling at a clip of 50 percent this season. Is your outside shooting part of your game that you’d like to develop?

Yes. I would. That’s one of the main things I am working on along with my defense.

What made things go so well for you this season?

I trained with Guss Armstead every Sunday and worked out with him a lot this summer. I think it really helped my shot.

Your coach describes you as a great inside player. How long has that been the strong point of your game?

Since I started playing. That’s what my Dad told me early on. He said if you don’t know what you are doing out there, then go get the rebound. Ever since then, I get every loose ball.

When did you begin playing basketball?

Third or fourth grade.

Who do you look up to within the game of basketball?

A lot of people inspire me. My Dad and my coaches. I really don’t know who else. Everyone inspires me and talks to me before the game.

You’re already 5-foot-10 as a sophomore. How tall do they believe you will eventually become?

I don’t know how tall I am going to be. I think maybe six-foot or so.

Do you play any other sports?

No, I don’t. Basketball is my one and only.

What else do you like to do outside of basketball?

I like hanging out with my family and friends. Going over to my friends’ houses to watch movies. Eating … a lot. (Laughs)

What are your ideal plans in basketball?

I am trying to get a scholarship in D-1 basketball. That’s my biggest goal right now.