Leadership
Poise
Steady
Consistent
Solid
Complete
The list of qualities go on and on. If you're looking for lots of dazzle, flash and showtime, Jami Bjorklund is not your type of player... But if you like someone who can be counted on day in and day out, someone who is adept at finding open spots in a defense, catching the pass and nailing the mid-range jumper, the University High School rising senior is for you.
All through her sophomore and junior seasons as a U-High Titans starter, Jami has emerged as both a vocal leader and a leader by example. She is a smart player with a high basketball IQ and is always aware of what needs to be done to win games. There's no celebrating after a made basket, just hustling back on defense while directing her teammates to get ready or switch defenses. Almost a coach on the court.
If things go wrong, teammates look to Bjorklund for leadership and she responds. If things go great, she'll likely deflect any praise onto her teammates. You could say Jami is blue-collar.
At a recent 90-team tournament at Gonzaga, she helped lead her high school team to a breathtaking, double-overtime victory. Jami just wins. It was in a quarterfinal game earlier that day when Bjorklund showed her game in typical determined fashion...
With her Titans tied after three quarters with a Tri-Cities squad, and the opposition boasting two very tall post players, Jami showed her mettle and quietly took over. First, she posted down low, took a pass, turned and drilled a 10 footer. Then she intercepted a pass and led the transition, showing good ballhandling skills and good decision-making by pulling the ball back out instead of forcing a shot. Moments later, Bjorklund took a pass and shot from 15 feet out, only to have it blocked; she grabbed the loose ball in midair and drove past the taller, slower post player for a nice layin. This never-give-up play on offense and defense continued and it wasn't long before U-High had a 10 point lead and the game was essentially over. Oh, and by the way, she also hit a trey during clutch time.
Gonzaga fans in and around Spokane can watch Jami play for the Spokane Stars in the Warehouse Tournament, July 16-18. She is currently traveling with her AAU team to Seattle, Phoenix and finally in Oregon City.