The state of North Carolina is blessed with an overabundance of talent. In the North Carolina 2018 class, 60 plus players signed with D1 schools and another 40 plus signed to play at the D2, D3, NAIA or Juco level. Quite impressive numbers! This year, the 2019 class is on the same course to have 100 plus players continue to play at the collegiate level. In our unsigned senior spotlight, we want to take a closer look at 6'1 George Jones of Pamlico High School in Bayboro, North Carolina who we strongly feel is a scholarship-worthy player.
George Jones is a two-sport star in basketball and football. On the football field, he played both linebacker and tailback, which exemplifies his overall athleticism and skills. On the basketball court, Jones is a tough minded lead guard. He is a player who has the size, athleticism and skill set to be a D1 player, but it is his toughness that really stands out above all else. He plays both ends of the court equally and he may even be better defensively than offensively, which is often not the case with the majority of players. He is without question one of the most unique unsigned seniors in the loaded 2019 North Carolina class. Jones is a winner on the basketball court as the gridiron. Last year, Jones led Pamlico to the NCHSAA 1A state basketball championship where they lost to perennial powerhouse Winston-Salem Prep. In football, Jones again led Pamlico to the NCHSAA 1A state football championship. Jones has provided quality leadership in both sports and more than anything is a tremendous young man.
In speaking with head coach Earl Sadler, he stated the following. “George Jones is a natural scorer who has a high basketball IQ that and has the ability to make others on the team better. Once he gets to college where he can concentrate solely on basketball, he will become even a more dynamic player. He has tremendous strength, athleticism, and an unbelievable work ethic that will translate well at the next level. Since the football team went to the state championship this year, Jones is just now beginning to get his basketball legs under him. He is averaging 14 PPG and is one of Pamlico’s best defenders averaging 3.3 SPG. He had his best game on January 25th against conference rival Northside Pinetown. He finished with 25 points going 8-9 from the field, 4-4 from the 3-point line and 5-has 7 from the free throw line. In addition, he also grabbed 11 rebounds. Finally, Jones is a high character young man. His teachers love him and college coaches are always complimenting him on his manners, demeanor and attitude after meeting him.”
We’ve had the opportunity to watch Jones numerous times either in travel ball or in a camp setting. One thing is crystal clear! George Jones has a tremendous work ethic, terrific attitude and always leads by example. No matter the setting, Jones is the one player that always stands out. He can score, defend, rebound and do all the little things that are needed to secure a win, not to mention he will give maximum effort and energy 100% of the time. George Jones is a player that doesn’t take plays off. He plays each and every possession like the game is riding on it. These are all qualities that translates well at the collegiate level and to put it simply, you can win with players like George Jones. While he has the athleticism most coaches would envy, it is his leadership and high character that are most impressive.
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