Princess Anne’s Aziaha James' heart and talent are heading to N.C. State thanks to her family

Aziaha James says her mom, Latoya Jackson, told her when she made her college basketball decision to “Follow your heart.” James’s heart is taking her to North Carolina State.

On Tuesday, James, two-time reigning All-Tidewater Girls Basketball Player of the Year – star of Princess Anne High’s last three of seven consecutive state championships – made it official when she signed to play for the defending Atlantic Coast Conference tournament champions.

“I did it for my family and my mom helped me make the decision,” James said. "It’s close to home so my mom will be able to go to my games.

“N.C. State likes my versatile play, my ability to get down low and my ability to go outside and shoot as well. I’m willing to play anywhere.”

Which is exactly what James does for Princess Anne. Close friend Michelle Ojo – who signed to play for George Washington University at the ceremony on Wednesday at the Boo Williams Sportplex in Hampton – was hurt much of this past season so 5-foot-9 James played some center for the Cavaliers.

She also played the other four positions and was good at them all. Dangerous off the dribble, in transition, shooting the mid-range jumper or converting off of a rebound or her defense, James averaged 18.7 points, 8.8 rebounds, 4.8 steals, and 2.7 assists.

“It’s good, and she had a lot of offers,” Princess Anne coach Darnell Dozier said of James choosing an N.C. State program that went 28-4 this past season and finished in the national top 10. “She could be a point guard or she could be a shooting guard in college.”

James said, "I’m happy to be playing in the ACC and help Wolfpack Nation, as well as (the opportunity of) keeping the program winning championships like last year.

"Playing at Princess Anne gives you that college feel, so that we won’t be surprised when a coach yells at you. Coach Dozier always prepares us to keep our energy building up through the game.

“Basically all four years he’s told me that no matter who you are, you’re vying for your spot on the team every day. No matter how good you are, the team around you is number one and it’s not just about you.”

James says that she was very happy to hear the Virginia High School League announce recently that winter sports, including girls basketball, are still on for their December start.

She wants to add one more to the three state championship rings proudly displayed in front of her as she signed, while being a role model in passing on the winning tradition of Princess Anne girls basketball to younger players.

Most of all, she wants to win for “AJ,” her late brother Ashley James, the former Green Run boys basketball star. AJ, who would’ve began his Division I basketball career at Missouri State University this month, was killed in an accidental shooting hours after watching his younger sister lead Princess Anne to victory in the Class 5 Region A championship game in March.

“Everything I do from now on will be for my brother, because he never had a chance to go to college,” she said. “My legacy will be his journey.”

Ojo, a 6-0 senior missed three months of last season with a broken foot, but returned to score eight points in the win over Woodgrove that earned Princess Anne a share of the state title (the state final was canceled due to the coronavirus pandemic).

Ojo was averaging close to 10 points and 10 rebounds prior to her injury. Ojo, who carries about a 4.0 grade point average in mostly international baccalaureate classes, plans to go into the medical field after college.

“I’m a little shocked because she had so many offers,” Dozier said of Ojo’s choice. "But she is academically inclined and I appreciate that.

“She is smart as a whip and our school is hard.”

Marty O’Brien, 757-247-4963, mjobrien@dailypress.com

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