Athlete of the Week: James Nowells, Olympia High

One of the pieces at the forefront of Olympia High boys basketball team’s 7A Regional Final appearance in 2026 was guard James Nowells. He was named the 7A District 11 Player of the Year for his average of 18.3 points and 5.4 rebounds per game in 28 games played. 

He’s continued the success in summer ball with his AAU team, Florida Rebels EYBL, leading as a top performer in the 2026 Florida Live Periods in June with 20 points, seven rebounds and four assists. With a 3.9 GPA, Nowells demonstrates the same level of commitment to his academic life as he does to his performance on the court.

Nowells has picked up college attention with offers from seven schools including the University of North Florida, Florida Gulf Coast University and Boston University. He also has eight schools interested including Harvard, Yale, Columbia and Dartmouth. 

What do you enjoy most about basketball? 

All the new friends I’ve met throughout the years.

When did you start basketball and why did you join? 

I started playing when I was 4 years old. I joined because I knew it was something that I love to do.

What’s your best memory in basketball?

My best memory with basketball is when I used to go to these basketball camps at Lake Brantley for hours and I just remember having so much fun. 

What has basketball taught you? 

It really has taught me a lot mostly about persevering and being strong and being mentally prepared for things that happen. 

How would you describe yourself as a teammate? 

I would describe myself as uplifting, someone you can rely on. I’m very understanding.

What advice would you give someone who just joined basketball? 

I would tell someone that’s just starting a basketball to just play every day and try to get 1% better every day or more.

What’s your pre-game ritual? 

So I usually eat something very healthy with carbs like chicken and rice. Then, I will take a nap until it’s game time and listen to music. Music is the most important part.

If you could pick a different sport what would it be? Why? 

I really don’t think I (could) pick a different sport, but if I really had to, it would be soccer because I used to play when I was younger and it was fun. 

Who do you look up to the most? 

I look up to my mom and my dad the most because (they are one) of the reasons why I’m in this situation that I am today.

What’s something new you’d like to learn? 

I want to learn how to play the piano.

Where would you want to live if you weren’t in Florida? 

I would say like North Carolina or New York.

If you won the lottery, what would you do with the money? 

Half of the money, I’m investing, then I’m gonna give a percentage to my mom, my dad and then I probably would buy a house, a car and then whatever I do with it, I do.

What future career do you want to have? 

Future career I just want keep playing basketball until I can’t any more. Then I want to open up a business for athletes like an athletic training place.

If you became famous, what would it be for? 

Probably for basketball.

If you had to pick a spirit animal, which would you choose? 

Black leopard. 

What’s your perfect day? 

I feel like for me every day really is a perfect day because I wake up and I’m blessed every day.

Why did you pick your jersey number?

There’s really no meaning behind it, but I wanted to wear six but you can’t wear that during high school, then I wore 21 for two years … now I just pick zero. There’s really nothing behind it.