With her third double-double performance of the season, Japonica James helped lead NJCAA No. 7 and Region 8, No. 2 Tallahassee Community College past Santa Fe College, 91-67, during a Tuesday evening match up.
She was also named the Region 8 player of the week, and has lead the Lady Eagles to a 3-0 record to start the season.
Santa Fe was outscored in the first quarter, and trailed the Lady Eagles 53-34 to go into the half.
It was more of the same for Tallahassee in the second half, defensively forcing 36 turnovers before closing a 24-point victory.
Japonica James scored 16 points and grabbed 10 boards to secure the victory for the team.
James felt like Tuesday night’s game against Santa Fe was a pace game for the Lady Eagles.
“The game was okay, we were just going with the flow and giving everything coach asks for.” Ja,es said.
Coach Franqua Bedell of TCC said it felt good getting the win Tuesday evening with all the young players they have.
“It was a really good win considering how young and inexperienced we are in some positions.” Bedell said.
James was the only starter on the floor from last year’s team and believes she can be a leader for the ladies this season.
“I feel like I am the best fit for it, to keep everyone on the same pace. It’s my responsibly to keep my team in line and for them to give me everything like I give them.” James said.
The Lady Eagles will continue their streak of games on a neutral site vs. NJCAA No. 23 Vincennes (Ind.) University on Saturday in Panama City, Fla. Tip-off is at 3 p.m. eastern.
