Emily Jones set for opportunity with UC
By Christopher Wade
Charleston Daily Mail
Sometimes in sports, an opportunity arises for a role player suddenly to become a star.
University of Charleston senior Emily Jones is getting that opportunity this season for the Golden Eagles.
The 5-foot-10 guard has been a sharp-shooting, 3-point specialist throughout her three years at UC, but is stepping into a much bigger role this season for the Golden Eagles.
Jones and UC open their season on the road at 1 p.m. Saturday against Indiana University of Pennsylvania in the California University (Pa.) tournament.
UC was picked to finish No. 3 in the West Virginia Conference pre-season coaches poll.
"Emily shot 46 percent from the 3-point line last season," said UC Coach Sherry Winn. "That's a phenomenal number. But she has developed her game so much.
"Her confidence is at a different level. She's not just a 3-point shooter. We expect more point production from her.
"She's going to handle it more, breaking the press and have more responsibilities all around."
Jones is looking forward to the opportunity to provide her youthful teammates with some senior leadership and an expanded role.
"I'm still a shooter, but I'm taking more of a leadership role this year," Jones said. "I bring experience to the team and am the only senior."
For the last few seasons, Jones has been waiting in the wings and learning from such players as Lisa Lee, the WVC Player of the Year and Division II All-American for UC two years ago.
Then last season, Jones started every game and was a key player on a UC team that featured first-team All-WVC selection Courtney Thomas and second-team all-league choice Rachel Pike.
"I've learned quite a bit from them," Jones said. "They were more vocal leaders, but I'm hoping to carry some of that over onto this year's team."
Both Thomas (14.7 points) and Pike (12.5) graduated and were the Golden Eagles' two top scorers last season.
Jones averaged 10.3 points and Winn will be looking for her to increase those numbers this year.
Winn also will be looking for more scoring and leadership from Jihann Williams. The 5-11 junior averaged 11.6 points last season and a team-best 8.5 rebounds.
"With Jihann, once she determines in her mind that she can do something, she does it," Winn said. "She's quick, has got hops and when you get her the ball in the block, she can make great moves."
Williams and Jones are the only returning starters for UC, but were part of championship teams in the past.
Jones made back-to-back NCAA Division II Elite Eight appearances with UC as a freshman and sophomore in 2004 and '05, while Williams made the trip as a freshman.
After a one-year hiatus last season, Jones hopes to end her career at UC just like she started it with a return visit to post-season play.
Charleston Daily Mail
Sometimes in sports, an opportunity arises for a role player suddenly to become a star.
University of Charleston senior Emily Jones is getting that opportunity this season for the Golden Eagles.
The 5-foot-10 guard has been a sharp-shooting, 3-point specialist throughout her three years at UC, but is stepping into a much bigger role this season for the Golden Eagles.
Jones and UC open their season on the road at 1 p.m. Saturday against Indiana University of Pennsylvania in the California University (Pa.) tournament.
UC was picked to finish No. 3 in the West Virginia Conference pre-season coaches poll.
"Emily shot 46 percent from the 3-point line last season," said UC Coach Sherry Winn. "That's a phenomenal number. But she has developed her game so much.
"Her confidence is at a different level. She's not just a 3-point shooter. We expect more point production from her.
"She's going to handle it more, breaking the press and have more responsibilities all around."
Jones is looking forward to the opportunity to provide her youthful teammates with some senior leadership and an expanded role.
"I'm still a shooter, but I'm taking more of a leadership role this year," Jones said. "I bring experience to the team and am the only senior."
For the last few seasons, Jones has been waiting in the wings and learning from such players as Lisa Lee, the WVC Player of the Year and Division II All-American for UC two years ago.
Then last season, Jones started every game and was a key player on a UC team that featured first-team All-WVC selection Courtney Thomas and second-team all-league choice Rachel Pike.
"I've learned quite a bit from them," Jones said. "They were more vocal leaders, but I'm hoping to carry some of that over onto this year's team."
Both Thomas (14.7 points) and Pike (12.5) graduated and were the Golden Eagles' two top scorers last season.
Jones averaged 10.3 points and Winn will be looking for her to increase those numbers this year.
Winn also will be looking for more scoring and leadership from Jihann Williams. The 5-11 junior averaged 11.6 points last season and a team-best 8.5 rebounds.
"With Jihann, once she determines in her mind that she can do something, she does it," Winn said. "She's quick, has got hops and when you get her the ball in the block, she can make great moves."
Williams and Jones are the only returning starters for UC, but were part of championship teams in the past.
Jones made back-to-back NCAA Division II Elite Eight appearances with UC as a freshman and sophomore in 2004 and '05, while Williams made the trip as a freshman.
After a one-year hiatus last season, Jones hopes to end her career at UC just like she started it with a return visit to post-season play.