St. Petersburg High School, known locally as St. Pete High, is witnessing an extraordinary talent emerge on its varsity basketball team. Freshman Nijaun Harris has not just joined the Green Devils; he’s taking charge, proving to be a dominant force on the court, even at this early stage in his high school career. Coach Chris Blackwell of St. Pete High is openly enthusiastic about Harris, recognizing the rare caliber of player he has on his team. Harris’s journey to varsity stardom began in eighth grade, setting the stage for what promises to be a remarkable high school basketball trajectory right here at St. Pete High.
Nijaun Harris: A Basketball Prodigy at St. Pete High
Coach Blackwell, a veteran with 24 years at the helm of the St. Pete High basketball program, rarely encounters a player like Nijaun Harris. “You can’t hide talent,” Blackwell stated, acknowledging the undeniable skill Harris brings to St. Pete High. Harris isn’t just another freshman; he’s a game-changer.
Nijaun Harris, a standout freshman at St. Pete High, participates in team practice, showcasing his dedication to basketball.
“He is one of a kind,” Blackwell emphasized, comparing Harris to the many talented players who have passed through St. Pete High. “We’ve had some amazing young men come through here that can play the basketball game, but coming in at his age, as a freshman, is just unheard of.” The buzz around Harris began even before he donned the Green Devils jersey, with his reputation as a 6’5” power forward preceding him into the St. Pete High gym.
Stepping Up to Varsity Early
Harris himself understands the expectations. “I feel like every time I step out onto the court, I have to show what I’m capable of and what I can do,” he explained. This inherent drive pushes him to perform and excel, distinguishing him from typical freshman players who usually hone their skills on the junior varsity squad. Harris’s path at St. Pete High is anything but typical.
Last year, while still in eighth grade, Harris was already competing at the varsity level for Lakeside Christian School, where he led the team in scoring. This experience was pivotal in his development. “I really had to show my skills, so I feel like that was a big jump ahead that really helped me a lot,” Harris reflected. This prior varsity experience has seamlessly translated to his role at St. Pete High, making him an immediate asset to the Green Devils.
St. Pete High freshman basketball player, Nijaun Harris, practices his free throw technique during a team training session.
Now at St. Pete High, Harris is already attracting attention from NCAA Division I college teams. Remarkably, just a dozen games into his freshman season, he surpassed the 1,000-point milestone, a feat virtually unheard of for someone so young. Blackwell predicts significant achievements for Harris: “I think, easily, he could probably be the leading scorer in the state of Florida,” highlighting the immense potential within this St. Pete High freshman.
Leadership and Team Impact at St. Pete High
Despite being the newest member of the team, Harris’s impact extends beyond scoring. His teammates at St. Pete High already recognize him as a leader. “Even as a freshman. He’s played at a very, very high level,” Blackwell noted. “Our kids respect him even if he is a freshman.” This respect is earned through his skill, dedication, and team-oriented approach.
Even as his notoriety grows, Harris remains grounded. “He is a team player. That is exactly what he is,” Blackwell affirmed. “Even though he scores the points, he plays the game the right way.” Nijaun Harris embodies the spirit of a true athlete, blending individual brilliance with team unity, making him a key player for St. Pete High and a name to watch in Florida high school basketball.
In conclusion, Nijaun Harris is not just a freshman basketball player at St. Pete High; he’s a phenomenon. His early success, combined with his team-oriented attitude, signals a bright future both for him and for the St. Pete High Green Devils basketball program. As he continues to develop and lead, Harris is set to leave a lasting legacy at St. Pete High and beyond.
