Cougar women ink Florida basketball standout
Barton County women's basketball coach Don Kayser snagged a "big-time" recruit from the state of Florida as the Cougars work towards regaining their place among the elite in the Jayhawk West. The Cougars signed a 1st team All State product from Florida in 6-2 center Chelsia James. James is the younger sister of Ariel James, who played for the Cougars this past season.

While a senior at Charlotte High School in Punta Gorda, Florida, James averaged 20.6 points per contest, grabbed 14.6 rebounds per game and blocked 4.9 shots per contest. Those numbers were good enough to garner her a plethora of honors at the end of the season.

In addition to being a 1st team All State selection, James was tabbed the Southwest Florida Player of the Year and was named the All-Star MVP by the Southwest Florida Association of Basketball Coaches. She was also selected an All-Star by the Florida Athletic Coaches Association. James was also a 1st team All Area pick by the Sarasota Herald Times.

Coach Don Kayser comments
Chelsia is a big-time player -- she can score, rebounds, and block shots. She will give us a new dimension under the basket at both ends of the floor.

Senior Year Honors
1st Team All State
Southwest Florida Player-of-the-Year
Southwest Florida Association of Basketball Coaches All-Star MVP
Florida Athletic Coaches Association All-Star
1st Team All-Area -- Sarasota Herald Times

Charlotte High School Sr. Year Stats
20.6 points
14. 6 rebounds
4.9 blocks