WATCH: Marquette signee Nigel James shows off elite shot-blocking at the Hoophall Classic

Nigel James, a four-star prospect from Long Island Lutheran, made a big statement on Monday with an incredible block during his team’s game against La Lumiere at the Hoophall Classic in Springfield, Massachusetts.

The highlight came when La Lumiere's Jack Smiley drove to the basket, but James met him at the rim and blocked the shot away, electrifying the crowd.

SportsCenter shared the moment on its X handle on Tuesday, writing:

"Nigel James statement block‼️ The 4⭐️ got 🆙."

Long Island Lutheran went on to win 68-55, with James contributing eight points, five assists and two steals.

The six-foot point guard is a senior at LuHi, boasting an illustrious high school basketball career. His exceptional defensive caliber and equally effective offense put him on the radar of several elite programs.

As per 247Sports, Nigel James is the No. 13 nationally-ranked point guard in the 2025 class and No. 3 in New York. Adam Finkelstein described James as a defender who does it all:

“Defensively, his length, quickness and physical strength are all assets,” he said on 247Sports. "He also takes pride in his performance on that end of the floor, even beyond what shows up in the stat sheet, and is an ideal starting point for a team’s defensive system.

"He can pick up the ball for the length of the floor, get over ball screens, pressure opposing ball handlers and simultaneously beat them to spots."

Why Nigel James picked Marquette

Of the 19 programs that showed interest in signing the youngster, Nigel James ultimately picked Shaka Smart’s Golden Eagles. James said the continued support from Marquette’s coaching staff convinced him to sign with them.

“Their work in the past and how they have created a genuine relationship with me and my family,” James told On3. "They treat me as if I’m already one of their players, and they look out for me. They trusted me during my process, and I will always trust them."

Long Island Lutheran's win over La Lumiere improved its record to 10-5, placing them 25th in the National On3 Composite Team Rankings. They have also won six of their last seven games.

The team will aim for a third straight victory when it faces Half Hollow Hills East on Friday, and James Nigel will surely be in the spotlight.