Hall of Fame
James Thompson came to Chowan in the fall of 1989 to play for legendary Chowan coach, Bob Burke. The Culpeper, Virginia native was a standout athlete at Culpeper High School and was scouted out of high school by the Kansas City Royals for his baseball prowess. Burke saw his potential in basketball, where he helped the then-Braves to two very successful seasons.
James had a “lights out” freshman year in 1989-1990. He tallied five games that season where he made five or more three-point field goals. He set a record in his freshman year with seven three-point field goals in a win over Brevard College. The sharp-shooter shot 80% from the foul line that same season, 45% from beyond the three-point arc, and nearly 50% from the floor. The team tallied 20 wins that season but fell in the Region X finals.
James followed up his knock out freshman season with an accolade filled sophomore season performance. He averaged a team-high 22 points per game in the 1990-1991 season. He broke his old freshman year record of seven three-point field goals in a game when he hit for eight three point-field goals in a win over Alleghany-Pitt Community College. He hit for eight-three pointers in three other games in that same season and seven three pointers in three different games.
James left Chowan in 1991 as the program’s career leader in three-point field goals made (125), three-point field goals in a game (8, multiple games), and three-point field goal percentage (45%). He was signed to play at George Mason University where he continued his offensive proficiency in his junior year. He tallied nine double figure scoring games and five games with four or more three-point field goals. He suffered an eye injury in his senior season that left him sidelined for most of the year.
“James was the purest shooter that I ever coached,” stated Burke. “He is a credit to his family, his community, and to Culpeper High School, where he has coached nine very successful seasons.”
James earned his B.S. in Physical Education from George Mason and returned to his hometown where he still teaches and coaches. He is embarking on his 10th year as Head Coach of the boys basketball team at Culpeper High School. Last season the team claimed their fourth straight regular season conference and conference tournament titles. He has tallied a 154-63 coaching record over those nine seasons. He also serves as the strength and conditioning coach for Culpeper High School.
