|
|
January 19, 2010
Spotlight Athlete: Lake Mary's Morgan Jones
Lake Mary
|
|
Spotlight Athlete: Lake Mary's Morgan Jones
While most kindergartners were learning their ABC's and numbers, Lake Mary forward Morgan Jones was doing that and schooling kids on the basketball court at the local YMCA. Since then, she says, she has always had a love for the game.
The Rams were off to a 19-1 start and an impressive victory over district rival Lake Howell in which she tore up the stat sheet with a double double, 21 points, 14 boards, to go along with six steals and four assists.
"Well we are very excited coming off that big win against Lake Howell! Beating them by 22 just gives us more confidence in winning a state championship. My personal goal is to win a state championship before I graduate and I think this year could really be the year," she said.
Since competing on the varsity level as a freshman, Jones realizes the importance of big time games. The Rams went 25-1 during the 2008 regular season only to fall in the regional semifinals. Last year, in her sophomore season, Lake Mary reached the 6A title game against Miami Norland only to come up a formidable basket short 27-25. She says that experience only made her tougher.
"Last year we got very lucky. We got a lot of last second shots to win big games and we only lost to Norland (Miami) by two. I felt great to be there but it was still my first experience down there. I've learned a lot from last year, being so young and looking back, I didn't realize how fortunate we were," Jones says with determination. But every year you mature as a person and as a player," she explained.
Jones has blossomed into one of the top players not just in Florida, but one of the best juniors in the country. It isn't uncommon for college coaches from all over to watch her on the hardwood at a volleyball practice, or to be in attendance for one of her games.
"Yeah, recruiting has been crazy actually. I can remember the first day of volleyball practice I had coaches at my school. I mean it really picked up this year and I wasn't expecting that at all," Jones said.
With college looming around the corner, Jones discusses her plans.
"I see myself playing a three (small forward), I'm not a post but I can expose mismatches with my height," which according to ESPN.com is 6'3''.
"I love to pass and feed the post. School wise, I am wide open. I'm looking for a great coach that knows basketball. I like to have fun so I want to go to a school where they know we are still students and young adults, not just basketball players. Also, family oriented and a great group of girls around me. I really don't have a list of top schools but I do like the BIG TEN. My sister plays in that conference too," the junior explained.
Her sister is former Ram Tailor Jones who graduated in 2008. She attended Florida but transferred to Northwestern in Chicago and "loves it".
Is there a reunion in store for Morgan and sister Tailor? Only time will tell. The younger Jones says she is interested in forensic science and plans to major in that area. After college, she hopes to play professionally, if not in the WNBA, then overseas.
Jones and the Rams next test will be the district tournament which begins February 1, 2010.
Rapid Fire Q&A
Last movie you saw and what you thought of it? "I can do bad all by myself (Tyler Perry) was the last movie I saw it was great. It gave you all emotions."
Favorite Food: "EVERYTHING."
If you could go anywhere in the world where would it be? "Greece or Alaska just to say I went."
Things Morgan says you might not know:
* I've modeled.
* I lived in downtown Chicago when I was in 8th grade and fell in love with the city.
* I'm mixed with black and white.
* My aunt is one of my teachers.
* I live in high rise condos on a lake.
Previous Spotlight Athletes
|
showing 1 to 6 of 23 blog(s). see all |
|
-------------
|
|
