HIGH SCHOOL: James is a graduate of Salesian High School.  James was a four year varsity starter in high school.  As a junior he was Santa Fe League MVP and All CIF honors as he helped lead the team to a Santa Fe League Championship and the CIF SS semi final.  As a senior, he was once again Santa Fe League MVP and All-CIF.

Community College:  From Salesian, James went on to play at Rio Hondo College one season before red shirting.  There, he was on the Dean’s List all four semesters.

PERSONAL:   He was born in 1991.  His parents are Irene Saldana and Efren Hidalgo