Young talent rises on the court for Lady Eagles

NCCU’s Morgan Jones has stepped into a huge role this season

This year’s N.C. Central University women’s basketball team is filled with young talent. The team has only three seniors; the rest are set to return next season.

However, one of those young players has already made her mark, in the eyes of her teammates and coaches.

Morgan Jones, a criminal justice sophomore, has led her teammates by example on and off the court.

Last season, Jones played in 30 games, averaging just four points and one rebound per game.

During the off-season, Jones showed off her work ethic and dedication, working closely with the women’s guard coach to ensure that she improved her skills on the court.

“My work ethic has changed,” said Jones, “because I am in the gym a lot more which allows me more time to get in there to shoot and work out with Coach Mintz.”

This season, Jones’ hard work paid off well, as the turnaround in numbers and production shows.

In 22 games — she started in all of them — Jones has averaged 9.5 points, 2.7 rebounds, 1.7 assists and one steal per game.
Jones says her confidence has shot upwards. “Last year, I was hesitant to shoot some shots but it was my first year, so I did not know as much,” she said.

“And now, I know what I need to do and recognize what kind of shot is available for me.”

Vanessa Taylor, women’s basketball head coach, has noticed the changes in Jones.

“My trust in her grows daily because you know what you’re going to get,” said Taylor.

All this adds up to Jones’ new leadership role.

“I was very quiet first, coming into the organization as a freshman, and didn’t say much,” said Jones.

“But now I’m a lot more vocal and I think we needed that as a team.”
But Jones isn’t just showing productivity on the court.
Jones holds a 3.8 cumulative grade point average and has been selected an academic all-stars by her teammates.

She also serves on NCCU’s Student-Athlete Advisory Committee.
Coach Taylor said she holds Jones in the highest regard, and praises her character.

“Since she has stepped on NCCU’s campus, she has been a leader by example,” said Taylor.

“She is very conscious about her work and she is a great representation of NCCU and the women’s basketball program.”
Jones and her teammates have high expectations for the remainder of the season.

“By the time the season ends, we expect to win it all,” said Jones.
“We still have a fighting chance in this season with six games left.”
“A lot of people may count us out, but we are still working together and planning on completing our goal.”

The Lady Eagles take on Bethune-Cookman University this Saturday as they make their late-season push heading into the Mid-Eastern Atlantic conference tournament.

This year’s N.C. Central University women’s basketball team is filled with young talent. The team has only three seniors; the rest are set to return next season.

However, one of those young players has already made her mark, in the eyes of her teammates and coaches.

Morgan Jones, a criminal justice sophomore, has led her teammates by example on and off the court.

Last season, Jones played in 30 games, averaging just four points and one rebound per game.

During the off-season, Jones showed off her work ethic and dedication, working closely with the women’s guard coach to ensure that she improved her skills on the court. “My work ethic has changed,” said Jones, “because I am in the gym a lot more which allows me more time to get in there to shoot and work out with Coach Mintz.”

This season, Jones’ hard work paid off well, as the turnaround in
numbers and production shows.

In 22 games — she started in all of them — Jones has averaged 9.5 points, 2.7 rebounds, 1.7 assists and one steal per game.

Jones says her confidence has shot upwards. “Last year, I was hesitant to shoot some shots but it was my first year, so I did not know as much,” she said.