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James Massie
By Mike Kosman
(Evanston Il.) Playing in a small park nearby to his Evanston high school affords 16 year old James Massie the opportunity to display the darting and shooting skills he hopes to bring to his team next year. This down to earth young man (or should we call him by his nickname: Yung-Mass) exhibits not only a sharp offensive game but delivers as well on confidence without being cocky and proud without being arrogant.
At 5'10" and 165 lbs., Massie of course is still developing. He'll be going in as a junior next season and is currently with his AAU team, Full Package. He says he is expected to start at the varsity level and why not; he did so last year as a sophomore. Massie hopes to be part of a much needed turnaround at this once powerful north suburban basketball factory. Although within reach of victory during plenty of games last season, the Wildkits still finished 11-13. They lost to Thornton by only one, and a high point was a victory over eventual state champs Glenbrook North at the Proviso West Holiday Tournament.
"The strength of my game is being a slasher", Massie told us recently in the park. "I'm kind of flashy but also have worked a lot on my jump shot. I'm developing that even more now than ever". Massie even showed a cat quick ability to get to the basket , or slash his way on down there if you will. He'll mix it up with the bigger guys and can find a open man through the tall trees.
James has good reason to pound the books as hard as he pounds the hardwood; his mom works at Evanston high school as a study hall teacher and most definitely is his biggest fan. She has raised James mainly by herself for the last 10 years, and also has produced another son, Dominique, who attends and plays for Niles West. James looks to get a degree in business management and his studies support that. As we gaze forward to next season, we will certainly keep a watch on Yung-Mass and his Evanston Wildkits.
James and his mom .... ....and his boys, including his brother Dominique(behind his left shoulder)