By Michael Lindsay
White County High School senior Ava Jones made her college basketball plans official Monday morning as she signed with Trevecca Nazarene University in Nashville.
“It’s very exciting,” said Jones. “I think it’s a great school and I think about it every day. It’s going to be so fun to play at the next level. Their coaches were so good to me and. I think they’re really going to work with me and make me a better person and player. It’s not too far from home so my family and friends can come to my games.”
Jones is a senior forward the Warriorettes, who are currently 27-3 overall and ranked #1 in Class 3A according to TSWA. Jones has more than 1,000 career points, 600 rebounds and 260 blocks in four seasons with Sparta.
“It’s a great opportunity,” said White County head coach Michael Dodgen. “Ava has had a great career here so far and obviously we have more we want to take care of. This is a great day for her and her family.
“She’s a quiet leader,” added Dodgen. “She does a lot on and off the floor that the causal fan may not see. She does such a good job for our program and has done that since she got here. She had some really good players ahead of her in Nia Powers and Celeste Reed to learn from and make herself better. She’s been great for us, especially these last two years.”
Trevecca is an NCAA Division II program in the Gulf South Conference.
“I think it’s great for her,” said Dodgen. “Trevecca is close to home, which was big to her and her family. Coach Karen Booker does a good job and will utilize her the right way. Ava will have another teammate from the Upper Cumberland (Livingston’s Ellie Butler), so I think they’re doing a good job at building a roster.”
Jones’ signing ceremony comes the same day her team competes for the the District 7-3A tournament championship against Upperman at 7:30 p.m. at Cumberland County High School.
“I’m focused on tonight,” said Jones. “This is a nice cherry on top of the day to get this done. We invited a lot of people, and to see them all show up means a lot. They all helped me get here, so I’m so thankful for them and blessed.”
