Despite being only a sophomore, Jake Hamm earned a spot in the starting lineup for the Niles boys basketball team.

If the season-opener was any indication, coach Todd Pawielski made the right move.

Hamm, who played on the junior varsity as a freshman, scored 21 points and grabbed five rebounds to lead the Vikings past Three Rivers, 81-62 Dec. 10.

“Jake Hamm is a wonderful kid and competitor,” Pawielski said. “He lives in the driveway shooting the basketball. He was in the starting lineup because he rebounds so well.”

Hamm found out minutes before the season-opener that he was starting.

“It was a little bit of a surprise, “ the 6-foot-4 Hamm said. “In the locker room right before the game I found out that I was starting.

“I was actually pretty nervous going into it. But once they started playing the music (in pregame) and we ran out there I really started clicking and was relaxed.”

A calm Hamm didn’t waste anytime to make an impact. He scored 12 points, including two 3-pointers, to help Niles race out to a 22-7 first quarter lead.

“What a great start by Jake,” Pawielski said. “He shot the ball beautifully in the first half. We knew he could shoot.

“Who knows, without his performance the game might have had a different outcome. He played in impressive fashion.”

Hamm feels he can hurt opposing defenses in a variety of ways.

“I think I’m pretty versatile,” he said. “What I like about my game is that I can go in the post or I can go outside and shoot.

“I’m looking to fill my role on the team. Whatever the team needs during a game I’m willing to do.”

Hamm isn’t satisfied with where he’s at as a basketball player.

“I have to improve on how I handle the ball and handling the pressure of the game when the ball is in my hands,” Hamm said. “When I do get the ball I can’t turn it over.

“I also have to learn how to defend guys that are bigger and faster.”

Older teammates have embraced having Hamm on the varsity, while Pawielski has tried to lessen the pressure on Hamm.

“Usually, coach gives me the toughest time and jokes around with me,” Hamm said. “It has been fun. I love the guys on the team.”

You can’t ask for a better start to a varsity boys basketball career.