Hairston adjusts to new role with Vulcans
CALIFORNIA – James Hairston’s statistics are much different as junior at California University of Pa. than they were when he was playing scholastic basketball for Connellsville. The 6-foot-3 guard isn’t scoring nearly as much as when he was leading the Falcons to the 2004 WPIAL Quad-A championship game.
The numbers might be significantly different, but Hairston is the exact player he was at Connellsville in one key category.
That’s the desire to win, and do whatever it takes to accomplish that goal.
“My role here might not be like it was at Connellsville, but it doesn’t matter to me, as long as I’m helping the team win,” Hairston said.
The Vulcans have done a lot of winning this season, enough to claim the PSAC West regular-season championship and thus secure home-court advantage throughout the PSAC tournament.
Hairston hit five of six shots and both of his free throws in scoring 12 points on Saturday to help Cal defeat Edinboro, 73-59, on senior night at Hamer Hall.
The victory clinched first place, improved the Vulcans’ record to 22-5 overall and 10-2 in the PSAC West, and pulled coach Bill Brown even with Jim Boone for career wins at Cal with 228.
California will play either Clarion or Lock Haven in the quarterfinals of the PSAC tournament at Hamer Hall on Tuesday at 8 p.m.
Hairston will be part of the probable starting lineup along with 6-4 senior guard James Petty, 6-0 senior guard John Owens, 6-6 senior forward Osborne Gardner and 6-6 senior forward Kelvin Green.
Hairston is pouring in almost 30 points a game as he did at Connellsville, but he is a key component to the Vulcans’ success.
He’s the only player to start all 27 of California’s games and is fourth on the team in scoring at 8.8 points per game. He is second in assists (62), blocked shots (14) and assists-to-turnover ratio (1.3), and third in steals (45) and 3-pointers (92).
Hairston also is, by far, Cal’s best foul shooter at 86.7 percent.
Hairston has taken a liking to his role as all-around contributor.
“I enjoy this team,” Hairston said. “Things are going pretty well here. We’re well balanced. It’s good to actually not have to come out every game and try to score 30. I like the different roles I play here. I like concentrating on playing good defense instead of worrying how much I need to do on offense.
“I liked my days at Connellsville. Those were fun. But this is a different game here.”
Brown is pleased with Hairston’s play at California.
“I think he’s done a great job,” said Brown, now in his 11th season with the Vulcans. “He’s done everything we’ve asked him to do, on and off the court. He’s a very consciousness person and a very competitive player.
“More importantly, he’s deferred to other players. He’s capable of going 9-11 (making nine of 11 shots) instead of 5-5 (as he did in a recent game against Shippensburg), but he’s a team guy.”
Hairston’s attitude has left a positive imprint on Brown, who knew of his scoring exploits at Connellsville.
“The amazing part about him was his willingness to come in here and play team basketball,” Brown said.
“He has a chance to be a very special player here at California.”