LeBron James. The name is synonymous with basketball excellence. It represents winning, success, championships, and spectacular dunks. This reputation wasn’t forged solely with his NBA debut in 2003; it began building long before, in the high school arenas of Ohio.
Even as a teenager, “King James” dominated the basketball landscape, quickly becoming a projected NBA superstar. His time at St. Vincent–St. Mary High School established a remarkable career before he even reached the professional level, widely considered one of the most impressive high school careers in history.
Known as “The Kid from Akron,” James nearly secured three consecutive Division II State Championships in Ohio. But on March 23, 2002, a smaller high school from Cincinnati handed LeBron James one of his most surprising and humbling defeats. It was a loss that resonated, as it remains the only high school defeat James suffered against an Ohio team.
LeBron James in High School: 81 Wins, One Loss
In the championship final, the heavily favored St. Vincent–St. Mary team, led by James, sensationally lost to Roger Bacon High School. The final score was 71-63. The statistics were remarkable: 81 wins against just one loss – an almost unbelievable record. But how did the underdog Roger Bacon team achieve this upset?
The two teams had previously met during the regular season, with St. Vincent–St. Mary emerging victorious. However, for Roger Bacon, the initial game wasn’t about winning, but about learning and preparing for a potential rematch. As assistant coach Brian Neal told ESPN, “Though we didn’t win that game, our guys left the locker room thinking we’d have a great chance to win if we played them again.”
LeBron James was already a focal point, the player everyone wanted to face. Games were so crowded that they were occasionally moved to larger venues to accommodate the fans.
Sports Illustrated Puts LeBron on the Cover
Josh Hausfeld, the point guard for Roger Bacon High School at the time, recalled the atmosphere surrounding their first encounter with James: “When we played them the first time, the referees were taking pictures and getting autographs from him. He was larger than life.”
In February 2002, James graced the cover of Sports Illustrated, further amplifying the hype. The headline, “The Chosen One,” seemed to foreshadow his path to becoming one of the greatest basketball players of all time.
The Roger Bacon players were acutely aware of this attention. Hausfeld expressed his disbelief at seeing a high school athlete on the cover of such a prestigious magazine: “I just remember thinking they only put professional athletes on there. When a high school player—not just a high school player, but a guy we played against, a guy we knew very well—was on there, it was shocking. I thought they only put Michael Jordan on that thing.”
Underdog Fueled by LeBron’s Guarantee
Instead of being intimidated, the Roger Bacon players used the attention as motivation. They were determined to defeat James. The biggest spark came the day before the championship game when LeBron James publicly guaranteed a victory.
This bold statement ignited a fire within the Roger Bacon team. Forward Beckham Wyrick explained, “We were already motivated enough, but when LeBron gave that guarantee, it took it to another level.”
Roger Bacon High School Upsets LeBron and Co.
The highly anticipated championship game arrived. An estimated 18,000 spectators filled the arena, expecting another victory and a three-peat for St. Vincent–St. Mary. However, the outcome defied expectations. Despite a strong performance from LeBron James, who scored 32 points and showcased impressive plays like a half-court shot and a powerful dunk, Roger Bacon High School secured a stunning 71-63 victory.
Hausfeld reflected on the team’s success, stating, “I think the lesson from that win is that we all work in teams. I think it shows that hard work, a plan, determination, and the power of a team will always prevail.”
James, displaying sportsmanship even in defeat, congratulated his opponents on their well-deserved win and championship.
It’s possible that this defeat, though painful at the time, proved invaluable on James’ journey to becoming a global sports icon. It served as a reminder that even the most talented individuals can be humbled, and that teamwork and determination are essential for success.
As of March 23, 2026, LeBron James continues to build on his legendary career with the Los Angeles Lakers, remaining a dominant force in the NBA. His longevity and continued success are a testament to his dedication and unwavering pursuit of excellence.
Get the US Sports Newsletter! NFL, NBA, NHL & Co. – all the highlights, results and news conveniently by mail here.
Worth a look
