Bobby Kennen and the North Florida Ospreys landed an in-state commit last weekend
By: Southeast Hoops Report
James Nowells, A 6-foot-2 combo guard, out of Calvary Christian Academy in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, has announced he is committed to the University of North Florida.
The 6-foot-2 senior combo guard chose the Ospreys over Boston University, Florida Gulf Coast, Georgia Southern, Holy Cross, Jacksonville, Samford, and Stetson. He also received interest from notable Ivy League schools such as Columbia, Dartmouth, Harvard, and Yale.
Nowells becomes the second North Florida commit in the upcoming recruiting cycle, where he joins Tennessee Collegiate Academy 6-foot-2 combo guard Peyton Parker who also committed to the Ospreys earlier this month.
James Nowells Received Hardware During His Junior Season
During his junior season at Olympia High School, Nowells played a key role, where he led the Titans to the Class 7A, Region 2 Finals before their season came to an end against Oak Ridge. He won the Florida Athletic Coaches Association (FACA) Class 7A, District 11 Player of the Year.
What Made You Decide to Commit to North Florida?
“I have a strong relationship with Coach (Kennen) where we stay in constant communication, where he is always telling me where I need to improve”, Nowells told Southeast Hoops Report. “He has been keeping my family and me updated on all that’s happening around the program”, he added.
Nowells is Coming Off An Impressive Season
Last season at Olympia, Nowells averaged 18.3 points, 5.4 rebounds, 1.8 assists, and 1.7 steals per game for the Titans while shooting 43% from inside the three-point line, 39% from behind the arc, and 72% from the free-throw line, according to MaxPreps.
During the Grassroots season, Nowells played under Steven Reece at the Florida Rebels on the Nike EYBL circuit, where he averaged 5.8 points and 3.1 rebounds per game in 15 games played during league play.
Nowells Is Succeeding In The Classroom
Not only is Nowells standing out on the basketball court, but he currently carries a 3.9 Grade Point Average (GPA).
Nowells Has Major Goals For His Senior Season
Expect Nowells to play as the backup point guard this upcoming season for a loaded Calvary Christian Academy squad led by five-star Cayden Daughtry. The Eagles are expected to compete in the Overtime Elite circuit once again this season and are led by head coach Cilk McSweeney, who was a finalist last season for the MaxPreps National Coach of the Year award.
What is Calvary Christian Academy
Calvary Christian is a prominent private, evangelical, covenant-Christian school serving Pre-K through 12th Grade. Established in 2000 as a ministry of Calvary Chapel Fort Lauderdale, it operates on a sprawling 75-acre campus and has grown to become one of the largest Christian schools in the nation, educating over 2,300 students at its main Fort Lauderdale location.
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Ross Van De Griek has been a Southeast Region Scout for On The Radar Hoops since 2024 and has been the Owner/Founder of Southeast Hoops Report since June 2026. You can follow along with his work on X (@SEHoopsReport), Instagram (sehoopsreport), and Facebook (@sehoopsreport).