Ulysses Lebron obviously didn’t pick his last name, but that doesn’t stop opponents from making remarks about it whenever the Northeast Lauderdale High School senior steps onto the basketball court.

“Everywhere I go,” Lebron said with a chuckle, recalling how often his name gets brought up in comparison to Cleveland Cavaliers superstar LeBron James. “The last time we played against Mendenhall, they came at me saying, ‘You ain’t no LeBron,’but I’m glad I have a name like that and can carry on with it.”

Fitting to his namesake, Lebron is one of the Trojans’ go-to players that have helped Northeast Lauderdale to a berth in the MHSAA Class 4A quarterfinals today in Jackson. When the Trojans need some baskets, they’ll often turn to Lebron or fellow senior Harvest Brunson, who have both elevated their game since January, head coach Lewis Lightsey said.

“Harvest has basically been a four-year starter for us and has gained a lot of experience,” Lightsey said. “He didn’t have a great start to the season, but as we’ve come close to the end of the year he’s really played well.

“Ulysses, his has been an up-and-down struggle. He hasn’t always been the top guy and hasn’t always been a starter, but since January on, he’s really been a good player for us. He rebounds the ball, scores baskets, shoots the 3 and can get trash baskets. I’m really proud of him.”

Lightsey cited Saturday’s 63-60 overtime win against Bay High School in the second round as an example of Brunson’s abilities. Brunson hit three free throws after being fouled on a 3-point shot and later hit a 3 to tie the game and send it into overtime.

“He’s started showing a little emotion,” Lightsey said. “Usually he’s cool and laid back and not an emotional guy. He’s showed a lot of leadership and emotion for us.”

It was a satisfying performance for Brunson, who has to shake off an early season rut in order to help his team down the stretch.

“I was in a slump, a really bad slump,” Brunson recalled. “I just started going to the gym and getting up shots, because the shots were eventually going to fall. I was hoping my time would come when district came around so I could produce for my team.”

Lebron didn’t mince words when describing how big Saturday’s win was for his team.

“That really gave us a lot of confidence,” Lebron said. “It gave us a lot of momentum.”

Now, Northeast Lauderdale has a chance to go even farther than last year — the Trojans fell to Shannon High School in the quarterfinals in 2016 — when it takes on Leake Central High School at 8:30 p.m. today.

“I’m happy we get another chance to do this,” Brunson said. “Last year we fell pretty short, so I’ve been looking forward to trying to get this W.”

For Lebron, having the chance to play in Jackson is a blessing, as he mostly watched from the bench in the game against Shannon.

“It’s very special for us and the seniors,” Lebron said. “When we made it, Id didn’t get a chance to play, and this year I just want to thank the coaches for giving me an opportunity to play.”

If they’re to move on, the Trojans will need big contributions from Brunson and Lebron. That’s not an unreasonable expectation, Lightsey said. Even though he isn’t comfortable comparing the tandem to some of the area’s best players, he does think they both have next-level potential.

“We play a lot of good talent and a lot of good teams,” Lightsey said. “I’ve had several JuCos our here to look at them a little bit, so hopefully they’ll get a chance to play basketball at the next level.”

Whatever happens in Jackson, Lebron said he’s grateful to have spent his four high-school years playing alongside Lebron.

“He’s very motivated,” Lebron said of his teammate. “He wants to see everyone else succeed like he does. He’s a great player as far as taking shots and making smart plays — making them happen and making them count. I love Harvest; he’s like a brother. We grew up together since fourth grade and played basketball together all my life, so I”m glad to have him on my team.”

Brunson said Lebron’s energy on the court is contagious, and he’s also happy to have Lebron as a teammate.

“The intensity,” Brunson said of Lebron’s best asset. “He doesn’t ever stop. He’s a great player.”