CARLSBAD, Calif. – For some kids, school just comes easy and that is why sports have become so important in their lives.

This week's Scholar Athlete, James Ellenstein, is one of those kids.

“When I started playing basketball, that was something that really pushed me forward," Ellenstein said. "That’s never been the case for me in the classroom, so it’s a different type of environment and I really enjoy having to focus on something like that.”

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The Sage Creek High School senior has played on his school's varsity basketball team for the past three years. He did so while balancing a rigorous course load that included seven Advanced Placement classes and a 4.5 GPA.

He loves the game of basketball because it has challenged him to be better and to grow on the court and off of it. Even as a self-proclaimed introvert, he was voted this year's sole captain.

“I’ve been forced to step out of my shell and be a leader a lot more than I used to when I was younger. And that’s helped me in the classroom, out of school," Ellenstein said.

Ellenstein is the perfect example of the good the that comes from welcoming new challenges and consistently pushing himself to be his best.