After a sixth-place finish last season, Arlington basketball knew it needed a spark. This year, that spark arrived in the form of a new face—and a familiar rival.

Last year, the Arlington Tigers finished sixth in 4A District 15. Head coach Anthony Smith and his team knew something had to change if they wanted to take the next step. That change came with the arrival of standout guard Jayden “JJJ” Jordan James, who transferred from rival Bartlett High School.

“I’m happy, excited to be here,” James said. “It’s a different school, different environment, different community.”

James’ Panther pride has been replaced with Tiger toughness. After a full offseason with Arlington, he’s built chemistry with his teammates and embraced one of the toughest schedules in the state.

“Tough games… and with the guys, you know, we practice every day and just get after it,” James said.

James has quickly become a key piece for the Tigers, emerging as one of the team’s top scorers. He says his biggest focus, however, is balancing both sides of student-athlete life—student first, basketball second.

One unexpected boost for James was discovering a family connection on the roster. He and teammate RJ Tate learned only recently that they are cousins.

“I found out he was my cousin after watching a game,” Tate said. “He was at my uncle’s house, and that’s when we realized we were family. It’s definitely helped us work harder together and build our relationship—on and off the court.”

With new talent, renewed energy and a strengthened bond, Arlington hopes this season looks very different from the last.

Upcoming for the tigers is against the Ridgeway Roadrunners, who are 1-4 of the season. Tigers should be able to sweep up those birds and move their record to 5-2, establishing a very hot start for this tough schedule.