Central Catholic basketball standout signs with Illinois |
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Saturday, 03 January 2009 01:00 |
TOLEDO—Brianna Jones, a 6-foot 1-inch post player and four-year letter winner for the Toledo Central Catholic Lady Irish basketball team, has signed a letter of intent to play for the University of Illinois.
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| Toledo Central Catholic High School (CCHS) senior Brianna Jones, fourth from left, signs to play basketball with the University of Illinois. With her at the signing are, from left, parents Darryl and Kenyetta Jones, assistant varsity coach Mary McGurk, head varsity coach Steve Pfahler and CCHS President Father Dennis Hartigan. (Photo courtesy of Toledo Central Catholic High School) |
Last season, Brianna was named First Team All-City, First Team All Northwest District, Special Mention All-Ohio and All Toledo Blade. The Lady Irish won the City Championship, district and regional titles, and played in the Ohio Final Four. The team finished 23-4.
Entering her senior year, Brianna has scored 800 points and has 625 career rebounds.
“Brianna is one of the most personable players I have had the pleasure to coach,” says Lady Irish coach Steve Pfahler. “She is very athletic and hard working. The University of Illinois is not only getting a player with tremendous skill, but a person with great character.”
Brianna says CCHS has helped her become mature and responsible.
“Balancing academics and sports has helped me grow up. My coaches here at CCHS have always pushed me hard and have always been available to help me,” she says. “I wouldn’t be where I am today without my parents, CCHS coaches and AAU coaches in my life.”
The University of Illinois is a member of the Big 10 conference. Jolette Law is the head coach, entering her second year. Last year the Illini were 20-15, recording the school’s first 20-win season since 1999-2000. The Lady Illini entered the Big 10 post-season tournament as a number nine seed and advanced to the conference finals, losing to Purdue on a buzzer beater. They were rewarded for their efforts with an invitation to play in the Women’s National Invitational Tournament, making four consecutive years Illinois has played in that post-season event.
Brianna Jones is the daughter of Darryl and Kenyetta Jones. She plans to major in forensic medicine/sports medicine.
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Last Updated on Tuesday, 03 March 2009 13:44 |
