When people talk about some of the best basketball players to come through Western Pennsylvania in the mid-2000s, one name deserves to be remembered more often: James Hairston.
Long before highlights flooded social media and recruiting rankings dominated the conversation, Hairston earned his reputation the old-fashioned way—by putting together outstanding performances on the court. Representing Connellsville High School, Hairston became one of the most exciting players in the WPIAL. His combination of athleticism, scoring ability, and competitiveness made him a difficult matchup every time he stepped on the floor.
What made his career even more impressive was where he did it. Connellsville has produced talented athletes over the years, but it has rarely been viewed as one of the WPIAL’s basketball powers. Hairston helped change that perception by proving elite talent could come from anywhere.
Every generation has players who leave a lasting impression, not just because of the points they scored, but because of the excitement they brought to the game. Hairston was one of those players. His performances demanded attention from fans, opponents, and college recruiters alike. Whether attacking the basket, knocking down shots, or making winning plays, he consistently showed why he was considered one of the area’s premier guards.
As time passes, it’s easy for great high school careers to fade from public conversation. That’s one reason Throwback Thursday exists—to make sure the players who helped shape Western Pennsylvania basketball receive the recognition they’ve earned.
The WPIAL has produced countless standout athletes over the decades, and James Hairston belongs in that conversation. His career serves as a reminder that some of the best stories in high school basketball aren’t always found in the biggest cities or on the biggest stages. Sometimes they’re written in communities that rally behind one of their own.
James Hairston’s impact on Connellsville basketball is still remembered by those who watched him play, and his place in Fayette County basketball history is secure.
Great players eventually leave the court. Their legacy doesn’t have to.
Q: For people who never saw you play, how would you describe your game?
A: That’s wild because people have compared me to you, I swear, bro. I’d say I had an all-around game. I could pretty much do everything. I was a good defender, really long, so I was able to take advantage of that. I could block shots, played point guard and shooting guard, and I was a slasher because I was athletic. My mid-range game was probably my biggest strength. Overall, I could do a little bit of everything.
Q: Connellsville isn’t traditionally known as a basketball powerhouse. What did it mean to put your hometown on the map?
A: Connellsville definitely wasn’t a basketball school. We were huge in wrestling and football, that’s what Connellsville sports was known for. We had some good basketball teams, but we weren’t considered a basketball school. When I came through, it was different. I wasn’t trying to put Connellsville on the map. I just played ball and ended up having a good run. Looking back now, it’s pretty special to be talked about when people discuss WPIAL basketball.
Q: What are your favorite memories from your high school career?
A: I’d say my favorite memory was making it to the WPIAL Championship at the Palumbo Center. We lost, but nobody thought we were even supposed to be there. That whole playoff run was amazing. I even remember the Post-Gazette saying Connellsville couldn’t beat the Pittsburgh teams. There are so many memories, but that run definitely stands out the most.
Q: Who were some of the toughest players you faced in the WPIAL?
A: Well, player-wise, Akida McClain, the Knight brothers, and really that whole Penn Hills team. Uniontown was tough too. Honestly, for me it was more about the teams than the individual players. We were Quad A, so we didn’t really get to play all the Double-A and Triple-A schools. The toughest teams I remember were Penn Hills, Uniontown, McKeesport, Chartiers Valley, and Pittsburgh Central Catholic.
Q: What game do people still bring up when they see you today?
A: Probably the Chartiers Valley championship game because it was the first time we’d ever been there, and I still think we should’ve won. People also bring up the Uniontown games because those were always packed.
Q: What was the recruiting process like, and which schools showed the most interest?
A: When we were in school, you had to take the SATs, and those were a big deal. I got a lot of letters from schools like Penn State, Eastern Michigan, Duquesne, Robert Morris, Rider, Akron, and West Virginia.
Q: Looking back, what coach had the biggest influence on your career?
A: My high school coach, Nick Bosnic, who played at Maryland and Duquesne. He’s the one who really helped me with school and took me under his wing. He showed me that basketball isn’t forever. More than anything, he cared about me as a person. Forget basketball—he wanted to make sure I was going to be okay in life. Coach Brown, too. Rest in peace. He was the same way with me.
Q: If you could play one WPIAL player from any era one-on-one, who would it be and why?
A: That would have to be you, Drew Schifino, and that’s only because people always compared me to you. Other coaches even said it in the newspaper.
Q: How has basketball changed since you played, and is it better or worse today?
A: Basketball has changed tremendously since I played. A bad shot back then is considered a great shot today. The game used to be way more physical with hand-checking and things like that. For me, it’s both better and worse. The game has evolved a lot, which is great, but I think shot selection and fundamentals have gone downhill. Every kid wants to shoot from half court now. It’s wild. I still love the game, though.
Q: What advice would you give young players growing up in small towns who dream of playing at the next level?
A: I’d say work hard and keep your butt in the gym. You aren’t missing anything in the streets. Take advantage of every opportunity you get. Do well in school because that’s what’s going to help you in life. Just work hard.
Q: Looking back, what accomplishment are you most proud of?
A: For me, I’d say becoming the all-time leading scorer in Fayette County history, getting inducted into the Fayette County Hall of Fame, and helping put Connellsville basketball on the map a little bit.
Q: What do you want your basketball legacy to be in Connellsville and across the WPIAL?
A: I just want to be mentioned whenever people talk about the top players in WPIAL history. My name is in those record books with some crazy names, and that means a lot to me. Being from outside Pittsburgh, you have to leave a pretty big mark just to get mentioned with those guys. When I see my name alongside theirs, it makes me feel good. That’s all I could really ask for.