PITTSBURGH - Eric James Jr. spent a year and a few games playing high school basketball for Green County in Kentucky. When James came back to Western Pennsylvania midway through this season, he wasn't worried about how Obama Academy would ease him into the lineup. James was already familiar with many players in the program.

That made the feeling out process a little easier. His path to playing for the Eagles took a few twists and turns. ​James played at North Hills for his freshman and sophomore years. He then transferred to play for Green County, which is where his dad lives, before returning.

"Some of the guys I already knew," James said. "I already played pickup basketball with them and I played AAU with some of the other guys. I was already familiar with their game. It wasn't too bad fitting in."

James, who averages around 20 points per game, played a big role in putting years of frustration behind the Eagles Sunday at Brashear High School. Obama, which lost in the City championship game last season after leading by nine points after three quarters, overcame a seven-point deficit entering the final frame to score a 64-58 overtime win.

Eagles coach Naron Jackson said he wanted to see James be more aggressive. While James finished with 19 points, he missed both of his field goal attempts in the first and only had one point. Allderdice made the situation more difficult, as the Dragons made five of their eight 3-point attempts to stretch the lead to 19-12.

"We've been working all week with getting (James) in some space with the ball," Jackson said. "(Naron Jackson II) was getting him in space with the ball early and he was being a little gun shy. We had a talk at halftime with him and Ron and told them we have to go back to what we know."

Collectively, Obama had a tough time getting started on offense. The Eagles shot 14.2 percent (1-of-7) from the 3-point line and 25 percent (2-of-8) from the free-throw line.

"Everybody on the team always makes sure everybody's up and in a good mood," James said. "We always hype each other up and make sure we're all good."

James, who was named the game's MVP, scored 10 of his 19 points in the fourth quarter.  He would convert a 3-point play with 3 minutes remaining to cut the deficit to 47-46. James fouled out with 1:59 remaining in regulation.

James believed his teammates would close out the win.

"I felt like they were ready," James said. "They were ready and confident to get in the game and do what they had to do to win."

Josh Rizzo is the editor and publisher of Pittsburgh Preps and Colleges. Story ideas can be submitted to [email protected] or on X @J_oshRizzo.

Rashan Murray built his reputation as a standout defensive back with California (Pa.) University. The Obama Academy graduate recently announced that he will test himself at the next level after accepting an offer from Pitt. Murray was recently named to the D2Football.com Elite 100 Squad List.

Murray helped the Vulcans win the Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference West Division title this season. Cal reached the quarterfinals of the NCAA Division II playoffs before losing to Slippery Rock University. Murray, a junior, was named second-team All-American by the Associated Press and Don Hansen Football Committee.

Murray was second in Division II with 18 passes defended and grabbed a team-high four interceptions. Murray also recorded 39 tackles and forced a fumble.

Josh Rizzo is the editor and publisher of Pittsburgh Preps and Colleges. Story ideas can be sent to [email protected] or to @J_oshrizzo on Twitter.