GIRLS BASKETBALL

USJ’s Jones talks about MTSU decision

Michael Odom
michodom@jacksonsun.com

So far in the recruiting process, University School of Jackson rising senior Anna Jones has been quiet about her decision about where to play college basketball.

But on Friday, Jones made her decision known as she committed to a program that has recently been a perennial contender for the NCAA Tournament.

Jones will continue her college basketball career at Middle Tennessee State University.

AWT: Teams struggled to stop USJ's Jones

“I really liked everything about the school,” Jones said. “I like where it is in Murfreesboro, and the coaching staff made me feel comfortable.”

Jones felt like the coaching style of Rick Insell was a good fit for her with an opportunity to play at the highest NCAA level on a yearly basis.

“Insell is a well-known coach that has built a good program,” Jones said. “Every year I will get the opportunity to win a conference title and play in the NCAA tournament.”

Jones took an unofficial visit to MTSU at the beginning of the summer, and she has plans to take her official visit this fall. She said that MTSU started talking to her during the April showcases.

She held offers from UT Martin, Lipscomb, Union, East Tennessee and Liberty and was being recruited by teams all over the country.

“I was being recruited by schools in the OVC, Big West, Big South and little in the SEC,” Jones said.

Jones has been the leading scorer in West Tennessee for the past two seasons, and she has been a Division II-A Miss Basketball finalist both years.

“I am excited to have this over, and now I can enjoy my senior year without having to worry about the decision,” Jones said.

This past season, Jones helped lead the Lady Bruins to Division II-A sub-state round as she averaged 26.6 points, 9.8 rebounds, 2.5 assists, 4.4 steals and 1.1 blocks to be named the All-West Tennessee Girls Basketball Player of the Year.

She has scored over 1,200 points in her career.

Michael Odom, 425-9754