AHSAA 3A SEMIS: Jamerson takes the lead in Catholic's quest for a hoops title

DJ Jamerson has played a key role in Catholic’s ascension in high school basketball. The Knights face Winfield Monday in the Class 3A state semifinals in Birmingham. (Tim Gayle)

By TIM GAYLE

Daniel Jamerson said he has learned a little about himself as Catholic shook off a 5-5 start with 15 consecutive wins. DJ, as he is known, is in his second year of playing basketball in the United States and learns a little more about the sport with each passing month.

“My first year built a lot of confidence for me,” Jamerson said. “Just coming in (to the 2020-21 season) I was projecting more confidence in myself to just play my game, not really being lost. Not really concerned about ‘Who’s this? Who’s that? He dunked on me, what should I do now? Should I force something?’ No, I’m going to play my game and I’m going to make sure I score. If I don’t have a scoring opportunity, I’m going to pass the ball to someone else. It’s a team game and I love team basketball.”

Jamerson’s development -- and Catholic’s -- is defined by the Knights’ level of improvement throughout the season as they won the area tournament for the third consecutive year and advanced to the state tournament for the fourth time in school history. Catholic (20-5) will face Winfield (26-8) on Monday in the 3A semifinals at Birmingham’s Bill Harris Arena at 11:30 a.m.

“This means a lot to me,” Jamerson said. “This is my second year playing in the States, so for me to play in Birmingham means a lot because a lot of people says you’re new here, you’re probably not going to make it that far.”

Jamerson, a senior playing at his third school in three years, leads the Knights in scoring, rebounding and blocked shots, averaging 15.1 points, 11.6 rebounds, 3.5 blocked shots, 2.0 steals and 1.0 assists per game.

Two years ago, Jamerson was in South Korea -- his mother is employed by the military -- and one of the stars in that country, once scoring 42 points in a game. When his mother was assigned to Maxwell Air Force Base, he knew he would have to adjust to a different style of play. 

“The thing I find really different is the competition,” he said at the time. “My dad told me when we moved back to the States, people are going to be more aggressive so you have to assert yourself on defense and offense. At first, I’m not going to lie, I was nervous.”

He played his junior season at Stanhope Elmore, losing in the 6A sub-regional round to Northridge. A new year would bring a new school.

“I wanted to be challenged in my academics,” Jamerson said. “It was also a move for my parents as well because my mom works at Maxwell Air Force Base and she wanted to get a little closer. So I made the sacrifice and moved to another school.”

His younger brother had settled on Catholic. Jamerson sorted through the school’s academics and took a minute to study the boys’ basketball team as well. The Knights were returning four of the five starters from last year’s team that went to the 4A semifinals, losing only the big man in the middle, Justin Bufford. It seemed like the natural fit.

“Before I attended the school, I talked to Coach (Mike) Curry and got to know him,” Jamerson said. “I also talked to JB (Bufford) and he talked to me and told me to be myself, be a leader and play my game, don’t stress about it.

“It’s just stepping in and just taking responsibility and being a leader. And also knowing that you have other teammates to help you out.”

The transition took a while. Myles Butler and TJ Dudley missed several games as members of the football team and DJ Carter, another football player, spent a few moments with the football team before deciding to bypass his senior year to allow a wrist injury to heal. After 10 games, the Knights were 5-5, struggling to find the right chemistry. Then, as it often does on a team loaded with experience and talent, everything fell into place. The Knights haven’t lost since.

“Throughout the season, it’s been fun,” Jamerson said. “I got to meet new people, got to play other competition and got to meet some friends while playing opposing teams. This season’s been amazing because I’ve built a lot of bonds with my new teammates as well. I’ve tried to talk to my teammates, communicate with them and have a good time with them off the court.”

Basketball is, after all, a team game. And Jamerson loves his new team.

“Coach always says, if a person’s hot, keep on giving them the ball,” Jamerson said. “That’s basic Basketball 101. If the momentum shifts and someone else gets hot, give them the ball.”

That attitude has gotten Catholic this far. Now Jamerson wants to take the next step on the state’s largest stage.