Jones Looking To Make Impact for Lady Canes

GREENSBORO -- Jainaya Jones has tested herself against North Carolina's best in her relentless quest to be prepared for her freshman season as a member of the Louisburg College women's basketball squad.

Jones, a 5-foot-2 point guard, led her Pamlico County squad to the Class 1-A State Championship this past season with a strong 29-2 overall mark.

But Jones' career didn't stop there as she was a member of the East Team at Monday's annual East-West All-Star Girls Basketball Game at the Greensboro Coliseum.

Playing with an against the state's finest performers, Jones helped the East secure a tight 81-78 decision.

In 18 minutes of action, Jones delivered six points to go with two assists and one steal.

"It was a great experience for me,'' Jones said. "We had a lot of good players on our team, and we played really good team ball.''

Jones is now ready to make an immediate contribution to the Louisburg College women's hoops program after averaging 16.3 points, four rebounds, four steals and four assists while helping Pamlico to a state crown.

"I am so excited about coming to Louisburg,'' Jones said. "Originally, we went to a camp there, and I was able to meet (LC coach Shay Hayes). She talked to me (about playing for the Lady Hurricanes) and I am really looking forward to it.''

While Jones led her prep team in scoring, she considers herself more of a pass-first performer and a true point guard who isn't afraid to excite the crowd with a crossover dribble or behind-the-back pass.

"I like to pass and distribute the ball,'' Jones said. "I really don't shoot the ball that much. I like to look for post players and get the ball to them.  I like to look over the court and try to see everything.''

Jones will be joining a Lady Hurricanes club that will once again expect to contend for supremacy this coming season in the always-competitive Region X standings.