Let’s be real: if you aren't paying attention to st james girls basketball right now, you’re basically missing out on one of the most chaotic, high-stakes shifts in the high school sports landscape. People tend to think high school hoops is just about which neighborhood has the tallest kids. It isn't. Not anymore.
When we talk about "St. James," it’s easy to get confused because there are a few of them making noise. You’ve got the Tigers in Missouri, the Sharks in South Carolina, and the Thunder in Kansas. But honestly? The real earthquake is happening at the St. James Performance Academy in Maryland.
They didn't just decide to "be good." They decided to rewrite the entire script for how a program is built.
The Tamika Dudley Factor
You can’t talk about the rise of the Saints without talking about Tamika Dudley. If that name sounds familiar, it’s because she’s the one who turned Sidwell Friends into a literal national powerhouse, including a 30-0 season that felt like watching a pro team play against middle schoolers.
She moved to St. James in early 2025.
The move sent shockwaves through the DMV (D.C., Maryland, Virginia) area.
Why does a coach with national titles and Naismith honors jump ship to start fresh at an academy? It’s about the "ceiling." Dudley has gone on record saying she wants to help young women find their ceiling and then just... smash right through it. She isn't just coaching; she’s building a factory for elite talent.
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The Roster Everyone Is Scouting
If you look at the 2025-2026 rankings, you’ll see why college scouts are basically living in the St. James bleachers.
- Jezelle "GG" Banks: She’s arguably the most electric guard in the country. We’re talking about a Class of 2027 prospect who plays like a seasoned vet. She’s currently ranked #4 in her class by ESPN, and watching her handle the ball is honestly terrifying for defenders.
- Jordyn Jackson: A top-10 prospect in the Class of 2026. She brings a level of versatility that most coaches would kill for.
- Jordan Dixon: Another elite name that ensures the "revolving door" of talent never actually stops.
It’s a "positionless" style of play. It’s fast. It’s loud. And it’s incredibly disciplined.
What’s Happening in the Mid-West?
While the Maryland academy is snatching national headlines, the St. James Academy Thunder in Lenexa, Kansas, is busy proving that consistency is its own kind of weapon. They just came off a massive 69-60 win against Bishop Miege in early January 2026.
If you know Kansas basketball, you know beating Miege is like climbing Everest.
Elle Robinson is the engine there. She’s a senior now, and she’s leading the team in points (11.6 PPG), rebounds (8.7 RPG), and assists. It’s rare to see a center/forward combo player lead in assists, but that’s the kind of high-IQ basketball they play under Coach J. Snell.
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They aren't just a "one-player" show, though.
Stella Sacks, a freshman point guard, is already averaging 3.0 steals a game.
Think about that.
A freshman is basically a defensive nightmare for seniors who have been playing varsity for four years.
The Shark Attack in South Carolina
Then you have the St. James Sharks down in Murrells Inlet. Their story is a bit different. They aren't always in the national top-25 conversations, but they are the quintessential "grind it out" program.
Under Head Coach Paul Hudacko, the Sharks have been working to stabilize a program in a very competitive South Carolina 5A/4A landscape. They rely on a heavy rotation and a defensive philosophy that basically says, "We might not outjump you, but we will outwork you for 32 minutes."
In 2025, their roster saw a lot of younger players getting significant minutes—names like Molly Phillips and Jordyn McRae—which means they’re currently in that "danger zone" where they’re finally experienced enough to start upsetting the big names in their region.
Why People Get St. James Basketball Wrong
Most people think these programs are just about the wins on the scoreboard. They aren't.
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The Maryland academy, specifically, is a "Performance Academy." This means these girls are doing high-level academic work alongside professional-grade athletic training. It’s a hybrid model. Some people hate it. They think it "ruins" the spirit of traditional high school sports.
But look at the results.
The players are more prepared for the jump to the WNBA or high-level D1 ball than ever before.
They are learning how to manage travel, media, and recovery before they even graduate.
A Quick Look at the 2025-2026 Schedule Highlights
The Maryland Saints aren't playing local JV teams. They are seeking out the hardest games they can find:
- Hoophall Classic: They recently played in this elite showcase against teams like Ontario Christian.
- The West Coast Swing: Matchups against Sierra Canyon and IMG Academy are becoming the norm.
- The DMV Gauntlet: Playing against local rivals who are still salty about the talent shift.
What to Watch For Next
If you’re a fan or a scout, the next few months are pivotal. The Kansas Thunder are pushing for a deep state run in Division 5A. Meanwhile, the Maryland Saints are basically on a national "respect tour," trying to prove that they are the #1 program in the country, period.
The Missouri Tigers (the other St. James) are also sitting at a 4-4 record as of late 2025, looking to find their rhythm in District 3. It's a crowded name for a lot of very different teams, but the common thread is a sudden, aggressive spike in quality.
Actionable Steps for Fans and Athletes:
- Track the Rankings: Follow the ESPN W-Rankings for the Class of 2026 and 2027. You’ll see St. James names (like Banks and Jackson) all over the top 10.
- Check the Stream: Most of the Academy games are now being picked up by national streaming services or YouTube channels like PB Report. Don't just look at the box score; watch the defensive rotations.
- Local Support: If you’re near Murrells Inlet or Lenexa, go to the games. The atmosphere in those gyms during a rivalry game is better than half the college games you'll see on TV.
- Watch the Transfers: Keep an eye on the late-season roster additions. In the current "academy" era, players often move between terms to align with coaching shifts.