CLEVELAND 'King James' rules over Oak Hill, 65-45

The Akron teen dazzled a national cable-TV audience.
CLEVELAND (AP) -- On his way out of the arena, LeBron James stopped to shake hands with one of his newest -- and biggest -- fans.
"Congratulations," Hall of Fame center Bill Walton said.
"Thanks for coming," offered James, the nation's most hyped high school player.
"No," Walton said. "Thanks for having me."
A national TV audience, ESPN2, and more than 11,000 fans were grateful, too.
With the world watching Thursday night, America's best prep player showed he's equal to all the incredible hype.
Now everyone knows. LeBron James isn't a myth, glossy magazine cover or urban legend. He's the real deal.
James scored 31 points, made spectacular dunks, no-look and behind-the-back passes and put on a dazzling performance in leading Akron's St. Vincent-St. Mary to a 65-45 upset victory over Oak Hill Academy, the nation's No. 1-ranked high school team.
Even more impressed
"I came here with high expectations," said Walton, who asked ESPN2 if he could broadcast the game so he could get an up-close look at James. "I'm leaving more impressed than I could have ever believed. This guy has the complete package.
"What I saw tonight was a special basketball player. It was an eye-opening experience for me."
Walton wasn't alone.
The 17-year-old James, perhaps the most talked about prep player ever, finished 12-of-25 from the floor and had 13 rebounds and six assists in 32 minutes against what may be the toughest team he'll face before going to college or turning pro next season.
The NBA's millions are calling, and James will probably be the No. 1 overall pick next season if he decides that's where he wants to take his game next.
He appears to be ready.
"I'm more happy we won," said the kid called "King James," whose school makes him wear white patches over the tattoos on his muscular arms. "It's not about putting on a show, it's about playing my game."
Celebrity crowd
James' TV debut drew 11,523 fans -- some of whom paid $100 for a courtside seat -- as well as pro scouts, front office personnel from 10 NBA teams, Ohio State coach Jim O'Brien and several members of the Cleveland Browns.
He missed his first three shots -- all jumpers -- but after the 6-foot-8, 240-pounder scored his first basket on a follow dunk with 3:05 remaining in the first quarter, he soon had the crowd gasping every time he touched the ball.
"He had that slow, sluggish start," Walton said, "and then all of a sudden ..."
James' only breakaway dunk drew the night's biggest ovation. After catching a long outlet pass, he soared for a vicious, right-handed slam that brought the arena to its feet for the first time.
"I've had great players," Oak Hill coach Steve Smith said. "He's the best I've ever seen. He's off the charts."