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Tournaments  | Story  | 7/7/2023

James Thrives on Diamond

Olivia Bontempo     
Photo: Coy James (Perfect Game)
Coy James, a 16-year-old from Advance, North Carolina, is one of the top-ranked players in the class of 2025 and has a lot to show for it.  

On Thursday, James and the Canes National 16u faced off against the Atl Lightning 16u squad, in their opening game of the WWBA National Championship. After a five inning game, the Canes were able to walk away with an 8-0, run-rule victory. The Canes racked up the hits all afternoon, combining for ten, to the Lightings' one.  




“I am always looking for a fastball, especially batting the three-hole, which is new to me,” James said about his mentality at the plate. “There are definitely a lot of off-speed pitches that you have to sit on and adjust to (when batting the three-hole).”  

James, a right-handed hitter, has shown some serious consistency at the plate this season, batting right around .600 through 36 at-bats. James attributes a lot of his offensive success to the work he puts in off the field, getting stronger in the gym.   

“I've been in the gym a lot, I go to the gym five days a week just trying to build strength,” James said when asked about what contributes to his offensive power. “Also, keeping my swing consistent. My dad and I go to the field every day and take swings, so, just trying to keep consistent and watch the ball, hit the ball.”   

The 13u and 14u Select Festival alum continues to compete at one of the highest levels. On June 25, James and the Canes traveled to Hoover, Alabama, for the fourth annual 16u National Elite Championship. While there, the Canes went 8-0 clinching the tournament win, after a nail-biter, against the Stix 2025 Scout team. Following the championship game, James was recognized as the tournament MVP.  
 

In the spring of 2026, you will be able to find the middle infielder playing for the Ole Miss Rebels, following his graduation from Davie County High School.  

“The coaching staff, the facilities, the campus, the fan base, just everything about Ole Miss is great,” James said.    

The future Rebel and the Canes are now set to face the Arlington A’s Red team later this evening and will finish up pool play on Monday, awaiting bracket play at the 16u WWBA National Championship.