While many other prospects in Arizona's 2025 Class have received much more recruiting attention, Marcos De Niza High School's talented 6-foot-8, 205-pound senior James Steward has been soaring below the recruiting radar for some time. While posting strong numbers consistently, Steward has waited to receive his first offer. Recently, his time arrived, as Northern Arizona recently extended an offer to Steward - an excellent option for the talented frontcourt prospect.
Northern Arizona Head Coach Shane Burcar and his staff have done an excellent job over the years in identifying some of Arizona's top prospects, and also have landed some of the top prospects in the state throughout Burcar's tenure. Steward could be the next prospect to land for the Lumberjacks. While we have spoken about Steward as a promising basketball prospect for some time now, the time has come for Steward to begin focusing heavily on his college recruitment. While he is currently hearing from some Division-I programs, this is one young man that should receive his share of college recruitment throughout the high school season, and heading into next spring.
Marcos De Nia High School (8-2) is off to a strong start to the season and in the state's 4A Division. Steward has been terrific thus far this season - averaging impressive numbers, 21.9 points, 17.3 rebounds and 4.4 blocks per/game this season. Steward is also coming off a tremendous performance, where he poured in 38 points and 23 rebounds in his team's 61-58 victory over Desert Sunrise HS.
Steward is one of the state's best overall talents and especially in the AIA, as he has excellent size, athleticism and presence on the floor. He is also coming off an excellent junior season for himself, where he averaged 17 points and 11 rebounds per/contest last season. He will certainly have a big senior season this year, which will cap off an excellent high school career for himself.
Steward is coming off a very good showing last spring and summer, while playing for his club program AZ Factory on the PUMA basketball circuit, and coached by legendary club coach Kenny Mullins.
I will continue to follow Steward's performance this season, as well as his college recruitment, and bring you any updates as they continue to develop.
Arizona Hoop Review Scouting Report: Steward is a very nice talent for Arizona's 2025 Class, although he is still unheralded. He is a very active post talent that finishes strong plays around the rim and over defenders. He has excellent length of body and a good overall motor. He runs the floor hard and finishes strong in transition. He is very mobile and versatile as a stretch four-man, and has very good upside also for the future. He competes hard and can score inside and out with a soft touch from the perimeter. A prospect on the rise that I would like to see a lot more of. He has developed into one of the better prospects in Arizona's 2025 Class, and should be able to help a college program, with continued hard work. Has upside.
