LeBron James Enters St. Vincent–St. Mary High School in Akron

At the time, James played basketball with his best friends, including Dru Joyce III, the son of his summer-league coach, and Sian Cotton, the son of another summer-league coach, Lee Cotton.

Those coaches, both of whom stressed the values of good sportsmanship and being a team player, helped James form the basis of his playing style. James and his pals Joyce III and Cotton, along with Willie McGee, played together every chance they could as kids, and they vowed to stay together all through high school. That childhood promise became a reality as the four boys all attended Akron's St. Vincent–St. Mary High School, a private school known for its basketball program. At St. Vincent–St. Mary, James not only became the school's star basketball player, he also played football for three years and maintained solid grades.

When LeBron James attended Saint Vincent-Saint Mary High School, he became a varsity football player for the Fighting Irish. James’ football career ended shortly after he grew to 6’7.” This is when James began focusing more on basketball.