By Elizabeth Contreras
Confidence is not something James Huffmyer turns on when the ball tips. It’s something he carries with him, built through preparation, faith, and an understanding that fear has no place on the court. Whether he’s attacking the rim, locking in defensively, or stepping into whatever role his team needs, Huffmyer plays with a calm edge that reflects how he sees the game and himself.
“I’ve been playing basketball for as long as I can remember,” shared the senior, who was introduced to the game by his dad when he was just three years old.
At Oklahoma Christian School (OCS) Huffmyer’s approach is rooted in adaptability, and over the years his role has shifted based on team needs, from defensive specialist to offensive scorer. Instead of resisting the changes, he embraced them, becoming known as a versatile slasher and solid defender willing to do whatever it takes to help his team win. Even as a multi-sport athlete, Huffmyer has found creative ways to improve his game. To strengthen his left hand, he intentionally uses it in daily tasks like brushing his teeth, writing, and eating.
“It sounds weird,” said Huffmyer, “but I think it will help.” It’s a small habit, but one that reflects his belief that growth happens in the smallest details.
Being a student-athlete, Huffmyer believes, is demanding in ways most people don’t always see. It requires mental discipline, physical effort, and an understanding that every athlete’s path looks different. For him, learning to move past mistakes has been essential and a skill ingrained in him by his father.
“My dad has been the biggest impact on my basketball journey,” he said. “He’s helped me a lot with mental toughness, making sure I’m never feeling sorry for myself or not giving maximum effort.”
That resilience, shaped by his father, fits perfectly within OCS’s faith-driven team environment. Team culture has played a meaningful role in Huffmyer’s experience, and at OCS, faith is woven daily into life through team devotionals and discussions. A shared foundation has nurtured a strong bond among teammates and coaches, one that extends into every athlete’s life off the court.
For younger players watching from the stands or the bench, Huffmyer’s advice is to be confident and aggressive. Fear, he said, steals joy from the game. With only a few short years to play, he believes the greatest regret is not giving the game everything you have and more.
